If you love to unwind with a full body massage or facial spa in a luxurious spa or beauty salon, this one is for you. You can enjoy a couples spa, onsen bath, aromatherapy massages and various facials. Here are six spas in Singapore for you to try.
The Thai Spa in Singapore
“I’ve read great reviews about The Thai Spa, so I was excited to try the couple massage ($228, 75 minutes), which includes 60 minutes of full-body massage and a 15-minute jacuzzi.
Upon stepping in, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised by how spacious the couple therapy room was. There are two beds (with ample space in between), plus a decently sized jacuzzi in the same room, so the whole spa experience is seamless and comfortable. The Thai Spa’s masseuses are highly experienced in their craft, and it clearly shows during the massage. Deep, long strokes are used with medium pressure, along with traditional Thai massage techniques; I fell into a deep slumber within just 10 minutes!
I liked how my therapist was sensitive in picking out specific areas of tension, like my calves. She kneaded with her strong hands, and while the tighter parts of my body were sore, I could feel the tension gradually diffusing. After drifting in and out of sleep, I awoke in a state of dreamy bliss. It’s amazing how a good massage can make you feel well-rested and recharged!”
– Anthia Chng
The Thai Spa also offers a rose honey milk bath (top-up $20) instead of the regular jacuzzi.
This spa haven is located in Suntec City, making it ideal to pop into for a quick lunchtime fix if you’re working or running errands in the area. Or book at the weekend for a couples spa.
#03-324 Suntec City North Wing
6252 4400 | thethaispa.com.sg
La Source Spa – massage on Orchard
“La Source Spa is a centrally located beauty and wellness sanctuary offering luxurious treatments in a private and luxe setting. From anti-ageing facial spas and therapeutic massages to hair services and eyebrow embroidery, this is a one-stop spot to get all your beauty needs sorted!
The treatment room is spacious with warm, muted accents, and I found myself feeling instantly calmer as the soothing spa scent (La Source uses its own aromatherapy blends) wafted through the air. I changed into a plush robe and comfy slippers and laid on the heated bed before my therapist Karen entered for my treatment of choice: the Meridian Bojin Facial Treatment ($298, 90 minutes).
This facial is suitable for most skin types, but especially beneficial for ageing concerns like wrinkles, dark circles and skin laxity. It incorporates traditional Bojin massage techniques to contour the features, improve blood circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage for detox purposes. Karen worked her magic with her experienced hands and La Source’s in-house skincare, which smells amazing thanks to the plant-based extracts. I was treated to a double-cleanse, followed by a gentle enzyme peel and steam. She then swiftly worked on extracting the gunk from the congested areas of my face. It’s nowhere near painless, but necessary for my acne-prone skin! Next, she used a Bojin tool and an essential oil blend, focusing on the tight points on my face and neck to release tension.
After a soothing mask and a rejuvenating scalp massage, I sat up to check out my “new” complexion in the mirror. I was surprised that the effects were so immediate; my jawline appeared more pronounced and my face looked less puffy. I definitely looked and felt more refreshed, so this is one treatment I’m bookmarking for my next pampering sesh!”
– Anthia Chng
For a limited time, try this treatment at a special price of $208!
#02-17/18 The Shopping Gallery @ Hilton 581 Orchard Road
6732 1318 | lasource.com.sg
Ikeda Spa – onsen baths and couples spa
Ikeda Spa is a popular Japanese spa in Singapore that offers the perfect combination of zen-inspired interiors and personalised top-to-toe treatments.
This spa is also the first and only Japanese spa to house the Hinoki Onsen Bath ($80 for 30 minutes), which features Japan’s highly prized cypress wood once reserved solely for royalty. Predominantly used for building palaces, temples and shrines, hinoki is a precious wood that releases therapeutic mineral oils with soothing scents that can help to alleviate breathing related issues like sinus congestion and asthma. You can enjoy an authentic Hinoki onsen bath experience without travelling abroad, as the spa imports the softwood directly from Japan. You can even customise your bath with special onsen salts, extracted from famous hot springs in Japan!
