For people who burn the candle at both ends, what could be better than a spa treatment where two skilled professionals work on your head and fee t at the same time? That's the idea behind the Recharge treatment at the JW Marriott's brand new Quan Spa, one of the most popular (and, at ¥730, the least expensive) of their five featured "Escape" packages, customizable to both male and female clients. While one masseuse kneads the tension out of your feet and lower legs for a solid hour, another gives you a four-course facial, finishing up with a 30 minute back and neck aroma massage.

Each Quan Spa treatment is personalized to the customer via a detailed questionnaire. Due to our sensitive skin, they decided on an Ocean Facial designed to energize and replenish. Each course in the facial features unique, marine-derived products created by Thalgo (France), and distinctive aromas (we noted cucumber and tangerine) which gradually tease and awaken the senses, finshing up with a hydrating mask and protective cream—armor against the Beijing winter.

The Quan Spa is unique to Marriott Asia. It's boutique, scaled with nine private suites accentuated with plenty of dark wood and soft lighting serve to recreate the most beautiful dawn you've ever witnessed, in combinaton with distinctly Asian objets d'art, designed to relax and visually inspire the mind. In addition, the spacious suites feature unique four-sided drench showers.

Going in, we felt like a tube of toothpaste which had been pressed in all the wrong places. Coming out, we felt whole again. Ready for a new year.

Location: 83 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang

Email: quanspabeijing@marriohotels.com.

Tel: 5908-8906

(City Weekend by Lee Mack January 23, 2008)