A day of bliss and relaxation at one of the city's leading spas is an excellent way to pamper yourself and your loved one in this festive season.

Imagine indulging in the pleasure and goodness of both wine and chocolate without the worry of calories? Vino-chocotherapy at Apsara Spa may just be your answer.

This "delicious" body treatment combines the unique medicinal and beautifying properties of red wine and cocoa, both ancient feel-good food and health-enhancing tonics dating back to thousands of years.

The Vino-chocotherapy complete package starts with the 40-minute Cleansing Grape Seed and Walnut Body Polish which exfoliates and removes impurities.

Grape seeds contain natural polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants that counteract free radicals that are the main aging aggressors.

The next comes the 60-minute Luxurious Red Wine - Cocoa Body Wrap. You can relax in a nice, warm thermal cocoon while enjoying the application of a scalp massage.

Red wine extracts serve to strengthen blood vessels and enhance micro-circulation while cocoa contains vitamins that hydrate the skin and theobromine to help budge stubborn cellulite.

The body wrap also uplifts your spirit as it increases the production of endorphin, the same chemical that the brain produces when you fall in love.

The treatment completes with the one-hour signature Royal Apsara Massage Experience the complete package at the introductory price of 838 yuan (US$113.7) or select two courses at 588 yuan.

Apsara Spa has drawn crowds with its unique spa rituals, Cambodian hospitality and quality spa services.

The Christmas package at Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai features these very elements to crate a truly memorable occasion. Surrender to the arms of their therapists as they gently knead away every tension that is bothering you.
Revel in a deep massage while you indulge in the scents of aromatherapy and serene ambience at the spa.

Feel your senses reawakened with warm sesame oil under the miracles of massage.

The two-hour Adore Massage includes a choice of 90-minute body massage and 30-min relaxation time.

The package is available at the special price of 1,344 yuan till the end of January.

Lotos Spa once again gathers its guests into the warm embrace of its heartfelt hospitality.

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, the spa is offering two packages at special prices: Sea Essential Moisturizing Treatment and Chinese Herbal Massage (130 minute) at 798 yuan and Hot Stone Massage and Head Massage (150 minute) at 888 yuan.

Both treatment packages are designed to soothe the tension and soreness of the muscles.

Spa lovers can also choose to indulge in a romantic getaway at Spa InterContinental.

The 150-minute"Warm Winter Journey" package (880 yuan) includes soothing Foot Spa Ritual, choice of Ginger and Honey Body Wrap or Traditional Foot Reflexology, Hot Oil Aromatic Massage and revitalizing ginger tea.

CHI, The Spa's newly-launched 100-minute signature treatment "Jade Journey" (1,680 yuan) at Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai is another excellent option.

It incorporates the Chinese philosophy of releasing blockages in meridian points throughout the body to bring about harmony and balance with the energetic properties of jade stone.

The treatment begins with a special jade foot bath and tea bath ritual, followed by the massage incorporating traditional Chinese massage techniques using jade.

Guasha technique, oils and jade stone are all incorporated into the treatment.

After that, the "energy" jade stone will be made into a necklace to liven up your look as well as your health.

Spa offers definitely add a touch of romance to this festive season.

(Shanghai Daily December 18, 2007)