Here`s - DrSpa

Spadestination
Serenity in
SINGAPORE
global tourism, this is no more evident then in its spa
and wellness industry.
Singapore has three spa associations, countless
mom-and-pop reflexology centres and some of the
biggest names in the spa industry on its shores, which
are spilling out on to the resort island of Sentosa. The
industry suffered a big blow in 2008 when members of a
local spa were left high and dry after it closed, prompting
the industry to introduce mandatory insurance at spas to
protect the customers. Despite the bad press, the industry
is definitely still growing. Expat and travellers are happy
to visit five-star hotels with their elegant spa spaces,
but the local market is still up for grabs. Spa operators
have made use of Singapore’s unique heritage to create
interesting locations, be they former colonial villas, old
army barracks or tropical green spaces. Like the country
itself, the industry is evolving.
© Ocean/Corbis
writer Karen Fong
S
ingapore has always had a reputation for being
a little boring, but that’s largely changed in
the past two or three years. The government’s
unprecedented decision to build two “integrated resorts”
(we call them casinos) seems to have refreshed both the
country’s economy and reputation. And because of its
track record for low crime, easy accessibility and general
immunity to natural disasters, Singapore is experiencing
a bit of a resurgence.
To be fair, the island nation has always had an eclectic
culinary scene buoyed up by three inter-mixing Asian
cultures, as well as a youth scene that has created areas
like Haji Lane with its mix of cool fashion and fun cafes.
Only 47 years old, its history as a country is still very
young. As a former British colony, surrounded by much
larger countries, the little island has constantly worked
to reinvent itself in order to survive and in this era of
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this page (top to bottom): Spa room with Jacuzzi at Spa Park Asia; Wet lounge in Remede Spa at St. Regis
Singapore opposite page: Deluxe double spa suite at Banyan Tree Spa; tea lounge at Banyan Tree Spa.
OPENING page: Singapore at night
Five star service
Remède Spa, St. Regis Singapore
Gorgeously modern, contrasting to the rest of the opulent hotel,
the Remède Spa is definitely a highlight of the St. Regis Singapore
with amazing wet facilities including an outdoor spa garden with a
customized Aqua Reflexology Footpath where soothing pebbles and
Banyan Tree Spa, Marina Bay Sands
warm and cool water relax foot muscles. New to the spa, pedicure and
It seems fitting that this Singapore brand would pick the country’s
manicure treatments by Bastien Gonzalez administered by therapist
most prominent hotel for its homecoming. With 10 single suites,
Steve Desobeau is a must-try, turning a simple cosmetic treatment into
three deluxe doubles with bathtub, shower and steam, and two royal
a one-hour holistic foot care ritual. The spa’s signature Jade Massage
doubles with Rainmist and Vichy shower
including both hot and cold jade is also
facilities, the Banyan Tree Spa features
a must-try. The spa offers seven treatment
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designs of the Tree of Life in various
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rooms including Bastien’s studio and
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Asian renderings. Guests can indulge in
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two special wet rooms for MoroccanYishun
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the extensive Harmony Banyan, a three
Kangkar
Nee Seletar Punggol Ubin
inspired treatments.
Soon Airport
Pendas
Changi
Choa Chu
hour indulgent massage performed by
Ang Mo Hougang
Kang
Village
www.stregissingapore.com/spa
Loyang
Kio
Paya Tampines
two therapists, followed by an orchid
Lebar
Changi
Toa
Payoh
International
Bedok
Clementi
scrub, head and foot massage and
Tuas
Airport
Orchard Katong
Little India
Road
Willow Stream Spa,
Arab St
Colonial i t s o f J u r o
therapeutic orchid bath, all in honour
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District
Chinatown
Straits of
Fairmont Swissotel
Jurong
Singapore
of Singapore’s national flower.
