It takes on Tibetan philosophies combined with Australian bush ingredients, the CHI Spa in Sydney is everything but ordinary. Amy Huang was invited to indulge in a journey to balance her inner ‘chi’.
Why we love it: CHI The Spa at Shangri La hotel in Sydney was awarded the ‘Best Spa in Australasia and the South Pacific’ by the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Spa Awards in 2012, and we have to agree. First opened in 2010, CHI has set a new standard for Day Spas in Sydney. The treatments incorporate Australian ingredients such as lemon myrtle and eucalyptus oils while still maintaining the CHI standard quality that is set by Shangri-La.
Visiting CHI The Spa is a journey to inner happiness.
Treatments / practices on offer: You’ll find the CHI signature treatments CHI Balance and CHI Healing Stone on offer, as well as ‘Sense of Place’ treatments that are specifically designed to use locally sourced natural products. Visit for a simple massage or enjoy a soothing journey combining treatments with facials, scrubs and baths.
Must have treatment: The Australian Botanical Retreat is a two and a half hour spa journey using the best of Australian bush skin care ingredients. It begins with a lemon myrtle, eucalyptus body polish, followed by bush honey and macadamia bodies wrap, finishing with a relaxing essential oils massage that is suitable for your body.
For the tired and jet lagged travelers, the Traveller’s Retreat is the perfect treatment to relieve stiffness, aches and pains. It is a three hour ritual that combines a shower, body scrub, body wrap, massage and facial to refresh and awaken your spirit.
Ambiance and style: The design of the interior oozes a sense of calm, with dark wooden oriental style furnishings and dimmed lighting. Every treatment room is named after a place in Tibet, to further emphasis the spirituality of the place. Unlike a lot of the city centre based day spas, rooms are large and there is plenty of storage space for your belongings.
Each visitor is met personally by their therapist at entry, and is consulted on body type to ensure the treatments are individually tailored. It is all about balancing the ‘Chi’.
Where: The CHI Spa is located on level 2 of the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, on the corner of The Rocks and Circular Quay at the harbor.
Cost: CHI Balance massage cost AUD175; the Australian Botanical Retreat cost AUD330; the Traveller’s Retreat cost AUD480. All costs are based on weekday appointments. Discounts are offered for couple’s massages for bookings made between Monday and Thursdays.
Amenities and extras: Each treatment room has en-suites with a shower, which means guests have the option to clean up before or after their treatment. Cool hibiscus tea and lemon water are offered after treatment to ensure you are hydrated and refreshed.
Visitors can purchase the products used in the treatments at the Spa shop, these include oils, bath salts, moisturizers and other fantastic products.
Address and website
Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel
176 Cumberland Street,
The Rocks, Sydney
Australia
www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/health-leisure/chi-the-spa/
