This month’s Spa of the Month:

The Lalu Spa

Yuchr Shiang Nantou, Taiwan

Do you really know what spas are like on the other side of the world? Some of you may, most perhaps not. Upon entering a spa in Taiwan, you’d definitely notice the similarities, but most striking would be the many differences. And at The Lalu Spa in Taiwan, there are many points of difference to marvel at, be intrigued with and even dream about. But before we discuss The Lalu Spa, let’s set the stage and take a mental journey to the Far East …

The streets of Taiwan

It is 5:00 a.m., and Taipei is waking up. Actually, hundreds of Chinese are already wide-awake, enjoying their morning calisthenics in Sun Yat Sen Park. Tai chi, kung fu or simple rhythmic dancing is practiced in small groups. A “master” or group leader directs everyone’s activities. Here, a tai chi group practices extreme concentration: absolute immobility for half an hour.

For the visitor who arrives in this country as yet little frequented by the international tourist trade (although a highly popular destination for the Japanese), the modernity of the airport and the infrastructure hides the conservatism of Chinese society, but just barely. However, as soon as the visitor leaves the comfort of his or her hotel to wander through the streets of the capital or explore the country’s 36,000 square kilometers, it is tradition that strikes him or her, more than in mainland China, where communism has been superimposed on traditional society for decades.

In the capital, massage is the most common activity around—there are as many massage parlors as France has hairdressers and everyone visits them almost daily, in the same way they go to the park to do their calisthenics. There are many variations, some involving the entire body, others only the feet or the head. A full massage, with stretching, can take two or three hours and is typically performed by two or three masseurs working simultaneously. The massage is vigorous—the Chinese custom—and sometimes even painful, yet astonishingly effective.

Where water and sand meet

Once off the streets and inside a luxury hotel and spa, like The Lalu Hotel and its spa, all you have to do is take one look at the vistas to feel the Zen-like relaxation creeping in. The Lalu Spa is located inside The Lalu Hotel, which sits on the banks of the Sun Moon Lake, in the Shuishalian area. In ancient times, the area surrounding Sun Moon Lake was known as “Shuishalian,” meaning “where water and sand meet.” The hotel has some interesting history. In the past, Chinese military and political leader Chiang Kai Shek, used the building as his country residence. The Shining Group, the company that bought the property in 1997, spent more than five years to complete the reconstruction of The Lalu. Its new style and features were unveiled to the public in early 2002. The Lalu’s architectural design centers on the themes of utmost simplification of Zen style and is constructed with four major building materials: wood, stone, glass and iron.

The Eastern influence

Within the walls of The Lalu Spa, guests experience massages that “flow like a dance.” The rhythmic “stretch rubbing technique” delivers a unique body massage. The Lalu Spa emphasizes a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience for all five senses, rich in flavors and variety. The spa features four dual-purpose wet/dry double suites, four single suites and four dry single massage suites. In the dual-purpose wet/dry massage suites, guests can enjoy amazing lake views with a fireplace, an elegant double-sized bathtub, a stereo and a massage bed—a truly romantic world for couples to enjoy privately.

When guests enter the spa area, friendly attendants guide them to the reception area. They are then asked to choose their spa treatment and one of four essential oils: Harmony, Passion, Purity or Balance. The Tiger Wind treatment, a signature treatment, soothes the emotions, re-energizes the mind and body, and is most popular among men. The Joyful Expression treatment, another signature treatment, offers an herbal steam bath, followed by a soothing massage with fragrant essential oils, and is most popular among women.

The feel

It is in this place outside time, surrounded by mountains that look like something out of a traditional Chinese painting, that guests discover Sun Moon Lake—an enchanting place.
Outside, there’s an infinity pool that reflects the lake’s surroundings. At 60 meters long and eight meters wide, this swimming pool is one of the most popular features of The Lalu. The water connects to the sky, and the sky to the water. Guest who take a dip in this, the longest warm-water swimming pool in Taiwan, experience the feeling of swimming from the pool to the lake.

Every room has a splendid view, and the relaxation begins even before crossing the threshold of the spa. The lake waters have a calming effect, say the Chinese. The spa treatments put the finishing touch on the “miracle.” First-rate therapists administer the treatments in highly refined and silent surroundings. The spa menu selection is as follows:

Relaxing baths

First, guests are offered revitalizing baths:
• Ginger bath to warm the body and relieve pain (five hours)
• Green tea bath (five hours)
• Milk and enzyme bath (five hours)
• Rose petal bath for a “guaranteed romantic effect”
• Herbal steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage

During the baths, a selection of teas and calming or tonic infusions are served.

Massage

Next comes the massage, which lasts from one to two hours and is often performed by two therapists (four hands):
• The Lalu massage: a revitalizing aromatherapy massage (after a long trip, for example)
• The Jade massage: anti-stress
• Massage with hot volcanic stones
• Traditional massage with pressure on acupuncture points to unblock the body
• Chinese plantar reflexology massage to work on specific blockages.

Beauty care

After the massage, it’s time for beauty care with a sea salt mask (or, more originally, a volcanic powder mask), which stimulates circulation and purifies the skin, for both the face and the whole body. Also available are ginger, green tea and even rice wine masks.

The spa offers combinations of these baths, massages, and treatments to satisfy each guest’s individual wishes.

The amenities

The Lalu’s sauna is different from most saunas you may have visited before, as it features amazing views of the lake and mountains. Relaxing in the sauna, guests feel as though they’re part of the scenery. The steam room was designed with intimate care. It features a variety of specially placed plants whose flowers produce wonderful fragrances for guests to enjoy as they relax in the steam bath. In the dry sauna room, guests can meditate peacefully, watch television through a window, or enjoy enchanting views of the lake and mountains.
Walks along the scenic stairs outside and visits to the lakeside are favorite things for guests to do as they can look back and admire The Lalu’s magnificent architecture and enjoy the sparkling lake and grand mountains. In addition, the Chiang Gong Trail (also known as The Lalu Trail), which was made especially for Chiang Kai Shek to stroll, offers Zen “oneness” with nature. On the path, shaded by thick foliage, birds sing from branches, butterflies flutter among blooming flowers and light flickers on the rippling water. Fishing is also a rare treat some guest may take up while visiting The Lalu. A reserved area on the lake allows guests to get away from the city hubbub and fully experience the pleasure of fishing alone in nature. The Lalu offers guests a place of tranquility between worlds … specifically where water and sand meet.

For more information on the The Lalu, 142 Jungshing Road, Yuchr Shiang Nantou, Taiwan, call 049-2855313; e-mail lalu@ghmhotels.com; or visit www.ghmhotels.com.

Parts of this article were reprinted from the March 2006 Les Nouvelles Esthétiques Spa, French Edition, “The Lalu Spa in Taiwan – The Age-Old Art of Chinese massage,” by Nicolas Martin.