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Under $50: Ancient Dynasty Spa Deep Tissue Oil Massage, $48 for 60 minutes
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Ideal for those with chronic aches and tension, this deep tissue massage uses firm and long strokes to loosen stiff muscles. Depending on your problem areas, your skilled masseuse kneads at your shoulders, back, thighs and arms. This improves your body’s circulation and is also linked to the production of happy hormones, which further help to lower stress levels in the body. While the place isn’t fancy, it is clean and the therapists here are well-skilled so you can expect to feel energised post-massage.
You can also request for add-on remedies like hot stones, cupping or a body scrub at an additional fee. With such affordable prices (promotion ends on Dec 31), it’s an ideal place for a fuss-free fix whenever you’re feeling tense. Available at 13 Upper East Coast Road, tel: 6636 3777; 5 Thong Soon Avenue, tel: 6458 4948.
Under $80: Healthland Traditional Thai Massage, $60 for 60 minutes
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This is unlike most massage techniques where your masseuse basically does all the work. Traditional Thai massage also comprises stretching movements that involve the customer, which not only alleviates tension and boosts vitality, but also helps restore flexibility and mobility to stiff joints. Performed dry and without the use of massage oils or balms, Thai massage is a combination of deep tissue techniques and assisted stretching where the customer is dressed in loose, comfortable clothing.
Staffed with experienced therapists, you can ascertain how popular this place is as the reception area is constantly shuffling with activity as customers come and go. You’ll be led to a room lined with mattresses and pillows, and after you get changed, all you have to do is lie back and feel your tension melt away as your therapist works on your muscles, kneading and stretching them to restore energy flow. Available at 252A South Bridge Road, tel: 6221 3376.
Under $150: COMO Shambhala Massage, $150 for 60 minutes
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Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Orchard Road shopping belt, Como Shambhala is easily accessible but yet makes you feel like you’ve entered an urban retreat. In addition to massages, the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape also offers yoga, pilates, life coaching and naturopathy classes, as well as a retail space, making it your go-to wellness destination. For a holistic experience, opt for the COMO Shambhala Massage, a fully customisable treatment protocol to meet all your well-being needs.
According to your areas of concern, the therapist combines various massage techniques to realign your body and restore a sense of calm to your mind. Plus, only COMO Shambhala’s signature blended massage oils are used to further soothe your senses. Available at COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, #06-01/02 Delfi Orchard, tel: 6304 3552.
Under $200: Lush Spa Lush Stones, $180 for 90 minutes
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From the moment you entire the premises of Lush Spa, it feels like you’re transported to a resort spa in Thailand or Indonesia. With the sound of trickling water and the subtle scent of aromatherapy essential oils, your senses are soothed as you leave your stress at the door. Ask for the Lush Stones treatment, an ache-relieving massage that combines the use of therapeutic hot stones with deep and long strokes in a medium to firm pressure.
Ideal for those with chronic tension and stiffness in their muscles, this breaks up lactic acid that has accumulated in muscle tissue to relieve aches while promoting better circulation. You can also ask for the muscle relief oil at an additional fee to further aid in reducing muscle tension. Available at Singapore Polo Club, 80 Mount Pleasant Road, tel: 6254 9091.
Under $300: Ikeda Spa Match-a Made In Heaven, $248+ for 120 minutes
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For a Japanese spa experience, book yourself a session of Ikeda Spa’s Match-a Made In Heaven. As its name suggests, the key ingredient of this experience is none other than green tea. An ingredient that is commonly used in skincare products, the polyphenol-rich ingredient is also widely consumed as a health drink and needs no introduction. Harnessing the benefits of green tea, this treatment first begins with a 30-minute matcha body scrub to slough away dead skin cells while infusing it with antioxidants to keep environmental damage at bay.
Then, a 60-minute massage ensues as your therapist kneads away aches and tension in your muscles with a combination of Eastern and Western techniques. No treatment at Ikeda Spa is complete without a dip in the Sento Hinoki Onsen, to infuse skin with essential minerals that will leave skin healthier and more resilient. Available at Ikeda Spa Prestige, #05-22 Clarke Quay Central, tel: 6388 8080.
Over $500: The Spa At Mandarin Oriental Singapore Fragrant Pearl, $510 for 2 hours 50 minutes
For the ultimate in luxury pampering, splurge on this lavish treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Decked out in a melange of opulent hues and fabrics, the space is luxurious without being ostentatious and puts you at ease right at once. Beginning with a orchid body scrub to lift dead skin cells, your skin feels softer and smoother, ready for the infusion of essential nutrients from the pearl body wrap.
After rinsing off the residue, your journey of relaxation continues with a full body infusion massage comprising Swedish and Shiatsu massage that not only works out the knots in your muscles but also enhances a general sense of balance so you emerge well-rested and revitalised. Available at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, tel: 6885 3533.
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