It was a tough job but, dedicated to finding the best for our readers, we submitted ourselves to scrubs, facials and massages to find the ultimate in luxury treatments. These are places where you get more than just a massage and an exotic tea. Here’s where you should come to be pampered and pummeled like a millionaire (with the price tags to match).
Spa Botanica
2 Bukit Manis Rd., The Sentosa Resort and Spa, 6371-1318
This spa has the best outdoor facilities of any in Singapore—hands down. There are outdoor pavilions (each with its own Jacuzzi or Japanese spa), a flotation pool, deck chairs—and a facility where guests can cake themselves in mud, bake in the sun, and then wash it all off. Best of all, these can be used for as long as you like on the day of the treatment. To really splurge, there’s the Spa Botanica suite, which has a Jacuzzi, lounge area, and balcony. The array of treatments on the menu is astounding (there’s the Vichy shower, a special Thai massage room and a solid bronze bath, to name just a few), but perhaps its most distinctive treatment is the Galaxy Steam Bath ($95). In this steam room, four people relax as three types of mud and the steam from the Turkish style “oven” work their magic. But this is not for the bashful, as the only clothing worn are the disposable paper knickers.
For May, Spa Botanica is offering a 15 percent discount on five different treatments including their latest New Mother’s Retreat two-and-a-half hour treatment ($280 before discount) and the three-and-a-quarter hour Expectant Mother’s Treatment ($350 before discount).
The Oriental Spa
5/F The Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave., Marina Square, 6885-3533
It’s all about creating a feeling of peace at The Oriental Spa. Dark wood panels, dim lighting and Oriental architectural features give the spa a feeling of calm to keep guests relaxed and at peace. And get ready, because they really know how to massage here. Unlike many other places, where the massage is either far too hard to be relaxing or too gentle and tactile to have any effect on the muscles, these therapists use a firm yet delicate touch to achieve the optimal balance between working the muscles and still giving you a pleasurable experience. There is a brief interlude when the therapists try to tempt customers to buy retail products, but it’s worth putting up with this annoyance to chill out in the soothing relaxation area where you can enjoy some fresh fruit while listening to relaxing music in a private mini-booth.
Until May 14 The Oriental Spa is offering three different Mother’s Day packages ranging from the 90-minute Tranquility treatment ($65) to the 135-minute Harmony treatment ($300).
RafflesAmrita Spa
6/F Raffles The Plaza, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-5600
At RafflesAmrita Spa, it is the little things that make a difference. Its most luxurious treatment is the Anti-Aging Caviar Facial. Although you might gasp at the price (a cool $280), this goes well beyond a standard facial. The treatment includes two masks, an enzyme peel, pore extraction and a light massage. Especially nice are the thoughtful details, like wrapping the feet in warm towels during one of the masks. These little touches are what really distinguish the RafflesAmrita’s treatments from others on offer in the market. Afterwards a darkened relaxation lounge awaits, but we prefer the hot spa, steam room and cold plunge pool. They are located in the changing areas, but after a prolonged relaxing pampering one barely even notices this peculliarity.
Until May 31 RafflesAmrita Spa is offering a special Mother’s Day spa package ($210) that includes a 55-minute aroma massage, a 70-minute facial, a 20-minute milk hand treatment and a scalp massage.
SK-II Boutique Spa
Senze Salus, 31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9168
Perhaps the best way to decide if luxury skincare brand SK-II is worth its price tag is to try out a facial at their spa. Here, skin treatments use the Pitera-laden SK-II products and therapists recommend those that are best for the customer’s skin type. Skin treatments start with an analysis of skin type and condition using a camera linked to a computer screen to highlight problem areas. Treatment beds come with vibrating massage facilities which, despite being a little weird, are actually quite relaxing. Their signature treatment is the Senzational Facial ($218) that lasts for 100 minutes and includes a 55-step massage on the face, neck and shoulders. The boutique spa has also just introduced a range of body treatments, their signature being the Aromatic Indulgence massage ($148 for 60 minutes, $198 for 90 minutes) using Australian certified organic evening primrose essential oil. It’s also worth checking out the new more convenient range of LXP products.
Throughout May, SK-II Boutique Spa is offering a Mother’s Day Up-Lifting Package ($158) which uses a biotechnology instrument to stimulate facial tissue, helping to regain a youthful appearance.
St. Gregory
#08-01 Novena Square Shopping Mall, 238 Thomson Rd., 6298-2234
St. Gregory has earned a reputation as one of the most exclusive spas in town with good reason: Although spa users can pay an additional fee for access, most of the facilities here are reserved for members. Filled with natural light, it’s hard to believe this is humble Novena Square when you step inside. Touted as both a gym and a spa, there is a large workout area and small studios for intimate classes limited to 10 people. The pool has a spa section with jets along the entire body, while around the pool various water features provide massage for different parts of the body. The treatment rooms without a view are nothing spectacular but those with the windows definitely give you a reason to try to keep your eyes open during your treatment. Members also have unlimited access to the oxygen lounges, which are replenished periodically with food and tea. Try their Japanese Jacuzzi baths or the traditional Ayurvedic treatments in the specially designed room.
St Gregory is offering a Mother’s Day Revival Retreat package ($460) that includes the aromapure signature facial treatment, a luxury hand and feet treatment, and a bottle of Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Available until May 21 at all St Gregory outlets except Marina Mandarin.
