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Western-style luxurious Spa boutiques are beginning to make their presence felt in the land of Tui-Na, Acupressure and Foot Massages. You can usually find one or two of such spa boutiques in the main shopping mall or shopping street of any mid-size and above city in China.

1969 Spa boutique is supposedly a branch of a similar spa boutique chain from USA. Their main spa boutique in China is located at Xiamen, China and they occupy their own 3-storey building. This is an upmarket spa boutique and it is not unusual to see Tai-Tais (rich local housewives), executive-type, model-type and expatriates walking in and out of this spa boutique. Some of the receptionists even speak good English; a rare exception in China…

The lowest level of the spa is a reception area decked out in luxurious furnishing. The second level is a treatment area for ladies and the third level, a treatment area for men. This is rare in China as most spas are gender-segregated as they chase after their respective market audience. High-end western-style spa boutique such as this one tend to cater to the ladies market only in China and it is a pleasant surprise that both men and women can actually enjoy beauty and massage treatment in the same spa.

This spa offers beauty treatment, detox and rejuvenation treatments and massages. It is interesting that beauty and detox treatments are handled by local Chinese therapists but the massages are provided by Filipino masseurs. This is both a testimonial to the massage skills of the Filipinos as well as frank admittance by the spa management that the local Chinese has not reach the necessary skills and expertise to provide Western-style massages such as Swedish massage, Aromatherapy and Deep-tissue massage.

In addition to about 12 treatment rooms per level, there are jacuzzi, hydro-bath and a relaxation corner in each level. There are ushers in each level and they will guide you around, provide tea and generally tend to your well-being at all times.

I did not have time for anything but a 2-hr massage by the Filipino female masseur. The Filipino masseurs are glad to have English-speaking customers and they would love to chat. Most of them are in China for a 2-year contract and they could fit in well in China because Chinese food is not a problem. Majority of them would have picked up a smattering of Chinese by the end of their two year contract.

The Filipino masseurs provide a massage which essentially combines Swedish, aromatherapy and Thai massage techniques. If you love massage, this would be an ideal combination and with the naturally soft and wonderful skills of the Filipinos, you have reached massage nirvana in China!

Location of Spa: HouJiang Dai Rd, Xiamen, China
Size of Spa: About 25 treatment rooms over 2 levels
Friendliness: Friendly
Facilities: Individual treatment rooms, showers, jacuzzi, hydrobath
Pricing: RMB198 for two hours massage (Promo prices); RMB398 for rejuvenation package