You woke up on the wrong side of the bed. You bought a new pillow that didn’t feel quite right. You sneezed. You bent over to pick up your child. Do you feel that strain at the neck? Perhaps down the shoulders, and further down the lower back? As we age, every small and big thing seems to leave our bodies aching. The stress in our lives are probably not going away, but these invigorating massages will soothe tight, strained muscles, and let you make the most out of every day.
Spa by JW, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, Tel: 6818 1939
One for the aromatherapy fan, this massage is designed to offer relief to tired, tense, achy muscles. The therapist uses specially formulated body oil from the Sothys Paris aromatherapy line for this relaxing massage. You get to choose from the uplifting, citrus-y “Lemon and Petitgrain Sensorial Escape”, or the rejuvenating, musky and woody “Orange Blossom and Cedar Wood Sensorial Escape”, and you’ll like that the oil leaves the skin well-moisturised as well. After your treatment, head to the locker room to unwind in the steam room and the jacuzzi.
Four Seasons Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Tel: 6734 1110
Perfect for those who are particular about scent and oils used, this sensorial experience begins with a foot soak, and goes on to the massage. The knead-down combines Swedish effleurage strokes, Chinese acupressure and Balinese massage techniques along with the use of L’Occitane Aromachologie Massage Oil. This moisturising oil is a concoction of sweet almond oil, and essential oils of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium.
Ikeda Spa Prestige, #05-22 Clarke Quay Central, Tel: 6388 8080
Good for before or after a vigorous workout, this body massage combines strong pressure and slow, firm strokes to loosen knots and ease tense muscles. To help you unwind further, opt for the 30-minute soak in the spa’s onsen-style public bathhouse before your massage for $80+. The tub is made from hinoki cypress wood which has anti-bacterial properties, minerals and essential oils, and is said to help promote deep relaxation and improve sluggish circulation before your scheduled appointment.
Lush Spa, 80 Mt Pleasant Rd, Singapore Polo Club, Tel: 6254 9091
An oil-free acupressure massage where the therapist uses fingers and elbows to give you an invigorating knead. The therapist would give you a brief run-through on the treatment, and would constantly check to find out if you were good with the pressure and if you were feeling cold. You know how certain therapists would unknowingly (we hope not) leave certain parts of your body exposed to the air-conditioning? That would never happen here. You’ll be kept warm and fuzzy throughout. While this small, unpretentious spa may not be as luxurious as the big players, you’ll love the warm, friendly service, and how the staff doesn’t rush you even if you were running late.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Level 1 The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, Tel: 6434 5203
The therapist spread massage oil over the body, and pairs heated lapis lazuli stones and deft strokes of moderate to deep pressure to relieve sore muscles. The stones are just warm enough and comfortable to touch even for those with sensitive skin. If you’re feeling really sore, request for the therapist to give your body a stretch. After the massage, unwind some more at the darkened, post-treatment room, sitting in one of the zero gravity chairs and indulging in seaweed-infused dark chocolate, or take a dip in the Jacuzzi pool. You’ll also appreciate that the showers come with ESPA bath essentials.
Spa Retreat, Level 6 One Farrer Hotel & Spa, Tel: 6705 7850
You’re not going to fall asleep during this hard massage treatment. You’re going to be in a lot of pain and you’re going to like it. Sounds crazy? Designed to help you break down subcutaneous fats and eliminate water retention, the therapist warms up your body with a series of presses and kneading using her hands before using a hinoki (wooden) tool as an extension of her hands to unravel the tightest of muscle strain and to get rid of water retention. This intensely invigorating massage works to concentrate on areas where there’s stubborn fat and poor circulation, such as the upper arms, waist, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, and calves.
Heavenly Spa by Westin, Level 35 The Westin Singapore, Tel: 6922 6977
Starting with a warm foot soak, scrub and rub-down, the therapist starts the full body massage with short and fast strokes, and adds acu-point and kneading techniques along the session. This treatment is said to remove toxins, boost blood and lymph circulation, and relieve fatigue from the body as well as alleviate tensions. Organic spa products from Thermae are used. The spa has separate female and male spa facilities that include an aromatherapy steam bath, an experience rain shower and a whirlpool.
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Singapore, Tel: 6431 5600
Ideal for women, the massage features organic ginger oil that helps warm the body and relieve aching muscles to counter body aches, cramps and water retention before their period. The energising essential oils of ginger and coriander invigorate the senses while nourishing sunflower oil moisturises the skin. Its uplifting scent, coupled with the therapist’s deft fingerwork, made this a soothing experience for wearied senses
Aramsa The Garden Spa, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2, Tel: 6456 6556
This body massage is suitable for those who have extremely sore or stiff muscles. The therapist uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of the muscles. This helps boost blood and lymph circulation, softening the tissues to transport you to a state of deep relaxation. You would also love the relaxing resort settings with lush greenery at this spa, and you love it even more if you don’t have to step out of Singapore to enjoy this ambience. Located within Bishan Park, Aramsa has a charming garden ambience that blends seamlessly into the park. It also hosts a hair salon and a yoga studio.
Auriga Spa, Level 1 Capella Singapore, Tel: 6591 5023
You get an invigorating full body massage complete with heated beds, lush setting, skilled massage strokes and welcoming service. Auriga Spa also has one of the best spa facilities: you get a spacious setting that houses a herbal steam room, ice fountain, an inviting vitality (Jacuzzi) pool where bubbles are never too loud and water doesn’t overflow, experience showers, and relaxation lounge with enough bath towels and bottled water to rehydrate. We also love the thoughtful amenities: Aesop hand wash and lotions, as well as two Dyson Supersonic hair dryers at the locker room areas. Bliss.