Sentosa
Having moved into the former Amrita
Island
www.banyantree.com
Straits of
SOUTHERN
Pulau
Singapore
Spa facility three years ago, Fairmont’s
ISLANDS
Sudong
Willow Stream Spa brings the brand’s
The Damai Spa, Grand
signature authenticity and effective
Hyatt Singapore
treatments to the island nation. With the biggest facility in the city,
For a 40-year old hotel, the Grand Hyatt Singapore is a grand dame
Willow Stream offers 32 rooms, Jacuzzi, steam, sauna and a huge
who isn’t showing her age. Opened in 2009, the Damai Spa quickly
yoga studio, making it perfect for corporate events and walk-in guests
established itself as a premier urban retreat in the heart of Orchard
alike. The spa is now offering Willow Stream’s brand new product
Road, Singapore’s major shopping district. The spa features 11
range created with Kerstin Florian called ener.g. Along with the line
treatment suites including one for couples and works closely with
comes a range of new treatments including the Pure ener.g Treatment
organic brand June Jacobs to create signature treatments and orchid
which involves 90 minutes of relaxation beginning with a scrub and
scents. The Damai Orchid Facial includes a Himalayan Salt Stone
followed by a Swedish-style massage which finishes with a rose
treatment which stimulates the senses with its use of essential oils.
stone placed on the forehead to draw out impurities and ground you.
Or for those with four hours to spare, try the Balancing Treatment
www.fairmont.com/singapore
which includes a Ginseng Body Polish, Damai Orchid Massage and
a Custom Facial for a blissed out half-day experience.
www.singapore.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/
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Well-positioned for a growing affluent market, Singapore’s top hotels
are known to do brisk business both with hotel guests and expatriates
with a few locals also venturing out for these ultimately indulgent
treatments.
The Spa, Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Recently completely renovated, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Singapore is a truly modern urban spa with dark wood paneling and
purple undertones that give the spa an opulent, luxurious feel. Two
VIP Spa Suites feature vitality pools or steam room, while the four
single rooms are cozy and comfortable. The spa takes inspiration
from the local culture for its treatments, bringing forth the Teh Hijau,
a treatment that works stiff muscles using heated green tea-infused
poultices, followed by a massage that blends Shiatsu, Thai and
Swedish techniques and an oil of your choice.
www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore
and TCM treatments, while the newest spa at the Pan Pacific Hotel
specializes in Traditional Thai Classic Massage. At the Pan Pacific
Hotel, St. Gregory is located across the outdoor pool and offers
five single rooms and two for couples featuring cedar soaking
tubs. Facilities include steam bath, a foot reflexology lounge and
relaxation area. The Pan Pacific Hotel, a well-known hotel on the
Singapore skyline is set for a major renovation early 2012, which
is sure to improve on the already high standard of service. The
Elemis Quartz Lift Facial brings immediate results, lifting the skin
and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
www.stgregoryspa.com; www.panpacific.com/singapore
St. Gregory Spa, multiple locations
Homegrown St. Gregory Spa grew out of a modest spa on Gregory
Lane to encompass three outlets each offering unique treatments
ranging from Swedish techniques to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The flagship outlet at Park Royal Hotel offers Ayurvedic, Balinese
Spa at Four Seasons, Four Seasons Singapore
With four treatment rooms including one for couples, the spa at the
Four Seasons Singapore offers hotel guests effective and indulgent
treatments and has recently opened its doors to the public as well.
While the facilities are basic, the spa is constantly updating its menu
singapore
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Spadestination
aspara spa, Crowne Plaza Singapore
Located in the airport compound, the Crowne Plaza Singapore
offers guests a chance to relax and unwind pre or post flight. The
Aspara Spa offers both time-efficient treatments as well as longer
more indulgent experiences in a modern, elegant setting. Using
custom-blended essential oils, the signature Well-being Aroma
Body Massage is designed to ease weary muscles, breathing new
life into tired bodies.
www.aspara.com.sg
and introducing new treatments, products and services. This year
alone, it has introduced new Sodashi treatments as well as a healthy
spa bento-tray, which can be enjoyed over at the Club. Try the hotel’s
signature The Reviver, a deep tissue massage that combines long
strokes with deep pressure to rid the muscles of tension.
