Spa and resort operator Banyan Tree will open a spa in Shanghai in February 2003 - its first one in China.

The Banyan Tree spa Shanghai, which is backed by an investment plan of US$3 million, will be located in the Westin Hotel at Bund Center.

Designed by Architrave Design & Planning Pte, the 1,000 square metre facility will include 13 luxury spa chambers and will reflect the ancient Chinese five element philosophy. The Chinese believe that five elements determine our well-being: water, fire, metal, wood and earth. The spa will feature a fire room, an earth room, a water room complete with waterfall feature and two opulent deluxe suites called Yin and Yang.

The spa menu will include traditional Chinese herbal remedies, created using over 70 natural herbs and ingredients.

Jeannie Sng, Director of spa services for Banyan Tree says

' The therapies at the Banyan Tree Spa Shanghai will set forthcoming trends in the international spa industry.'

The spa will employ Chinese nationals as spa therapists, each of whom will undergo specialist training at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy. Jeannie Sng says

'Our guests will be able to experience Oriental treatments performed by spa therapists who have innate knowledge on the ancient Chinese tradition of healing.' The Banyan Tree Spa Academy was started in May 2001 to train therapists, monitor international spa trends and research and develop new treatment recipes, massage techniques and spa products.

The Banyan Tree plans to open two new spas in Morocco and Dubai after 2004.