As the weather was really wet and dreary in Hong Kong on Sunday, I went to a spa in Shenzhen instead of doing the usual weekend hike. That was my first time stepping into Shenzhen in four years and it was my first time in one of those big spas that seem to be ubiquitous in Shenzhen.
These spas span several floors with an integrated wellness concept. You can get a body, head, back, hand and foot massage, manicure and pedicure, a haircut, facial, waxing etc all done at one place. But as popular as they are with many mainlanders, Hong Kongers and tourists alike, I’m not sure I really like these places. And why not you ask?
1. The place reeks of smoke from the throngs of cigarette-puffing mainlanders. Gawd, how I hate inhaling second-hand smoke.
2. In the huge rest area are hundreds of big reclining chairs where you can sit down and have your massages done. Press a button and you can order food and drinks and have them served to you. While you’re at it, you can also tell the service staff what type of massage you want and they’ll get the masseuse to come to you.
However, I don’t really like being around so many people when getting my massage. Worse still if you are sitting near some loud-talking or chain-smoking person. And for some reason, in China it seems that relaxing HAS to involve having a TV screen in blaring in front of you. So each chair comes with a 13-inch TV screen and remote control for you to keep your relaxed and entertained.
Frankly I can’t, for the life of me, find anything relaxing in that so I chose to have my TV switched off. But still that can’t totally shut off the glare and sounds of the neighbouring screens. Argh, so NOT relaxing.
3. If not for the fact that it was raining and dreary, you wouldn’t find me in a place like that during the day. Day time should be spent outdoors and not under dim, artificial light which screws up your body clock. My whole body just felt uncomfortable lounging around like a lazy Cheshire cat in the day. Don’t like the feeling.
4. I didn’t like seeing the many Lolita-like girls dressed in provocative mini skirts and a French maid-like purple and white uniform who were the masseuses for the hand and shoulder massages and the ones who did the ear wax cleaning. They were all in their early 20s, all with long-hair and very pretty girls. But did they really have to dress like a sex kitten? Obviously their dressing wasn’t for my visual pleasure, but still. I saw one girl seated in between the legs of a middle-aged man and massaging his crotch area. Eeeewwwww!!!!!
I had a foot reflexology session, pedicure, facial and shoulder massage done in the few hours I was there. The total cost was cheaper than what I would pay in Hong Kong or Singapore but I certainly wouldn’t be heading back any time soon, or if ever. Even though I adore having massages, Shenzhen spas really aren’t my cup of tea.