Self-care is one of the biggest buzzwords today – and a spa treatment is probably the easiest way to achieve that. Happily, spas in Singapore come in all forms, from ultra-posh venues to laid-back spots. So whether you’re on a budget or are ready to splurge, there’s something for everyone.
1. Auriga Spa
The location: Tucked away on the tranquil grounds of Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, this award-winning spa offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Facilities include an indoor plunge pool, an herbal steam room and a relaxation lounge, all kitted out in dark-panelled wood furnishings and soft lighting.
The treatments: New Moon (S$290), a 120-minute signature treatment, includes a seaweed and eucalyptus salt scrub, a seaweed body wrap and a body massage that uses herbal oils containing rosemary, juniper and fennel. Full Moon (S$440), meanwhile, is a 180-minute treatment that begins with an exfoliating rose oil-infused salt scrub and a warm mineral-rich body wrap. This is followed by a body massage and a lymphatic drainage facial using rose crystals.
Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island
2. Nimble/Knead
The location: Situated in the hipster neighbourhood of Tiong Bahru, this offbeat spa features industrial-chic interiors modelled after shipping containers. With a breezy, laidback atmosphere, it’s easy to feel completely at home.
The treatments: The Tuinasaurus (from S$76) incorporates tui na, a massage technique derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that supposedly regulates the body’s flow of qi (or life force) through the stimulation of acupressure points. Alternatively, show your soles some love with Foot for Thought (S$42), an hour-long treatment involving a salt foot bath and an aromatherapy-based foot massage.
#01-28 66 Eng Watt St
3. So Spa
The location: This luxe spa is situated within the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa on Sentosa Island. Make the most of your time at its outdoor garden, which features a lap pool, a float pool with cascading waterfalls and a mud pool where you can get a detoxifying Moroccan rhassoul clay treatment.
The treatments: Five Elements Ritual (S$350) involves a warming foot bath, a clay body wrap and a heated bamboo massage – essentially two and a half hours’ worth of pure bliss. Otherwise, get a full-body detox with Neem Healing Body Envelopment (S$300), a two-hour treatment that includes a neem and date body scrub, a back massage using neem oil, a nourishing body mask and a facial massage.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd, Sentosa Island
4. Spa Esprit
The location: After a full day of shopping on Orchard Road, head to this nearby spa to kick back and unwind. With its casual vibe and vibrant décor, it’s perfect for a refreshing time-out either solo or with friends.
The treatments: The Classic Scentsational (from S$117.70) aims to rejuvenate sore, tired muscles through a mixture of Swedish, Hawaiian and Indonesian massage techniques. Or improve dull, ageing skin with the Ultra-Replenishing Facial (S$180), a 75-minute treatment that harnesses an ultrasonic machine to infuse skin with a cocktail of antioxidants, multi-vitamins and collagen.
#03-19 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd
5. The Luxe House
The location: Formerly located within the Dempsey Hill enclave, The Luxe House’s new digs at Marina Bay Sands boast an equally plush setting. Treatments here celebrate both Eastern and Western influences, and only pure essential oil blends formulated exclusively for the spa are used.
The treatments: If you suffer from chronic fatigue or backaches, opt for the Royal Meridian Foot & Back Massage (from S$178) to work out those kinks. Do also try the Essential Facial (from S$188), which offers three different options – hydrating, soothing or purifying – based on your skincare needs.
B1-149/150/01D Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave
6. Yunomori Onsen and Spa
The location: Billed as Southeast Asia’s number one onsen, Yunomori specialises in traditional Japanese therapies and Thai-inspired treatments. Enjoy a soak in its mineral-rich onsen baths before your massage; then, head to the on-site café post-treatment for comforting Japanese-style dishes.
The treatments: The Traditional Thai Massage (from S$88) involves deep stretches to help reduce muscle and joint pain, while the Aroma Oil Massage (from S$138) relieves stress and tension through gentle massage strokes.
#02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Pl
