Reducing aches, soreness and tension. Improving circulation, energy and sleep. Lowering heart rate and blood pressure. There’s so much to love about massages! Because massage strokes may range from light stroking to deep pressure, and from slow to moderate and brisk tempos, it’s important to find a style that works for you.
For example, the Swedish massage is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes and soothing circular movements to make you feel relaxed and energised, while the deep tissue massage employs slower and more forceful moves to unknot the kinks in your muscles and tissues that may have resulted from overuse or injuries.
To help you find the massage of your dreams, we sent testers to try out a variety of relaxing treatments.
Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at Shangri-La Singapore’s Chi, The Spa, with their Healing Himalayan Hot Salt Stone Massage. Allow the highly skilled therapists to take you on a sensory journey through the heart of Asia, where ancient healing traditions and modern serenity converge.
Feel your tension melt away with the use of heated natural salt stone crystals. Considered the purest and most beneficial salt on earth, it contains 84 naturally-occurring minerals and salts. Combined with a harmonious fusion of traditional Asian techniques, expertly curated to provide you with a profound sense of restoration and balance. Feel the soothing touch of Thai pressure point therapy, the graceful strokes of Balinese and Malaysian massage, and the gentle manipulation of Chinese energy flow. Once the spa is done, you’ll definitely discover a renewed sense of vitality and tranquility coursing through your entire body.
If you sign up for the spa-tea package, you’ll also be able to indulge in an indulgent 3-tier local afternoon tea experience at Lobby Lounge. Feast in a Singaporean-themed high tea set with local delights such as Gula Melaka Cake, Ondeh Ondeh, Kueh Rainbow Lapis for the sweets and Seafood Otah Mousseline, Hae Bee Hiam with Spanish Tuna sandwiches and Hickory Smoked Salmon with Nyonya Achar Seaweed Roulade. Wash it all down with a warm and comforting drink of teh tarik.
Check out our experience on TikTok here.
$240 for 90 minutes (price is not inclusive of high-tea)
Chi, The Spa, 22 Orange Grove Road, Shangri-La Singapore Garden Wing L1, Tel: +65 6213 4818
Whether you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, or simply looking to indulge yourself with a short getaway Oasia Resort Sentosa promises a rejuvenating experience.
Nestled within Oasia Resort Sentosa and the first spa destination by Far East Hospitality is Oasia Spa, a sanctuary of healing and relaxation with Asian-inspired signature treatments.
To celebrate its second anniversary, the spa is offering a handful of exclusive promotions, valid from Monday to Friday in September. From an indulgent body massage to body exfoliation and more, allow yourself to experience a pampering spa treatment like never before.
Experience Blissful Rejuvenation with The Rejuvenate Experience. This treatment consists of a pampering body exfoliation, followed by an indulgent 60-minute Oasia Signature Massage. Designed for city dwellers who find it difficult to relax, this deep relaxation massage releases tension and muscular pain with a unique blend of Asian techniques such as traditional Thai massage, Shiatsu and Gua Sha. The massage therapist also uses a unique blend of essential oil which you’ll be able to choose from upon a sensory test. Complete your journey with a delectable 3-course Wellness Meal, specially crafted to nourish your body and soul.
$225++ for a 30-minute body exfoliation, 60-minute massage and a three course wellness meal
Oasia Spa at Oasia Resort Sentoa, 23 Bch Vw Rd, #01-03 Palawan Ridge, 098679
Unwind completely with this stress-reliever that starts with a scalp massage. This is followed by the ultimate deep tissue massage, using powerful, specialised massage techniques that target stiff areas in the neck, shoulders and lower back. You will emerge supple and re-energised.
$306 for 90 minutes (Mondays to Thursday sometimes have a special offer price, so do ask)
The Fullerton Spa, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, Tel: +65 6877 8182 / 8183
The trip out to Sentosa island builds anticipation and this spa doesn’t disappoint. It’s modern yet timeless, with garden views for every treatment room. This innovative massage is completely bespoke – therapists tailor the treatment according to your specific needs, and it’s customised with your choice of warm oil and pressure. You’re guaranteed to float out of the door.
