The boom in our spa industry has seen a spate of places that cater to women with indulgent pampering services. But, for the intrepid male, it seems like there are very few spa services catering specifically to men. Here are some of the places where a guy can get a good massage, body scrub or even a facial, in a suitably masculine environment, without being annoyed by all those frilly girly extras.
The Hidden Place
40 Tras St., 6224-3835.
Tucked away in the Tanjong Pagar area, The Hidden Place is a perfect sanctuary to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. Facials, body scrubs, masks, reflexology and depilation (hair removal) treatments are available for all skin types. The signature body massage ($88 for 60 minutes, $108 for 90 minutes) incorporates a moisturizer- base of sunflower, avocado and wheat germ with several essential oils for a soothing aromatherapy treatment. For a bit of everything, indulge in the THP Signature Body Deluxe II ($208)—a three and a half-hour pampering that includes body scrub, body mask and massage, as well as a foot rub. Relaxation doesn’t end with the treatment—there are alfresco bathrooms and the lounge is a lovely place to chill out in before stepping back out into the real world. Open Tue-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.
Synergy
4/F, Living Space, 17 Hong Kong St., 6534-0340.
At 10,000 square feet, Synergy, formerly known as Private Space, is one of Singapore’s largest spas devoted to men. Signature treatments include the fusion massage ($85 for 60 minutes, $125 for 90 minutes)—encompassing shiatsu, Swedish, Thai and sports massage techniques—and the heat wave back treatment ($45), which uses beeswax, essential oils and vitamin E to improve blood circulation and relieve tension. New treatments are developed every month—check out the newly launched Hawaiian Lomi Lomi ($125 for 60 minutes, $155 for 90 minutes), a full-body massage using an ancient technique to soothe nerves and melt away stress. The steam room is a great place to relax in between cold and hot treatments or head to the Car Wash, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, to relieve those aching muscles. Open daily 11am-11pm.
For HIM Men’s Spa
#01-104/105 Roxy Square Shopping Centre II, 50 East Coast Rd., 6337-8333; #06-02 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6339-8333.
This one-stop spot for the busy man offers facial, slimming and spa services. Guests can be pampered with a two and a half-hour spa session ($300) that includes a body scrub, massage, a cream or mud wrap along with a trip to the steam bath or a dip in the Jacuzzi. For something a little less traditional, try the healing bamboo spa session ($350), which uses bamboo to relieve muscle tension and increase circulation. Signature treatments like microdermabrasion ($180) and intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation ($350) can be a little pricey, but state-of-the-art equipment is used to rid skin of blemishes or combat cellulite. Good news for first-time customers: Try these treatments for just $18. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm.
Thomas D’Esthetique
#03-01 Excelsior Hotel & Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman St., 6337-6858.
A welcome retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, Thomas D’Esthetique has treatments ranging from electrotherapy and exfoliation to facials and massages. The hair removal therapy is especially popular—tame gnarly hairs with a waxing treatment (from $40) or a Brazilian wax (from $50), or ask about the various methods of permanent hair removal. For those looking to recover from baking in our brutal sun, try the enzyme facial treatment ($95), which uses vitamin C and other healing ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8:30pm.
Spa Oasis
#01-704, Blk 844, Eunos Ville, Sims Ave., 6741-1967.
Though not an exclusively men-only spa, there are still specialized men’s treatments available here. Their signature men’s facial is the deep purifying face treatment ($80) which combats oiliness, prevents shaving irritation and unwanted in-grown hairs. It comes with an invigorating scalp massage to relieve accumulated tension. There’s also the Gentlemen’s De-Stress Body Glow ($60), a full body exfoliation and massage of 40 minutes to help unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Open Tue-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
Sense Studio
48D, Mosque St., 6247-7433.
Taking traditional Chinese medicine’s five-element concept of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, Sense Studio’s five element facial ($65) seeks to determine the root cause of skin problems. A first-time application of a clay mask and a subsequent analysis reveal the problematic skin areas. Selected facial masks suited for each individual’s skin condition and problems are subsequently applied. Round off the Sense experience with a 35-minute five element hair spa treatment ($40) for a healthy and shiny scalp. Open daily 12:30-10:30pm.
Urban Homme
#01-14 The Amara, 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6227-6626.
Urban Homme has a wide range of services available, from spa treatments to facials and slimming services. However, it is more of a skin and weight control establishment than a spa. Tone up that beer gut with the beer belly trimming program ($185) or bring a healthy glow to stressed out, lackluster complexions with a 90-minute aroma essence face massage ($220). There are spa services available, though, such as the aromatherapy spa body massage ($120), a full-body Swedish massage. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
