Amid the hum of downtown Chicago and the river threading through its skyscrapers, The Langham, Chicago offers a rare oasis. On the hotel’s fourth floor, Chuan Spa feels worlds away from the city’s buzz—its serene, elemental ethos rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the ancient Chinese concept of chuan, or flowing water, seen as the source of life, rebirth, and balance.
TCM principles, including Wu Xing’s five elemental forces—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—inform both the spa’s design and therapeutic offerings. These elements, along with your body’s energy flow and the interplay of hot and cold, guide the spa’s signature treatments toward deeper healing and restoration.
When you arrive, your esthetician leads you through the tranquil lounge, where water walls flow gently, and neutral ceramics offer visual calm. You pass through the ethereal Moon Gate, a soft architectural threshold that signals your shift inward. Inside one of the 12 treatment rooms—each dimly lit to evoke a dreamy, sleep-inducing calm—you’re transported by custom facials, massages, or full-body rituals that lull you into a near state of transcendence.
Once your treatment (regrettably) ends, you slip back into a robe and slippers and head to the serene relaxation lounge. Here, herbal teas are organized by elemental category (the “wood” blend features chamomile, linked to spring months), and standout snacks like coconut chocolate macaroons—a wholesome riff on Samoa Girl Scout cookies—are addictive. (Warning: don’t be surprised if you polish off five in one go.)
Before or after your treatment, there’s more to enjoy. The locker room’s design furthers the spa’s theme of harmony and duality. In the women’s space, bright white marble evokes clarity and light; the men’s side features dark, grounding stone. “It’s a yin-yang aesthetic,” explains therapist Mersiah, referencing the spa’s balance of opposites.
Inside each respective chamber, guests can unwind in a eucalyptus-infused steam room that opens pores and eases tension, or step into the herbal sauna, where rosemary, mint, and sage-scented air clears the sinuses and promotes respiratory relief. A visit to the salt therapy room surrounds you in mineral-rich air that supports oxygen flow and encourages deep relaxation. To complete the circuit, a brisk cold shower invigorates the senses, boosts circulation, and helps fortify the immune system.
Residents—and hotel guests alike—would be wise to spend an entire day at Chuan Spa, especially during Chicago’s frigid winter months. According to Mersiah, many already do. A typical itinerary might begin with a morning workout in the state-of-the-art fitness facility, followed by a treatment like the Chuan Balancing Massage to release deep muscle tension. Then comes a rejuvenating dip in the 67-foot heated indoor pool and the hydro-vitality Jacuzzi, both offering peaceful views of the city. Guests can linger in the warmth of the lounge chairs and enjoy a wellness-forward lunch, thanks to culinary offerings from Travelle Lounge.
Afterward, a rinse in the individual locker room showers—stocked with luxurious Diptyque toiletries—feels like the cherry on top. Each locker has a personal grooming kit, including a hairbrush, razor, shaving cream, and other essentials. Women will especially appreciate the Dyson hair dryers and illuminated vanity mirrors, perfect for touching up before returning to the real world.
In a city known for its fast pace and sharp angles, Chuan Spa offers a rare counterpoint: soft, flowing, and rooted in centuries-old wisdom.
Top Takeaways
Location: River North, Downtown Chicago
Atmosphere: A luxurious oasis that blends modern sophistication with classic elegance, transporting you from the downtown hustle to a serene escape.
Price Point: Premium pricing reflects its high-end services. Signature treatments start at around $200, with indulgent experiences like the Chuan Serenity Shen priced at $710 for 3 hours.
Amenities: 12 treatment rooms, a couple’s suite and VIP suite, locker facilities with showers, sauna, herbal steam and whirlpool, and a fitness center.
Our Favorite Thing About the Spa: It’s hard to pinpoint one thing
Recommended Treatments: For a next-level reset, try the OTO Balance CBD Massage—a blissed-out blend of CBD oil and rose quartz that melts away tension. Skincare lovers will swoon over the Qi Beauty Micro Magnet Facial, where gold-plated micro-magnets boost collagen and hydration for Botox-like results (no needles required). And if full-body detox is your vibe, the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage—with warm, mineral-rich stones lining your spine—is a grounding must.
What is the least expensive treatment? Massage and facial add-ons start at $55 per treatment, while individual “Chuan Signature Hand & Foot Therapies” are priced at $205 for one-hour sessions—making them the most affordable standalone options. For a full therapy experience, the Chuan Custom Massage offers the best value at $240 for 50 minutes.
What is the most expensive treatment? The Chuan Serenity Shen (3 hours for $710) includes a signature Stone Therapy Massage, a revitalizing facial with aromatic oils, and a refreshing foot treatment—nourishing the skin, soothing the soul, and calming the mind.
Anything Else? The spa is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Be sure to check out their fitness schedule and treatment menu on the site—and don’t skip the coconut chocolate macaroons.