The private onsen experience is also available as a couples spa ($120 for 30 minutes), so you can bring your loved one along with you for a spa day. Start with a calming onsen bath, followed by a well deserved massage or facial spa; we think this makes for the perfect gift too!
787 Bukit Timah Road
6469 8080 | ikedaspa.com
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore – full body massage and more
Located adjacent to the hotel’s pool area, this spa draws inspiration from Singapore’s rich heritage, offering a myriad of signature therapies, facials and massages in a tranquil setting.
If you’re not strapped for time, treat yourself to an extended spa retreat customised to your body’s needs. The Oriental Qi ($380 for two hours) is a holistic, hands-on, full body massage ritual developed in consultation with Traditional Chinese Medicine specialists and master aromatherapists. The indulgent treatment works on the body’s energy flow through the powerful effects of oriental meridian massage techniques, combined with the therapeutic benefits of custom blended Aromatherapy Associates essential oils. These signature elemental oils promise to bring about an uplifting effect and promote a balanced state of mind and body. After the massage, slowly ease back into reality by heading to the comfy lounge to unwind.
Top tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes before your appointment to enjoy the spa’s steam facilities and experience shower!
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
6885 3533 | mosin-spa@mohg.com
mandarinoriental.com
Trimmings Spa – aromatherapy massage
For head-to-toe pampering in a serene location that’s not too far from the centre of town, try Trimmings Salon & Spa. Housed in a beautiful black-and-white in Dempsey, the hair, nail and beauty salon is always an ideal spot for some relaxing me-time.
A must-try is the Chakra Balancing Body Massage ($95, 60 minutes). Choose your aromatherapy blend from the range of Aveda oils that aim to calm, detox and relieve stress. Using elbows, forearms and knuckles, your therapist will customise your massage based on your pressure preferences. Whether you’re up for a therapeutic and tension relieving treatment, or a soothing and relaxing session to drift off to, all you need to do is specify to your therapist before your massage. This massage can be of various lengths, from half an hour to two hours, so you get to choose according to how much time you have on hand.
While you’re there, why not indulge in a facial as well? Restore skin elasticity and moisture with the Skin Balancing and Hydrating Facial ($145, 60 minutes), which uses premium skincare products from Karin Herzog.
75B Loewen Road
8511 5085 | trimmings.com.sg
The Face Place
“The Face Place is a private boutique salon specialising in bespoke facial treatments using Bojin and Guasha massage techniques. It was my first time there and I was wowed by the bright, spacious loft studio with stunning views of the Singapore River. I was warmly greeted by my therapist Keiko, and I felt immediately relaxed as I sat sipping tea and admiring the view while she chatted to me about my skin concerns and patiently explained each step of the treatment.
The Facial Massage ($140, 70 minutes) is a signature service featuring a combination of massage techniques and high frequency treatment to stimulate the facial muscles and improve facial contours, blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, resulting in a brighter and rejuvenated look. It also helps with eye bags, frown lines and nasolabial folds – yes, please!
The treatment began with a double cleanse, exfoliation and steaming before starting the extraction process (optional). I usually find this really painful but Keiko was gentle and skilful, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable. Next came a high-frequency treatment to eliminate bacteria and calm down the inflammation, followed by a facial massage using traditional Bojin and Guasha techniques to help drain the lymph in the face and stimulate the acupoints for better circulation and detox. This was my favourite part of the treatment; I could feel the tension releasing from my face, and the firming and lifting effects of the massage felt really good.
Next up, a microcurrent machine was used with aloe vera gel (The Face Place uses all organic products) to complement the tightening effects of the massage. This had a slight tingling sensation that wasn’t painful. The treatment ended with an anti-ageing vitamin C mask to seal in the moisture and help promote collagen production. While this worked its magic, I was treated to a head, neck and shoulder massage – heavenly!
After the treatment, my face felt like it had undergone a major workout – in a good way! My skin felt firmer and softer, and although my nose was a little red from the extraction, my complexion looked noticeably brighter and clearer. The next day, the redness on my nose had disappeared and I can still see the effects of the treatment a few days later. I will definitely make a point to do these more often!”
– Juliet Keys
#12-83 The Central, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street
8233 1723 | thefaceplacesg.com
This article first appeared in the September 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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