Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has announced its foray into the growing spa market with the launch of its new brand, Chi.
The first Chi spa opened at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok in July 2004. There are plans for 10 Chi spas to be introduced in various hotel locations over the next few years, at properties in Cebu, Fiji, Maldives, Muscat (Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa), Shanghai, Sanya, Chiang Mai and Beijing.
Designed to create a sanctuary of tranquility inspired by the legend of ‘Shangri-La,’ Chi offers a range of specialised body, water, massage and facial therapies based on the ancient healing traditions, philosophies and rituals of China and the Himalayas.
“The essence of ‘chi’ symbolises Shangri-La’s definition of a complete wellbeing concept within an Asian context,” said Ian Brewis, director of spa development. In traditional Chinese philosophy, “chi” represents the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. To maintain good health, it is believed that “chi” must flow freely within the body, and if blocked, illness will follow.
The concept was developed in collaboration with a team of recognised specialists. Spa treatments and an exclusive product range have been designed around the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements, in which metal, water, wood, fire and earth are in balance with the positive Yang and negative Yin energy within the body.