www.fourseasons.com/singapore
Asian Spa, Fullerton Hotel
A member of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts group, the Fullerton
Hotel is a beautifully restored colonial property taking full advantage
of its decor. The Asian Spa opened in 2000 and offers guests 11
treatment suites all themed around the natural elements as well as
steam, sauna, a relaxation lounge and their famous rooftop pool. The
L’Occitane Organic Facial offers a gentle cleansing and pampering
using the French brand’s olive range. Perfect for all skin types.
www.fullertonhotel.com
THANN @ Fort Canning
A first for the Thai spa brand in Singapore, THANN @ Fort Canning is
modern and sleek, while the hotel that houses it is colonial. Offering
four treatment rooms including one for couples, each offers elegant
finishings imported from Thailand and comes with both treatment
bed and futon for Thai massage (or lounging). Interestingly, all
therapists are trained to Reiki Level One in Thailand, which allows
them to offer innovative treatments such as the Energy Healing
Therapy, combining Reiki and massage for an uplifting experience
inside and out.
www.hfcsingapore.com; www.thann.info
Spa Park ASia, Grand Park City Hall
This heritage-styled hotel located just off the main interchange MRT
station of City Hall offers the largest facility of the Spa Park Asia
group. The spa has four treatment rooms including one for couples
whic is double the size of the other rooms and includes its own
hydrotherapy facilities. Freshly brewed lemongrass and pandan tea is
made every morning and can be enjoyed before or after treatments
such as the Park Indulgence which includes a one-hour massage and
exfoliation followed by a relaxing self-heated mud mask.
www.spaparkasia.com
LifeSpa, Carlton Hotel
LifeSpa Prestige at the Carlton Hotel is perfectly poised to help both
busy individuals in the city and hotel guests soothe away the strains
of work or play. The spa offers 10 treatment rooms including three
couples suites with Jacuzzis. Each room is its own enclosed facility
featuring shower and steam amenities within. The Fatigue Buster
Body Massage using Aromatherapy Balm uses deep tissue, effleurage
and pressure point techniques to release tension. Essential oils from
Decleor ensure that tiredness just melts away.
www.lifespa.com.sg
Day Spas
In addition to some big names in the skincare industry, Singapore’s
day spa scene is dominated by interesting local offerings with
locations chosen to be as different from hotel offerings as possible.
Lush Spa
Secluded in the Singapore Polo Club, Lush Spa offers something
different from the spas in the city. Quiet and enclosed, the simple
spa features six spa rooms which can be opened up to accommodate
doubles as well as one double room with a hot tub. All rooms come
with their own shower facilities. Effective treatments carried out by
experienced therapists, the Lush Equestrian is appropriately popular
with its focus on back, thigh and calves that caters to everyone.
Spa owner Lynette Loh also creates her own essential oil blends
under the name Olfactory Blends, as well as Spa Food boxes. The
entrepeneur and partner Sandra Lim are also the minds behind
Massage at Work, a wellness and massage corporate programme.
www.lushspa.com.sg; www.massageatwork.com
Spa Esprit, Beauty Emporium
So much more than just a spa, Spa Esprit is part of Cynthia Chua’s
lifestyle empire, much of which is on display at the Dempsey
location called Beauty Emporium. The spa has 11 eclectic rooms
and a cozy foot reflexology area while the rest of Beauty Emporium
houses the world-renowned Strip for waxing needs, and Browhaus
for the eye area. It also includes counters for Sco, ilike and their
own custom oil blended products. Must-trys include the Plump
Up Filler Facial with peptides that penetrate wrinkles for a line-free
appearance, and the Wheat Gerrefic Treat, a body wrap that covers
the body with wheatgrass, aloe vera and bergamot to detoxify,
moisturise and re-caliberate dry or oily skin.
www.dempseyhouse.com
this page: Spa Single room at Damai Spa; Corridor at Damai Spa; Housepink tree
room at Spa Esprit, Beauty Emporium. opposite page: Vichy at Aramsa Spa.