$260 for 90 minutes; $320 for 120 minutes
Auriga Spa, Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa, Tel: +65 6591 5075
This luxurious spa has five single rooms overlooking Chinatown and one couple suite, all scented with the spa’s signature fragrance. The deep tissue massage melts away stress and knots in your back, shoulders and legs, and you are pampered by excellent before and after hospitality, which includes warm or cool drinks and light bites. Sitting on the 35th floor with views of Marina Bay, you will feel rather heavenly.
$160 for 60 minutes; $220 for 90 minutes
Heavenly Spa by Westin, Level 35, The Westin Singapore. 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Tel: +65 6922 6977
This newly-renovated spa was designed by famed New York interior firm, Champalimaud, and it boasts seven treatment suites, including a private couple suite. Each room is named after a particular gemstone – and you’ll even be greeted with a glass of gemstone-infused water. The Sumatra Healing Ceremony uses ancient organic herbs and deep tissue massage techniques to exfoliate your skin and rub away tension. You leave feeling ready to take on the world.
$630 for 120 minutes
Raffles Spa, Raffles Hotel, #01-31 to #01-36, 328 North Bridge Rd, Tel: +65 6412 1377
If your shoulders and neck feel as hard as a rock after a day of work, you’ll enjoy this therapeutic massage. Firm strokes with heavy pressure help to realign knotted muscles and connective tissues. The strokes are similar to the soothing Swedish massage style, but they are slower and concentrate on the painful areas of your body to relieve tension.
$68 for 60 minutes
Jean Yip Loft, 307 New Bridge Road, Tel: +65 6325 7307
The name says it all. Sometimes you just want a traditional reflexology-based body massage – and this spa delivers. Therapists know how to press on pressure points and smooth out knotted muscles. Traditional reflexology can be a little painful sometimes, but here you can ask the therapists to press more gently if you prefer. The spa is dim and calming, just what you need to feel at ease.
$56 for 60 minutes; $112 for 120 minutes
Feet Haven Reflexology has two locations:
Katong, 136 East Coast Road, #01-01, Tel: +65 6344 7311
Ubi, 304 Ubi Avenue 1, #01-125, Tel: +65 6904 2022
Inner Harmony designs its own fusion body treatments that are inspired by Asian and European traditions, while blending the principles of Traditional Chinese Philosophy with technology. Spa Trex is an aromatic massage with non-invasive neuro stimulation (ie pressure point stimulation) that targets aches and pains. A great combination of human touch and technology that left our tester feeling “very relaxed”.
$180 for 60 minutes
Inner Harmony Day Spa, 25 North Bridge Rd, #03-02/03, Tel: +65 6841 9926
The Loft has it all: hairdressing, facial, massage, spa, manicure and pedicure for both men and women, a cafe and an event space. The Wellness Detox Massage uses long, smooth strokes and finger press techniques to improve blood flow to vital organs. The long strokes also open up your muscles, and improve blood circulation to aid with detoxification.
$68 for 60 minutes
Jean Yip Loft, 307 New Bridge Road, Tel: +65 6325 7307
TCM techniques such as acupressure are fused into this deep tissue massage, to promote the flow of “qi” in the body and aid healing, besides dissolving muscle tension. Our tester loved the cleanliness and spotlessness of the ION Orchard outlet she visited, and that “the therapist knew what she was doing, and kneaded out the knots from my tight shoulders and neck”.
$128 for 60 minutes
The flagship Spacio Aesthetics outlet is at NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, #04-23, Tel: +65 6262 3737. There are 10 other outlets in Singapore: Bedok Mall, Bugis Junction, Bukit Panjang Plaza, Causeway Point, Clementi, ION Orchard, Jurong Point, Northpoint City, Parkway Parade Medical Centre, and Tampines 1.
If there’s one time you really need a relaxing massage, it’s when you are pregnant and your body is hurting in strange places. At COMO Shambala, pregnant women are cocooned in place with pregnancy massage cushions that gently support your body and bump. The massage gently eases soreness and tightness in every possible spot, and improves blood circulation and mobility. The treatment ends with a floral foot bath and a facial massage. Suitable for women after the first trimester.
$200 for 60 minutes
COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Rd, #06-01/02, Tel: +65 6304 3552
This article was first published on Singapore Women’s Weekly.