Follow Your Nose: Sawaha Spa Swears By Fragrant Hydrotherapy

Japanese only by name and origin, this spa's specialty lies more in TCM and Western massage. Here, you’re encouraged to follow your nose, for Sawaha – aptly named after the “flower of awakening” – swears by fragrant hydrotherapy. Bitter herbal fumes choke the first and second floors, and floral notes sweeten the third. Traditional tearooms serving complimentary snacks and brew open up to the nest of private rooms, where treatments range from aromatic ocean baths (RMB 320/30min) to hot compresses (RMB 158/30min).

I tried the special nourishing treatment (RMB 238/70min), despite my usual aversion to cupping and moxibustion. The verdict? I hadn’t had a proper night’s rest in over a week, and that night, I slept soundly for over 12 hours. I’m already aching for round two.

Also try: Herborist Spa, The Meridian

Sawaha 菩提华
Daily 11am-12.30am. Kangbao Garden, 8 Gongti Donglu (across the street from the East Gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District (5283 5318/19)
朝阳区工人体育场东路8号康堡花园（工人体育场东门对面）