The retreat, Singapore Marriott Hotel
Another one of the city’s oldest hotels, Marriott is perched above the
iconic Tang’s Plaza on the corner of the ever-changing Orchard Road
and is itself poised for a renovation this year. Despite the furious pace
of development around it, there is something remarkably calm and
steady about this hotel. The Retreat, is an old favourite and offers
three private treatment rooms with facilities including steam, sauna,
Jacuzzi and hot and cold pools. The Retreat Signature Massage uses
light pressure along meridien points for a restorative experience.
www.singaporemarriott.com
Essence Vale spa, Traders’ Hotel
Newly renovated just last year, the Essence Vale Spa is a simple,
no-nonsense spa with a lovely Jacuzzi area and steam and sauna
facilities. Focusing on quality, the spa uses top-notch products
including Kirstin Florian, Sundari, Naturelle D’Orient and Spa
Ritual. The popular Touch of Heaven is an Ayurvedic wellness
treatment beginning with an Abhyanga massage followed by a
warm oil Shirodhara treatment, scalp massage and Face Abhyanga.
www.essencevale.com.sg
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Spadestination
DrGL loves DrSpa
Created by renowned local doctor Georgia Lee, the DrSpa facilities
in Holland Village in the west offer three boutique treatment rooms,
each designed for facials, hair treatments and massages respectively.
Dressed in green and light woods, the spa has an airy feel about it,
despite its small size. Treatments are targeted and highly effective
and uses the doctor’s own line of skincare. The 70-minute Polish
Facial begins with a light patented Aqua SilkPeel microdermabrasion
using a diamond exfoliator. Plant-based collagen is then infused
into the skin followed by a gel mask to improve circulation. The
spa tailors facials according to varying skin needs.
www.drspa.com
Clarins Skin Spa
The new Clarins Skin Spa in the heart of Orchard Road is the perfect
place for effective, personalised treatments. With 12 treatment rooms
including five with attached bathrooms each named after one of
Clarins’ key ingredients, the spa uses the exclusive Clarins Pro line
to create customised facials with results you can actually see. The
Customised Facial follows three steps; Prepare, Shape and Drain,
and Intensive care, incorporating the famed Clarins Touch to drain
the skin of impurities and create a healthy glow that lasts well into
the new few days. Guests can enjoy tea in the relaxation area before
or after their treatment.
www.clarins.com
Qi Mantra Remedial Massage
Part of the Spa Esprit group, Qi Mantra focuses on offering stressed
out city-goers remedial massages based on Chinese massage
therapy. With four outlets in the city, the spa has six simple treatment
rooms equipped for facials or massages. A highlight is the Star Blast
treatment, a deep acupressure massage. Add the Firm It Up scrub
which includes a gel application that improves circulation, tones
and leaves a cooling sensation on the area, not to mention reducing
the appearance of cellulite.
www.qimantra.com
Spa Boutique
A quiet standalone spa just off Orchard Road, Spa Boutique is
housed in a historical black and white colonial bungalow with
seven treatment rooms, including two that can be converted into
couples’ rooms and one outdoor massage pavilion by the pool. In
addition to offering outdoor yoga, the spa also offers treatments
like The Raindrop, combining seven essential oils that are dropped
on the spine and massaged in with a hot compress. The treatment
ends with a full body relaxing massage.
www.spaboutique.com.sg
Verita Advanced Wellness
Singapore’s first integrated wellness facility aims to provide the
city with an alternative form of healthcare that combines spa,
nutrition, medical assessment and holistic treatments. Facilities
include state-of-the-art body scanning equipment, ion therapy
machines, flotation tanks, as well as the country’s first salt caves
using pharmaceutical-grade salt. The centre also has an Aroma bar
to stimulate your immune system with different essential oils, as
well as yoga and Pilates studios.
