The concrete jungle of Beijing can take quite a toll on a gal’s sense of beauty and well being, what with all the smog, traffic, and why-did-I-wear-heels cobblestones. Sore feet, strained calves, clogged pores, and a general sense of fatigue are potential side effects of navigating the ancient-meets-modern capital of the Middle Kingdom. Luckily, just two hours away from the city center is a restorative antidote at the Anantara Spa cozied up against the Great Wall.
The three-story spa is set in the architecturally renowned luxury hotel Commune by the Great Wall, and the stunning facilities take a design note from the hotel’s avant-garde exhibition villas. Across the single and double treatment suites, contemporary glass-and-steel whitewashed design is softened with rustic touches like cool azure tiles and deep bamboo soaking tubs. (This is a bright and modern spa–if traditional, warm-colored, cozy spas are more your style, this is not for you.)
While it looks great on the inside, the views outside are what make the Anantara Spa distinct. The gorgeous vistas of the mighty Great Wall are at once breathtaking and calming. Be sure to ask for a treatment room with a view when booking. As you take advantage of the cutting-edge facilities, you can stroll through the surrounding gardens in the fresh air and take in the harmonious scene of landscape meets architecture. You’ll see the expanse of the Great Wall as it collides with nature (trees have fought their way through the Great Wall’s ancient paving stones, a case of jungle conquers concrete!).
The spa excels in treating not only sore eyes but also weary bodies. Treatment offerings focus heavily on Asian massage and aromatherapy, though the expert staff is well-versed in techniques from around the globe. Stop and smell the roses with their signature “Anantara Indulgence” aromatherapy massage, a botanical indulgence of a floral footbath, rose body polish, and an aromatic honey and milk bath, Ayurvedic steam, rejuvenating facial, manicure or pedicure and spa cuisine. You can also partake of the facials, steam and bath rituals, and hair and beauty services.
I really wouldn’t change a thing about the spa, except that the remote mountain location is a bit too much of a trek for just one treatment. It makes more sense to combine a visit with a stay at the hotel. Check out their menu of weekend retreat packages, which usually include luxury accommodation, hikes on the Great Wall, and yoga overlooking the mountains. If you’ve got children in tow, there’s a kids’ club for them to hang out in while you get pampered.
No matter how brief or extended your visit to Anantara Spa, you’re sure to feel relaxed and renewed long after your treatment is over. After all, in a spa where you can glimpse the Great Wall at nature’s mercy, you get to say bye-bye concrete, hello jungle.
