If you love to unwind with a full body massage or facial 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 at some of the best spas in Singapore.
Ikeda Spa – hot stone massage and onsen bath
“The Ganbanyoku (stone bathing) Detox massage at Ikeda Spa is one of the most comfortable I have experienced. I usually ask for air conditioning to be turned down during a spa treatment, but not here – the bed is made of volcanic rocks from Hakone and heated up to 49 degrees with boiling water beneath!
The bed was covered in towels, which distributed the heat evenly over my body, with a cushion supporting my chest when I lay face-down.
The therapist used a custom blend of essential oils for a deep tissue massage that worked through all my tight muscles. Under the firm, rhythmic movements of her hands, I drifted off to sleep moments after the massage began, and again after I turned to face up. The massage only left me wanting more.
Ikeda Spa says that the heat helps to detox fat-soluble toxins and cholesterol and can help burn up to 1,500 calories, which is equivalent to running 15km. Sure enough, I noticed that my waist and thighs appeared to look less flabby a few days later. I also slept better and woke up more refreshed in the following days.”
Patricea Chow
787 Bukit Timah Road
6469 8080 | ikedaspa.com
So Spa, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa – relaxing spa massage for couples and families
“So Spa is the perfect place to escape to if you want to enjoy more than just a treatment. With complimentary use of facilities in the resort included, and the option of lingering for a light lunch beside the pool, this calls for a little self-indulgence. Why not take a friend – or, as I did, treat a teenage daughter to the ‘My Massage with Mum’ experience?
Ironically, this is the first spa I ever visited on my arrival in Singapore many years ago. The frangipani tree at the end of the garden has grown somewhat, and still stylishly reflects on the black pool. The facilities include a hot and cold indoor jacuzzi and the spa, which will expand its product range soon.
I enjoyed The Sentosa Massage, which incorporates Eastern and Western techniques to stimulate energy pathways and recharge overworked muscles, relaxing the mind and invigorating the body.
So Spa remains a favourite of mine as it offers serenity away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Lara Sage
2 Bukit Manis Road Sentosa
6708 8310 | sofitel-singapore-sentosa.com
Kazehikaru – bust and womb therapy and spa massage
“This wellness salon is driven by the Japanese spirit of omotenashi – cherishing each guest with sincerity – and I certainly felt a sense of warm hospitality the moment I stepped inside. Kazehikaru is located on the highest floor of Great World City, and has shoji-style doors leading into the massage rooms.
The chest and abdomen areas don’t often get much attention during a typical spa massage, but after experiencing the 1.5-hour Bust and Womb Care Therapy, a treatment designed exclusively for adult women, I’m convinced they should! My therapist started the session with a gentle massage on my chest and arms that helps promote lymphatic drainage. This is especially beneficial in preventing lump build-up and alleviating breast pain associated with menstrual cycles. I was then pampered with a luxurious bust collagen mask, which gives a gentle, non-invasive bust-lifting effect.
I particularly enjoyed the womb wellness massage that followed. To my surprise, my therapist’s rhythmic strokes targeted not only the womb (great for ladies who wish to get pregnant, she says) but also the digestive area. Explaining how our internal organs are all interconnected, she skilfully activated pressure points to enhance the functioning of the spleen, lungs and colon. Then, as I relaxed, my tummy soaked up all the goodness from a womb detox herb mask blended with 24 potent Chinese herbs. Over the next few days, I happily noticed a flatter stomach and less bloating, and most importantly, I felt nourished from the inside out.”
Cherry Lai
#03-108 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Road
8890 6910 | kazehikaru.asia
Raffles Spa – luxurious couples spa and facials in Singapore
“Following Raffles Hotel’s refurbishment three years ago, Raffles Spa found a new home, tucked in a quiet corner of the Raffles courtyard. Before you begin your treatment, whether that’s a couples massage or delightful facial, you should definitely spend some time experiencing the spa’s topnotch facilities, including the sauna, steam room and heated pool. You may also complement your heat treatment by rubbing yourself with crushed ice from the spa’s ice fountain – it’s said to keep your immune system strong! I spent a short while in the elegantly appointed lounge prior to my treatment indulging in some refreshments.
Raffles Spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, including signature therapies such as Raffles Signature Gemstone Massage, classic facials, exfoliating body scrubs and couples massages. It also has Ayurveda inspired body treatments such as the Chakra Deep Sleep Ritual Body Wrap.
I went for the 60-minute Absolute Relaxation Massage to help relieve some tension in my shoulders and neck. The massage was lovely and the therapist did a brilliant job of working through the tight muscles in a firm but relaxing manner. I especially liked the heated bed, which kept me very comfortable throughout the massage. By the end of the afternoon, I felt mentally and physically relaxed and rejuvenated!”
Karin Galley
328 North Bridge Road
6412 1377 | raffles.com
Mandarin Oriental Spa – anti-ageing facial spa treatments
Fancy a facial spa treatment? The Mandarin Oriental Spa is offering a new series of special facials, such as the Perfect Lifting Facial, which help to remodel the facial contour and smooth away wrinkles, while also rejuvenating the neck and décolleté.
Top it off with the RS-28 Intensive treatment to boost cell regeneration and increase tissue oxygenation, skin elasticity and resistance – it’ll leave your skin looking fresher and brighter.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Perfect Lightening treatment, specifically designed to brighten and even out skin tone, revealing a youthful, radiant complexion.
The Mandarin Oriental Spa is also one of the spas in Singapore offering treatments for men. Spa date, anyone? Gents can try the Perfect Repair, a deep cleansing and purifying facial treatment tailored for men of any age. The treatment soothes, purifies and eliminates fatigue, promoting a calm, fresh and youthful appearance. Other options for men include a Perfect Neck & Décolleté treatment, and eye treatments too.
5 Raffles Avenue
6885 3533 | mandarinoriental.com
Chi, The Spa – rejuvenating full body spa massage
“I went to the opening of the Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La Singapore on Orange Grove Road – I can’t believe it was nearly 8 years ago!
There are spas and then there are spas. You can tell the top spas the minute you open the door by the aromas, the lighting and the décor. The choice of aromatherapy oils is always good too. On my recent visit to Chi, I chose the Neroli or orange blossom for a change. It’s the ‘happy oil’, apparently, so I must be feeling happy… or want to be happier? Either way, I was definitely happier afterwards.
Miss Chona at Chi knew her way around the body; I asked particularly to focus on my hands, because I’m on a keyboard most of the day, my feet, just because they’re always achy, and my stomach, because I believe massage is always good for releasing air pockets and reducing cellulite – both of which I unfortunately have.
The massage was perfectly relaxing, although I should have booked an hour-and-a-half one – It wasn’t long enough! The rooms are lovely, the pressure was perfect, and the tea afterwards in the chilled lounge was excellent. I was a very happy person!”
Rebecca Bisset
6213 4818 | Shangri-la.com
There is a second Chi, The Spa in Singapore, at the Shangri-La on Sentosa.
This article first appeared in the September 2022 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