www.veritaadvancedwellness.com
Erabelle Prestige
Harbourfront is the gateway to Sentosa with a monorail leaving
the mall and nearby cable cars offering transport. In the shopping
mall itself, Erabelle Prestige’s luxurious outlet offers a much needed
break from the busy area. Blending Japanese and Manhattan style,
it features two suite rooms, four signature treatment rooms, one
beauty room and one ’tatami’ room, all designed with a feminine,
flirty aura. Try the ultimate, four-hour Prestige that begins with
a traditional tea ceremony, followed by a rice bran body scrub,
bamboo massage and Sake Facial. It finishes with a light, healthy
Japanese lunch in the tatami room.
www.erabelleprestige.com
this page: Zen Garden at Ikeda Day Spa. opposite page: (top to bottom) Qi Mantra
Spa at Raffles City; VIP suite at Ikeda Day Spa; Spa Boutique entrance sign.
SK-II Boutique Spa
Giving visitors a taste of Singapore’s heritage, the SK-II Boutique
Spa is located in a century-old colonial bungalow and is lovingly
maintained to give that old-world feel. Each of its eight treatment
rooms, including one for couples is furnished for comfort, with
goose down beds for ultimate relaxation. The spa does what it
knows best and focuses on facial treatments only, in particular,
the Cloud 9 Facial introduces a new massage technique and uses
certified organic oils for Anti-Ageing, Uplifting, Soothing or Purifying
results. Not only is the facial designed to treat your skins needs,
the use of quality oils eases the mind and de-stresses at the same
time. The brand also has outlets at Raffles City with the newest one
at Somerset MRT station
www.senzesalus.com
Ikeda Day Spa
A warm woody atmosphere greets guests who find their way to
this darling day spa which brings an authentic touch of Japan to
the island. Spread over two floors, the first offers three traditional
massage rooms as well as two unique “ganbanyoku” Japanese
rooms using marble beds heated by water to recreate the sensation
of enjoying the heat from the stones in an onsen. The second floor
offers a little zen garden for tea ceremonies as well as two manicure/
pedicure stations and three facial rooms. Maintaining a high level
of Japanese authenticity and service, therapists are trained in the
art of traditional Shiatsu massage which is part of the Ikeda Aroma
Therapy signature treatment which uses Australian brand Five
Elements essential oil to create balance using a meridian points
massage technique.
www.ikedaspa.com
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Spadestination
hip hotels
Boutique hotels are a popular alternative in Singapore, here are
some of the latest openings:
Naumi Hotel
An intimate retreat in the heart of the city, the Naumi Hotel is a
change in pace from the five-star mammoth hotels normally found
in this area.
www.naumihotel.com
Wanderlust
Hotelier Loh Lik Peng’s wonderfully vibrant and eclectic boutique
hotel designed to attract avid travellers. Restaurant Cocotte has also
garnered great reviews.
http://wanderlusthotel.com
The Club
Located on Ann Siang Road (near to local favourite hawker centre
Maxwell Circus), The Club is black and white art deco-style with
fab rooftop bar to boot.
http://theclub.com.sg
s
Sentosa
Once upon a time a sleepy version of Disney in the tropics, Sentosa’s
quiet island vibe is now hugely sought-after by hotel chains looking
for a more destination feel. Look out for the much-anticipated ESPA
at Resorts World and the Away Spa at W Hotels Sentosa at the
beginning and end of this year respectively.
Aramsa The Garden Spa
Away from the city and ensconced in the greenery of Bishan Park,
Aramsa The Garden Spa is quite unique in this urban city and boasts
a diverse eco pond with over 22,000 plants from 200 species. The
spa offers 14 suites of varying sizes, each with its own outdoor
garden bath as well as steam, sauna, outdoor shower facilities,
nail spa and aesthetic clinic. The signature Tropical Java Lulur takes
inspiration from nearby Indonesia and includes a body exfoliation
of a special blend of turmeric and rice powder followed by a fullbody yoghurt wrap and an Aramsa Touch massagex that improves
blood circulation and muscle tone. Finally, guests can enjoy a warm
outdoor flower bath infused with ginger and lemongrass.
www.aramsaspas.com
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Auriga Spa, Capella Singapore
A former British officer’s club, Capella’s lobby is pretty stunning,
blending colonial with the modern. Its 112 rooms include two
Colonial Manors, and villas with private plunge pools and outdoor
bathtubs. The standout Auriga Spa leaves quite the impression
with its extensive facilities including vitality pool, cinnamon and
clove scented sauna, steam and experience showers. The curved
interiors of the changing areas provide luxurious privacy while each
of the nine treatment suites offer outdoor garden areas and views.
