The St. Regis is a 5-star international hotel that's just a 10-minute walk away. It's a beautiful place, but most importantly, it's home to Our Pool. We go there at least three times a week, sometimes more. We thought you might enjoy a little introduction to it.

The hotel's web site does a good job describing the property, but it doesn't quite capture the fun:

We all get a kick out of the doorman's top hat and tails -- required costume even when it's sweltering outside! They never seem to know what to make of us, especially when we pull up in two pedi-cabs, which are of course wlidly out of place next to the normal BMWs that glide up the front door. Now they all know us, and even though we don't always look like we belong, we rate a smile! Once through the revolving doors we enter a different world, and start feeling a bit like Eloise as we traipse through the lobby and down the marble-clad hallways...

We finally make it to the Front Desk of "The Spa at the St. Regis."

It's absurdly expensive to get a haircut or a massage, but it's world-class quality. We joined as members, which means that we pay about US$250 per month for unlimited use of the pool, gorgeous health club, and decadent locker rooms (steam bath, sauna, jacuzzi, etc). It's by far the most expensive health club in Beijing, but it's also the closest to home.

It's a splurge, but so far it's been worth every penny, because of The Pool!

(and no, this isn't a publicity shot. That's Sharon (lounging mermaid-like) in the foreground...)