There’s more to salt than just making food tasty, as I’ve recently learned. Salt therapy, otherwise known as halotherapy, is an alternative wellness treatment that involves breathing in salt-laden air for detox purposes. Apparently, the minerals from the salt naturally draw out impurities from the body, thus improving respiratory conditions like asthma, as well as skin-related issues like eczema. For those without such concerns, salt therapy works great as an overall health boost.
The clever folks at Pablo Blau have taken the concept to the next level, combining the anti-inflammatory effects of salt with a lineup of heavenly spa treatments. Equipped with salt treatment rooms and a salt waiting area, the newly opened medi-spa in Raffles City lets you get your skin fixed while enjoying the benefits of salt therapy. You can choose to have a luxurious facial in one of their Signature Salt Rooms, which are entirely coated in salt crystals from Europe.
We’re told that having a facial in the salt room boasts the benefits of a three-hour stint in a salt cave. And because there’s only one way to find out, I took one for the team and gave it a go. Read on for my review!
My Pablo Blau facial review
The well-lit spa boasts an open and welcoming space, well-appointed with navy walls and classy gold decor accents. Cosy teal lounge chairs tastefully adorn the spacious waiting area, which is well-stocked with Nespresso coffee and premium tea. One look and you can tell the interiors are designed by someone with a keen eye for detail! With warm service to boot, the result is an experience that feels luxurious yet comfortable.
The salt treatment rooms are tucked away at the end of the spa, which gives everything an exclusive vibe. But here’s the coolest part: the rooms are covered in real salt. Yes, even the walls are plastered with chunks of salt. The salt is specially selected based on stringent standards, then flown in all the way from Europe!
Stepping into the white space immediately brings a wave of calm to my frazzled mind. I guess this is the exact moment when my “therapy” begins! There’s even a movie room (also slathered in salt) right outside the treatment rooms, so you won’t be bored while waiting for all the salty benefits to soak in. I change into a plush robe and prop myself onto the bed. It turns out to be one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever laid on at a spa.
The first step is a double cleansing. This reveals my makeup-free base for a skin analysis. My therapist examines my face and recommends the Detox Skin Refined Customised Facial ($390, 75-minute). The aim? To brighten my dull and dehydrated complexion, while decongesting clogged pores. Suitable for all skin types, this relaxing treatment is customised to various skin concerns, including wrinkles, dullness and dry skin. Pablo Blau uses upscale skincare products, which are chosen based on each customer’s skin type.
The therapist expertly works through a series of heavenly massages on my face and neck, which I embarrassingly doze off to. There’s also the dreaded extraction process, which turns out to be tolerable thanks to the steam machine that helps to opens the pores – and my therapist’s magical hands. In fact, it’s one of the least painful ones I’ve had. (And trust me, I’ve lived through my fair share of nightmarish extractions!)
Post-facial thoughts
A good hour and a half later, I wake up from my half-slumber to a pleasant surprise: a glowing visage with significantly less whiteheads. My skin is plump and taut, with a slight lift along the cheekbones and jawline – an added bonus! I can have occasional difficulties controlling my breathing when I’m stressed or in polluted air, but from the moment I step into the salt room, I’m completely at ease and breathing is a breeze. I’m told that there’s a unique salt generator in each room that grinds the salt into tiny breathable particles to maximise the therapeutic effects, which explains why salt therapy is popular with those with respiratory problems.
Even if you’re healthy, consider it as an all-rounded wellness booster. Salt therapy is known to reduce stress and improve sleep, which we all can benefit from. No wonder it has a steady following, with many visitors making the trip to salt caves for their yearly fix! As for me, I’m just thankful that I can enjoy it right here in Singapore without having to travel far and wide. It’s definitely easier on the wallet, too.
Curious? Try it at a special price!
Until 31 March, try the Detox Skin Refined Customised Facial at only $69 (usual price $390)! The first 100 readers also get a free customised eye treatment (worth $250) when booking. Book here!
Pablo Blau
Raffles City Shopping Centre #02-26A
252 North Bridge Road
pabloblau.com/expatrw
pabloblau.com
Anthia Chng
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