Many hands make light work at Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat

August 31, 2010

BEIJING, CHINA – Sometimes it seems as if I don’t have enough hands to deal with the demands of navigating my way through a city like Beijing. Juggling camera, cab fare, map, umbrella, and cup of tea while traversing the cobblestones of the Forbidden City or maze-like hutongs is enough to make a girl wish for an extra set of palms to lighten the load.

Luckily, at Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat, I can find an antidote to a hectic day in the hazy, hot megalopolis…and all the extra hands I could hope for. Allow me to explain.

Dragonfly is a boutique spa tucked away on the ground floor of the Eastern Inn. Though it looks like nothing from the outside, inside the space is elegantly appointed with dark mahogany and teak furnishings, delicate Chinese sculptures, flowing silk curtains, and soothingly low lighting. You’re instantly transported away from the city’s nerve-jangling traffic and go-go-go crush of humanity.

Skilled professionals (the spa runs its own training program, the Dragonfly Academy) deliver a surprisingly large range of luxe treatments from around Asia. But their specialty, to my sincere delight, is the “Top to Toe” therapy, a hybrid of traditional Chinese techniques and Thai “four-hands” massage. Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. Two masseuses, four hands, all for you. One person gives you a foot massage while the other person takes care of your head, neck, and arms. Hands down, this is sheer indulgence–the perfect way to relax after a long day on the cobbles. It’s a treat that draws all types, from weary travelers to business execs to simply ladies of leisure.

Other specialty massages cater to specific needs. The Hangover Relief massage is ideal when you’ve played all night at Sanlitun. The Happy Landing massage offers a remedy for jet lag and feet swollen from sitting on the plane too long. Private and shared massage rooms are available, so you can come with a friend or significant other if you’d like (though some massage areas are “divided” by flimsy gauze curtains–we’d prefer more privacy). The large main massage room can be booked for private functions, making this a good spot to hold spa parties (what they dub “sparties”).

While massage is the big draw, this is a full-service spa offering everything from facials to tanning and waxing. The dedicated nail spa turns out some pretty stellar manis and pedis, not surprising given how well they treat hands and feet all around here. Their mission, as stated on their website, is “To relax the world.” As the spa goes global (they’ve got multiple locations around China and also in Dubai), it’s a worthwhile ambition. With all those hands on deck, they may just achieve it.

Read more about Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat in our Beijing Guide.

Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat
Eastern Inn
San Li Tun Nan Jie
Chaoyang, Beijing
(86) 010-6593-6066
Website

RL contributed to this post