Q: How is SHUI unique from other spas in Shanghai?
A: SHUI is complete sanctuary for discerning and design-conscious spa goers
• SHUI is seriously dedicated to providing excellence in service and product
o Our caring and meticulously-trained therapists each have up to 10 years experience from some of the best spas around the world
o We exclusively use Dermalogica because their products are consistently rated the top choice of spa professionals worldwide, year after year, and we like their unique “Face Mapping” system. We are the first stand-alone spa in Shanghai to offer Dermalogica products exclusively.
• SHUI’s stunning contemporary design is a departure from the traditional, tropical-style theme of most spas in China and throughout Asia --- our look is quite unique and we believe it is more representative of a hip, fashion-forward city such as Shanghai
• At SHUI, we are devoted to providing the total experience, starting from the moment you enter the door to the moment you leave. So we pay painstaking attention to even the smallest of details --- including tasteful and plush amenities, functional design, exceedingly comfortable furniture, inviting lounges and terraces, soft lights and soothing, eclectic music --- in order to create a complete sanctuary for our guests.
• SHUI has something for everyone. We believe we have one of the most comprehensive menus among spas in Shanghai. In addition to massages, body treatments, facials, spa manicures and pedicures and waxing, we also have treatments specialized for pregnant women and gentlemen. Very few spas in Shanghai have all of these treatments under the same roof.
• Because we target frequent spa-goers, SHUI provides a world-class experience at a relatively accessible price. Our price points are meaningfully lower than those of hotel spas and other comparable five-star facilities in Shanghai. SHUI hopes to become the favored destination for local and expatriate “spa experts” who go to spas regularly and expect excellence and consistency, at prices that allow them to visit regularly.
Q: What’s the story behind the name “Shui?”
The word “spa” is believed to have come from the Latin “salut per aqua,” which means health or relaxation through water. So the name “SHUI” reflects the origins of the spas we have come to know today. Also, we deliberately chose a Chinese name because we want to reflect the fact that we are a brand born in China, to signify Shanghai’s entry into the world-class urban spa industry.
Q: Are you an oriental-style or western-style spa?
We aim to be a more contemporary, global spa. We merge the “best in class” from what we believe to be the best spas we have tried around the world --- we combine both Oriental and European techniques with some of the best products from the US and Asia.
Q: What are your average price points?
A: We did an extensive study of spa prices in Shanghai and we have set our prices to be meaningfully lower than those of hotel spas.
While hotel spas often start at RMB 600 per facial, our Dermalogica Essential Facials start at only RMB 450.
Our massages are also very competitive. The high-end spas in Shanghai charge an average of RMB 600 for a 60-minute aromatherapy massage. Ours is RMB 390, which is about the same as that of mid-level spas (although we offer far more in service, amenities and ambience than the mid-level spas). For a 90 minute aromatherapy massage, you would have to spend between RMB 700 to as much as RMB 1,200 at a five-star facility; at SHUI it will cost only RMB 590.
Q: Can you tell us more about the spa design?
A: The design theme is “white-on-white-on-shadows” combined with playful references to our name, “shui.” We chose white because it is clean, pure and calming, much as a spa should be. Emphasis on textures, shadows and mood lighting make the spa more inviting. There are also numerous references to our name “shui” in the design --- some very obvious, and others a bit more tongue-in-cheek --- but we want our guests to have fun discovering these for themselves!
Q: Why are there white rubber ducks everywhere in the spa?
A: The duck is one of many design elements that evoke our name. We also introduced the rubber ducks to the design because they’re fun and welcoming --- sometimes, design-conscious spas have a tendency to become too serious and intimidating. The ducks remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, and to have fun.
Q: Who are the owners of SHUI?
A: BJ Macatulad is a former investment banker from New York and Geraldine Acuna-Sunshine is a corporate lawyer in Boston. BJ handles day-to-day operations and overseas the marketing strategy, while Geraldine is in charge of product and service development. The two met as university students in Harvard.
Q: Why did you switch careers to the spa industry?
A: Both BJ and Geraldine have been spa devotees for many years and eventually decided to turn their passion into businesses focused on providing luxury services for harried professionals and those in search of greater balance in their lives. We got into the business ourselves in 2004 when we partnered with the well-known Mandala Spa Resort and Villas in Boracay Island, which has since won many awards such as Best Destination Spa by Baccarat Asia. Since then, we have opened two more day spas under the brand names “Mint” and “Lotus.” SHUI is our 4th spa venture.