The resort’s new Auriga Spa Detox Day is designed to balance
the body, resulting in improved sleep, health and better skin. The
treatment includes a 75-minute breathing exercise followed by a
steam bath to sweat out the toxins and a dry body brushing for 15
minutes. The treatment ends with a Detox Lymphatic Massage, 90
minutes of brisk lymph techniques combined with essential oils to
stimulate the system. Guests can relax with a soothing bath ritual
post-massage and enjoy a healthy selection of food choices at The
Knolls Restaurant.
www.capellasingapore.com
Fullerton Bay Hotel
Designed by Andre Fu, this member of the Preferred Hotels and
Resorts group is part of the reimagined Marina Bay waterfront,
replete with hip bars and restaurants.
www.fullertonbayhotel.com
this page: Cascading pools at dusk at Capella Singapore; opposite page:
Environment in Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore; Spa room at Rasa Spa Shangri-La’s
Rasa Sentosa Resort
klapsons
No two rooms are alike in this 17-room hotel with its hip design
and contemporary style. Free wireless internet access throughout
the hotel is a fantastic addition.
www.klapsons.com.sg
Studio M
Minimalist Italian elegance comes to Singapore in this hotel
featuring its own urban garden.
www.studiomhotel.com
restaurants
Rasa Spa, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort
The Rasa Spa is a lovely spa in a subtle nook of the newly renovated
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort with seven treatment rooms as well
as three deluxe couple suites, one featuring private whirlpool and
steam facilities. Outdoors, guests can also have treatments in the
Thai Pavilion. The Bamboo Massage is the new signature treatment
using bamboo in a rolling, tapping technique incorporated in a deep
tissue massage. This helps to increase circulation and aid stress
management. Choose a room facing the sea for a breezy resort feel.
www.shangri-la.com
Spa Botanica, The Sentosa Resort and Spa
A sprawling 6,000 square metres, Spa Botanica at The Sentosa Resort
and Spa has the luxury of space to create an ambience that really
rests the soul. Its 21 treatment rooms include outdoor pavilions with
gardens and indoor air-conditioned suites. In addition to its own
pool, the spa offers outdoor facilities including mud pools, float
pools and even a labyrinth, while within, guests get Galaxy Steam
Baths and King’s Baths. The Five Elements Cleanse and Purifying
ritual spans two hours and combines Tibetan and Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Beginning with a water chestnut body cleansing milk, this
is followed by a detoxifying massage of herbal oil and healing clay,
continued with a clay wrap rich in mineral salts and a herbal bath
before rounding it off with a body moisturiser application. Not to be
missed as well is its locally-inspired healthy restaurant, The Garden.
www.spabotanica.com
The only more contentious topic in Singapore besides politics is
food. Everyone has their favourites and there are many. Here’s a
“tentative” list:
PS. Café
Lovely locations with tasty Western fare and huge desserts.
www.pscafe.sg
Wild Rocket
Defined as “modern Singaporean” cuisine, with dishes inspired
by local flavours.
www.wildrocket.com.sg
Food for Thought
Western take on local produce that lets you do your bit for charity
at the same time .
www.foodforthought.com.sg
2AM: Dessertbar
Dessert-fine dining late into the night in cozy Holland Village area.
www.2amdessertbar.com
Iggy’s
Award-winning cuisine inspired by the travels of restaurateur
Ignatius Chan.
www.iggys.com.sg
l’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Resorts
World
Not much needs to be said about the world’s most awarded
Michelin-star chef.
www.rwsentosa.com
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