Step into the softly lit room as muslin curtains create intimate nooks for relaxation, natural woods, creams and gold’s prepare you for Sydney’s newest ultimate spa escape. Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La is moving into a new world of ‘spiritual healing’ as it unveils its new look and partnership with one of the world’s most highly acclaimed natural spa range, Sodashi.
Sodashi, meaning in Sanksrit ‘wholeness, purity and radiance’ was founded in WA by Megan Larsen and uses ethically-sourced essential oils and plant actives to nurture the skin and heal holistically.
There’s no awkward communal changing; each suite has its own dressing room and aroma showers. Wrap yourself in a soft latte coloured robe and simply ring the copper hand bell when you are settled. Lying face down, three deep breaths start your Aroma Journey massage as sweeping movements increase lymphatic circulation. If you’re a lover of facials, try the Wattleseed reawakening treatment, or the premium Samadara Ultimate Age Defying treatment using techniques rooted in Ayurvedic with Rose Quartz and healing traditions.
When you are feeling this relaxed it’s a shame not to extend the experience with a stay in the hotel’s new club rooms. You’ll be whisked to the 30th Floor and welcomed at the executive lounge with a glass of your choosing. Check-in is an altogether more luxurious experience if you chose to indulge in evening canapés of kataifi wrapped prawns, scallop wontons and chicken parfait toasts. It’s the perfect place to unwind and with a level of care and attention rarely found in Australia.
The Club Horizon rooms have that special Shangri-la touch – one that seduces guests across the world. Luxurious fabrics, decadent bathrooms and surprise basket containing a beautiful Chinese tea set opens to reveal freshly made fragrant tea. Expect calming gold’s, creams and blue hues along with a King-size bed and views of Sydney Harbour encompassing the Bridge and Opera House. The window seats just need a good book and a glass of Penfolds Shiraz/Cab. As night descends ferries become water bound glow flies.
Whilst its signature restaurant Altitude on the 36th floor continues to receive acclaim (most recently their dessert chef Anna Polyviou was on Masterchef), the unknown treasure is the recently opened Shayan Quarter. Head Chef Bo Sorensen knocks it out of the Momofuku steam bun pall park with his clever Asian-inspired dishes.
The signature dish is ‘Boagers’ – a steamed then fried bun filled with sticky chilli caramel pork belly, fresh coriander, house made sriracha mayonnaise and pickled radish from a sustainable farm in the Blue Mountains. If you are lucky, a quail version could be on offer. The fun continues; beef cheek and oxtail lollipops, Goat Lady arancini ball and Shake n Plate a hot, sweet, sour, and green papaya salad that comes unmixed, served in a street-styled plastic bag which wouldn’t look out of place on the Khao San Road.
So whether you choose to relax in their award winning spa, treat yourself to a staycation or dine at one of the hottest new spots in town. Its proof that good things do come in threes and you don’t need to leave Sydney for it.
CHI, The Spa
Shangri-La Sydney
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Official website
