Chi Spa, Shangri-la hotel, Sydney

This award-winning spa recently launched Oud Renewal Therapy with Sodashi, a treatment that is exclusive to Chi. Oud oil is rare and sacred, and apart from improving your sense of wellbeing and easing muscle tension, is meant to release negativity.

I did have a fair dose of negativity to unload, so was keen to give it a try. The treatment rooms are cleverly designed to include a change room, shower and toilet, meaning no uncomfortable quick changes in front of other people. They even provide a hair tie – a simple thing, but very helpful. I settle in for the 90-minute treatment, with therapist Sawako expertly working her magic from start to finish. The treatment starts with a delightful massage using the warmed oil, and I battle to stay awake. I then roll over for the facial, with Sawako cleansing, compressing and exfoliating my face before a divine massage of facial pressure points, other nurturing lotions and potions and a face mask. The 90 minutes went by in a flash, but as I floated in a blissful state for the rest of the day, my face was glowing with health. shangri-la.com/sydney