Founded by Zhiqin Zhang in 2012, Yuan Spa in Bellevue, Washington, delivers holistic experiences to its guests by fusing ancient Asian healing philosophies with modern spa technologies. Zhang was born in China and grew up surrounded by traditional Eastern medicine and wellness. When she moved to the US, she perfected the Chinese “tuina” method of massage therapy and founded Yuan Spa to bring this technique-and much more—to the Pacific Northwest.
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Need to Know
Founded by Zhiqin Zhang in 2012, Yuan Spa in Bellevue, Washington, delivers holistic experiences to its guests by fusing ancient Asian healing philosophies with modern spa technologies. Zhang was born in China and grew up surrounded by traditional Eastern medicine and wellness. When she moved to the US, she perfected the Chinese “tuina” method of massage therapy and founded Yuan Spa to bring this technique-and much more—to the Pacific Northwest.
The 8,000-square-foot space includes 13 treatment rooms and is equipped with hot and cold hydrotherapy pools, cryotherapy, a eucalyptus steam room, a chromotherapy dry sauna and a relaxation area with healthy snacks and teas.
Guest can enjoy a decadent menu of wellness offerings from around the world, with a variety of massage therapy, skin care and herbal body treatments available to them. The spa’s mission is to renew clients’ Qi, or energy, by providing sensory experiences that address the body and spirit. As such, services run the gamut from the Five Elements Diamond Qi Facial and Yuan Chinese Signature Massage to cupping therapy, a detoxifying botanical body wrap and the unique ASMR Tranquility Therapy.
Each journey starts with a traditional Chinese bathing experience, and guests can choose from a number of enhancements—including CBD, hot stones, warm bamboo, gua sha and cupping—that can be added to most services.
BUSINESS SAVVY
Spa director Tysan Dutta started as an esthetician, massage therapist and leadership team member when the spa first opened. She grew up learning about whole body wellness, so she and the spa’s staff of qualified, multinational therapists are uniquely positioned to address the needs of Yuan’s clientele.
“We are fortunate that almost all of our new business comes via referrals from happy guests,” says Dutta, adding that the ability to provide great customer service comes in large part from keeping employees feeling fulfilled. “Retaining the best possible staff is the key to providing the best guest experience, and we work hard to make sure that Yuan Spa is a place where our staff feel that they can continue to learn, develop and feel valued. We prioritize continuing education to ensure that all our providers are staying connected to the most current trends and techniques in skin care and massage.”
SIGNATURE SERVICES
“The most unique part of the Yuan Spa experience is that our guests are able to come and enjoy our hydrotherapy space prior to their services. The hot and cold time in the pools, steam and sauna allow the body and mind to relax, decompress and be fully present, so that they are truly ready to receive the optimal benefits from their services,” says Dutta. “We live in such a go-go-go, stressful world that taking that extra time to be ready makes the client-provider partnership all the more beneficial and improves their total wellness.”
Once guests have prepped with the traditional hydrotherapy experience, they often opt for one of the spa’s bespoke bodywork treatments: Yuan Chinese Signature Massage (60 min./$135; 90 min./$195) or Yuan Signature Chinese Body Scrub (50 min./$150).
The massage is the brainchild of Zhang herself, who combined five massage techniques for a bespoke, therapeutic treatment aimed at balancing and energizing the body. Therapists perform the aforementioned Chinese tuina technique along the body’s meridians, as well as acupressure, table Thai, tapotement and lomilomi massage.
The Chinese Body Scrub is designed to remove oils and dead skin cells while opening up the pores. Invigorating herbs are used with traditional East Asian scrub mitts to leave clients feeling physically refreshed and clean.
