With its Zen-like décor and heavy, luxurious furniture, the Shangri-La’s den of pampering, Chi the Spa, is one of the lavishly decadent spas in Sydney. It immediately evokes the atmosphere of Asia. The serene, whisper-quiet hallways lead to a curtained area where you sip a detoxifying Chinese herbal tea and fill in a short questionnaire to decide which of the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth) best represent you. The therapists will then mix up oils and scents to suit. If you feel out of whack, balance your chi with an uplifting botanical oil massage – time it so you don’t have to shower so the oils can work their magic well after the massage ends. Spa suites are equipped with large bathtubs, heavy hardwood furniture, soft bathrobes, slippers and Chi’s own CD of spa sounds piping from the speakers – the only thing really lacking is a private wet area with saunas and steam rooms, but the hotel gym and pool is on the same level. The hotel also offers Chi Pamper Packages that include treatments, accommodation and breakfast.