Early mornings, long bus/MRT rides, back-to-back meetings, endless phone calls, pending immediate-action-required work reports… If this sounds like your every day, then it’s time to give your mind and body a break with these tried-and-tested body treatments and massages. Feeling a little fancier than usual? Then go ahead and reward yourself with the extra indulgent top-to-toe spa rituals that will melt away any stress or tension you may have.
Photo: Gallery Stock
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Contour Shaper Tri-active Body Treatment ($185 for 60min)
At Clarins Skin Spa, #05-05/06/07 Wheelock Place (tel: 6838-5060)
Clarins’ signature massage technique, which combines long and short strokes, works together with its salon-only products boasting highly concentrated plant extracts that are meant to firm skin, improve microcirculation and reportedly hasten fat removal. The Thermo-activated Contouring Mask, applied on the legs to tighten skin, may feel warm or cool, depending on the individual. The session left our skin looking supple and smooth, with cellulite appearing diminished.
Photo: Clarins
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Z Wave Pro ($428 for 10min)
At Prive Aesthetics, #03-02 Palais Renaissance (tel: 6737-0755)
We spent the first 10 seconds getting used to the loud, rapid ticking noise as high-energy sound waves were delivered into the skin, targeting connective tissue to supposedly improve skin’s firmness and elasticity, and speed up collagen regeneration. All we felt was a mild tingling – much like tiny ant bites – even on sensitive areas such as the inner thighs.
Photo: Prive Aesthetics
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Acoustic Radial Therapy ($430 for 35min)
At Bella Marie France (previously known as Marie France Bodyline); log on to www.bellamariefrance.com.sg or call 1800-777-7111 for outlet locations.
Radial waves and vacuum technology aim to help break down fat cells and boost lymphatic drainage respectively, reducing the look of cellulite while improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Photo: Bella Marie France
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Aromatherapy Massage ($149.80 for 60min)
At Spa Symphony, #B2-50/51, 313@Somerset (tel: 6636-8878)
We dozed off during this oh-so-relaxing session. The massage features grapefruit essential oil, said to aid detoxification and protect against inflammation. Its citrusy scent, coupled with the therapist’s deft fingerwork and tranquil surrounds, made this a soothing experience for wearied senses.
Photo: Spa Symphony
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Classic Scentsational Massage ($117.70 for 60min; $160.50 for 90min)
At Spa Esprit, #05-10 Paragon (tel: 6836-0500)
Pick from 16 essential oil blends with calming, detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. The massage started with gentle stretching, after which the therapist employed long, flowing Swedish strokes, kneading Indonesian movements, and relaxing Hawaiian techniques that combine rubbing, pressing and squeezing motions, to relieve tired muscles and help improve oxygen, blood and lymphatic circulation. Super blissful.
Photo: Spa Esprit
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Stress Relief Massage ($175.37 for 60min; $234.22 for 90min)
At Spa Retreat, Level 6 One Farrer Hotel & Spa (tel: 6705-7850)
This invigorating massage uses acupressure techniques, where medium and hard pressures are applied to pressure points to provide relieve from stress and tension. The spa’s spacious, resort-like decor and facilities – including a heated pool, an onsen, a steam room and a gym – gave us plenty of reason to linger post-treatment.
Photo: One Farrer Hotel & Spa
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Anma Deep Tissue Massage ($171.20 for 60min; $214 for 90min)
At Ikeda Spa Prestige, #05-22 Clarke Quay Central (tel: 6388-8080)
The therapist applied just the right amount of pressure and used firm strokes to loosen knots in the body. Our tense back muscles, in particular, benefited from the session. We enjoyed a rested, feel-good buzz for the next few days.
Photo: Ikeda Spa Prestige
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Hot Lapis Stone Massage ($235.40 for 60min; $329.56 for 90min)
At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Level 1 The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (tel: 6434-5203)
Heated lapis lazuli stones, a massage oil and the therapist’s deft strokes made this a truly indulgent, relaxing massage that relieved sore, tired muscles.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Spa
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Alicante Hot & Cold Stone Massage ($200 for 75min)
At St. Gregory Spa, Level 4 Pan Pacific Singapore (tel: 6336-8111)
Hot stones were used to kickstart the lymphatic system, and cold stones – used in the later part of the massage on the legs – helped improve circulation. The massage loosened all our kinks and left us feeling recharged.
Photo: St. Gregory Spa
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Heavenly Massage ($188.32 for 60min; $258.94 for 90min)
At Heavenly Spa by Westin, Level 35 The Westin Singapore (tel: 6922-6977)
Comprising a warm foot ritual, a scrub using Dead Sea mineral salt and mint, a heated compress, and a full-body massage that draws on Swedish techniques, this left us blissfully rested.
Photo: The Westin Singapore
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Cello Concerto ($1035.76 for 60min)
At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Level 1 The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (tel: 6434-5203)
This pampering session in the opulent Ritz-Carlton Spa Suite included a live cello performance of Mozart and Debussy pieces. Amazingly, the therapist’s strokes synchronised with the music – they became faster and lighter when the music picked up pace, and were slower and deeper with the lulls. Post-massage, we hopped into a private jacuzzi for half an hour of us-time.
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Spa
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Royal Banyan ($624 for 150min)
At Banyan Tree Spa, Level 55 Marina Bay Sands Hotel (tel: 6688-8825)
Get ready to be lulled into the zen zone with the pampering treats – a body scrub, face-body massages – that make up this spa ritual, enjoyed in soothing, wood-accented environs. The body massage, which features a warm herbal pouch dipped in sesame oil, aims to improve blood circulation while working out all the kinks in the muscles.
Photo: Banyan Tree Spa
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Full Moon. The Height. ($517.88 for 180min)
At Auriga Spa, Level 1 Capella Singapore (tel: 6591-5023)
Stop and smell the roses – and we mean that literally. This treatment draws on the flower’s much-vaunted scent, which many believe elevates the mood and invokes positive thoughts. Rose oil on our feet; a rose oil-infused exfoliating salt; a rose wrap; a lymphatic facial using rose crystals – how much more luxurious can your day at the spa get?
Photo: Capella Singapore
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My 4-in-1 Floral Body Spa Indulgence ($168 for 75min)
At My Cozy Room Boutique Spa, 56A Cairnhill Road (tel: 6732-0030)
This begins with a back scrub and follows with a lava hot stone therapy to eliminate the stiffness in the neck and back that afflicts many who are desk-bound. Also on the cards: a full-body massage, which rejuvenates tired muscles, and a Crystal Eye Massage, which reduces puffiness and alleviates strained eyes. (You may also want to check out how you can make your face smaller with facial massage.) We dozed off several times during the session.
Photo: My Cozy Room
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This story first appeared in the July 2017 issue of Her World magazine.
