Not everyone can live like Richard Branson. For most of us, our idea of a weekend getaway doesn’t involve nights spent on a private tropical island or hours idly marinating in a warm onsen in the snowy mountains of Japan. But we can only pretend right? If you’re in need of a little getaway, whatever experience it is that you’re craving, reserve a rub-down at one of these fabulous spas.
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, Bishan Park 2, 6456-6556.
The tropical, green foliage of Bishan Park cocoons this spa, making it a peaceful out-of-the-city hideaway. The design of this 17-room facility celebrates the outdoors with private gardens complete with outdoor showers and baths. Round off your day at the spa with an invigorating Vichy shower, which feels like bathing in the warm rain as the treatment is conducted in a semi-outdoor room.
Signature treatment: Aramsa Touch (a medium pressure massage which blends eastern and western techniques)
How much: $108 for 60 minutes or $150 for 90 minutes
Auriga Spa (top photo)
Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa, 6591-5023.
Space, quiet and privacy are king at Capella Singapore, and its spa, Auriga is no different. Auriga offers four signature treatments that reflect four different lunar cycles (new, waxing, waning and full moon) which are based off ancient healing traditions and will in turn ‘tap into the celestial rhythm’. Whether or not is actually occurs, the spa experience at Auriga is unrivaled: grand high ceilings, gracious service, a large warm whirlpool, aromatherapy showers, a cinnamon-scented sauna, and most importantly, a luxurious feeling of seclusion.
Signature treatment: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Waning Moon and Full Moon (various treatments using products from The Organic Pharmacy)
How much: $290 for 120 minutes
W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, 6608-7290.
If there’s such thing as a high-energy spa, W Singapore’s AWAY Spa knows how to do it. First off, spa therapists here are called ‘spa mixologists’ and the treatment rooms are not washed with the predictable muted colours of beige, grey and white. This spa is flooded with multi-coloured fluorescent lights and it’s outfitted with disco-esque mosaic tiles and glowing massage beds topped with golden pillows. Arrive well before your treatment to make full use of the facilities (a steam room, infra-red sauna, herbal bath, ‘experiential showers, and a ‘decompression area’).
Signature treatment: Signature Massage (only one fine massage available here)
How much: $250 for 90 minutes
The Westin Singapore, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, 6922-6977.
Located on the 35th floor, The Westin Singapore’s Heavenly Spa is literally above them all. The treatment rooms are sun-washed, spacious, luxurious and include panoramic views of the city. The curvilinear design and touches of unpolished wood and capiz shell infuse a sense of nature and calm into the modern space. Make sure to arrive early for your treatment to enjoy the hot and cold ‘experience showers’, aromatherapy sauna and warm plunge pool which over-looks the city below.
Signature treatment: Heavenly Massage (a slow and rhythmic massage that starts with a foot bath)
How much: $160 for 60 minutes or $220 for 90 minutes
#05-22 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Seng St., 6222-8080.
Even when it’s scorching hot outside (and when is it ever not?), we’ve always managed to convince ourselves we’re in the dead of winter in Japan at Ikeda Spa Prestige. The award-winning spa chain’s second outlet is set up like a ryokan — complete with stools and running water for scrubdowns ala countryside — and houses an actual onsen, a traditional Japanese bath filled with mountain minerals.
Signature treatment: Geisha organic facial (using nightingale droppings)
How much: $240+ for 90 minutes for facial, $80 for 30-minute soak in onsen
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