Our entry fee of $38 (or $28 for 65 years and above, or 15 or below) allowed us to spend all day at Yunomori Onsen & Spa.

With their friendly and attentive service, the staff made every effort to patiently explain that, among other things, clothes and phones were not allowed in the baths, and long hair had to be tied up.

Upon check-in, we were presented with two towels: one large and one small, the option of disposable black bikini-style undies (which we very much appreciated) and a shower cap, plus the choice of a yukata. Spoiler: the yukatas come in so gorgeous patterns galore, you might find it hard to pick one!

We were allocated a personal locker to store our belongings. All we needed was our locker tag.

First-timers to the onsen would be impressed by the sleek, minimalist interiors, but we dare say, its locker room – with immaculate environs and idyllic ambience – had us believing we were in Japan.

In these hygiene-obsessed times, such attention to cleanliness and tidiness made us feel safe, and excited about hopping into the baths!

With waters of about 38 deg C – bathing at this temperature, according to some studies, can soothe muscle aches and soreness, fend off depression, and improve quality of sleep. So it’s no surprise that the Bubble Bath (above) – with frothy jets of hydrogen-filled micro bubbles – is literally a hot spot at Yunomori Onsen & Spa.

With a slightly higher temperature of 38.5 to 39.5 deg C in the Silk Bath (above), which is said to promote a smooth and silky complexion, we gingerly inched ourselves into it.

As the silky soapy water started to melt away our weariness, we gave ourselves over to the comforting sensation. We were almost reluctant to leave after (the recommended limit of) 20 minutes – yes, consider yourself warned.

With benefits ranging from boosting immunity and blood circulation to opening and unclogging pores, the steam room was also an integral element of our self-care session at Yunomori Onsen & Spa.

In between our transitions to the baths and steam room, we stayed hydrated by taking sips of water from the nearby water cooler.

After all that soaking and steaming, what could possibly soothe us even more? A massage, that’s what. Getting a massage right after onsen bathing helps to relieve remaining tension and knots in the body, hasten physical recovery and deepen one’s state of relaxation.

For this purpose, we asked for the Aroma Oil Massage (90 minutes), a signature treatment at Yunomori Onsen & Spa. The massage promises to ease aches and kinks while calming senses with a therapeutic essential oil of your choice.

Our therapist was a veteran in her field, hitting us in all the right spots with the perfect strokes, rhythm and pressure, making us ooh and aah in our head as we blissed out. Heaven could very well be a place on earth.

Like in the Land of the Rising Sun, food at an onsen is nothing short of hearty. All that soaking and massaging stimulated our circulation and digestive system, making us ravenous. The spread surpassed our expectations and imagination with its variety of options – sashimi, ramen, tempura, soba, oden, udon, and other Nippon staples.

With time to spare post-lunch, we checked into the lounge area and laid on the comfy chaise lounge to daydream about our next vacay and catch up on snooze.

Yunomori Onsen & Spa is located at #02-17/18 1 Stadium Place, tel: 6386-4126. Visit www.yunomorionsen.com for more information.

A Yunomori Onsen & Spa special brought to you by The Singapore Women’s Weekly.

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