Spa Profile: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin

Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is situated on the bank of the Li River in Guilin, China.

Located on the bank of the Li River in Guilin, China, Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, breathtaking hills and mountains, and unique rock formations. In Chinese, Guilin means “forest of sweet osmanthus,” which are the fragrant trees that line the city’s streets.

The hotel has 439 guest rooms and suites that all provide views of the Li River or the hotel gardens. The property includes a mini amusement park, mini zoo and botanical gardens, and offers a variety of family recreational facilities and activities.

On the second floor is the hotel’s Health Club, which includes a body fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and sauna/Jacuzzi/steam room; as well as CHI, The Spa—a serene space where both Western and Eastern aromatherapy, as well as beauty and spa services are available to rejuvenate the body and mind. The comprehensive treatment menu offers a selection of luxury European facials and restorative Asian massages to complement Shangri-La’s legendary hospitality.

We chatted with the spa’s director, who shared details about the spa’s amenities, treatment recommendations, special spa bonuses, and more.

The hotel is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens and unique rock formations.

Why You’ll Love It: Our guests love our varied massages. From the Relaxing Aroma Massage to the Deep Tissue Therapy, our specialists can create bespoke experiences to ensure maximum relaxation and comfort.

Key Features: Health Club with state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, luxurious spa suites, European and Asian treatments, half-day spa journeys.

The outdoor swimming pool is open from July through October.

Snacks Served: We serve a delicious flower tea and a soothing ginger tea. Some spa journeys offer hotel-made cookies and juice.

Insider’s Tip: For a truly relaxing experience, I suggest booking one of the Half-Day Spa Journeys. The journeys address guests’ unique tensions and issues, leaving them fully relaxed and rejuvenated. Guests can also add a Relaxing Soak, such as the Pampering Aroma Bath, to heighten the experience.

The Health Club offers guests a comprehensive workout with a full range of professional equipment.

Unique Treatment: The Rock Crystal Energizing Treatment incorporates Ectoin. During the treatment, the potent ingredient Ectoin optimizes skin’s moisture levels and protects against dryness, heat, and the damage that can be caused by sun radiation and environmental pollution. (60 min, RMB 680/$97 USD)

A luxurious couple’s treatment suite at CHI, The Spa.

Splurge Treatment: Yao Soak and the Family Spa Experience. The Yao Soak comes from the Guangxi Yao minority and is made from several Chinese herbs. The Yao people use Yao Soak to improve lymphatic drainage, draw out toxins, expel coldness and dampness, and bring overall relaxation. (60 min, RMB 680/ ($97 USD).

The Family Spa Experience is designed for one adult and one child. It includes a child’s bubble bath, child’s massage and adult’s massage. The Family Spa Experience is not only relaxing, but is also a bonding experience for the child and adult. (120 min, RMB 1,280/$189 USD).

The Health Club also has a indoor swimming pool that is open year-round.

Insider’s Favorite: My favorite treatment is the Oriental Wellness Therapy. The Oriental Wellness Therapy is the ultimate Asian massage combining Tuina, Shiatsu and meridian stretching techniques. Soft, flowing strokes calm and soothe the nervous system while warming the superficial tissue, and balancing and strengthening chi. Revitalizing strokes invigorate energy levels to promote the circulation of chi and blood. This creates harmony and balance in the body’s vital energies. (60 min, RMB 680 ($97 USD; 90 min, RMB 880 ($125 USD).