With eight spas offering different settings and treatments to choose from, spa lovers are spoilt for choice in Sentosa.
In the last year alone, three have opened there - the Away Spa at W Singapore along Sentosa Cove, Espa at Resorts World Sentosa and Thann Sanctuary at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa.
The others are Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore; Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa; the Spa Botanica at The Sentosa, a Beaufort Hotel; and Spa Republic at Festive Hotel.
There is also Fish Reflexology at Underwater World, where Turkish spa fish nibble on your feet to get rid of dead skin. That is followed by a foot rub.
The idea of escaping to Sentosa for a spa getaway seems to appeal to Singaporeans.
Over at The Away Spa, 70 per cent of the 395 patrons it receives on a monthly average are local.
The Thann Sanctuary kneads and rolls its way through more than 100 guests a month and about 60 per cent of them are based here.
While the Espa declined to reveal the number of spa-goers it treats in a month, it says that 75 per cent of its clientele live here.
And of the 800 guests that the Auriga Spa pampers in a month, about 50 per cent of them are local.
One of them is Ms Michelle Cheong, 40, a director in the financial industry. Whenever she needs to unwind, she makes her way to the Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore.
She visits the spa once a week and spends at least three hours there. First for an hour-long weights training session with a personal trainer at the Auriga Wellness centre, then a 90-minute body rubdown to soothe her sore muscles.
"The Auriga has become a part of my fitness and stress management regimen," says Ms Cheong, who started visiting the spa for her time-outs about a year ago. "Plus, the resort vibe of the island helps me take a mental break without having to fly out of Singapore."
Sometimes, she also checks into the Capella Singapore hotel for a night or two to "take stock of life, meditate and plan the way forward".
Here is a guide to six of the most luxurious spas on the island.
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ESPA
Resorts World Sentosa, tel: 6577-8880
Spread across 10,000 sq m, the Asian flagship of British luxury spa brand Espa has been around for only a year but it has already garnered a handful of titles.
It was on the roll call for the Best Luxury Emerging Spa - Worldwide; Best Luxury Destination Spa - Singapore; and Best Luxury Resort Spa - Singapore at this year's World Luxury Spa Awards.
It boasts Singapore's first and only Turkish-style hammam, a yoga studio, heated and cold pools surrounded by a lush forest, a rock sauna overlooking a garden and amethyst crystal steam rooms.
In May, Espa launched its Day Retreat Packages. So even if one is not staying at the resort, one can enjoy a customised retreat and gain unlimited access to the facilities, fitness and leisure activities.
Daily activities include kick-boxing, cooking, yoga and qigong classes and 2.5km power walks.
We tried: The Intro To Detox Day Retreat Package, $450++ for both a 60-minute treatment and a 45-minute one, and a detoxifying meal at the Tangerine restaurant.
Review: First up, I was taken through a 20-minute consultation session with one of the spa's fitness trainers, Irwin, who asked me about my lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits.
He then dished out useful tips such as how I should sip water, instead of gulping it, to hydrate myself more effectively; and said I should snack on fruit and nuts on days when I'm too busy to have proper meals.
These pointers were not new to me, but I was glad for the reminder.
I also mentioned that I tend to get water retention around my ankles and knees, and Irwin assured me that the therapists would take note of my problem areas.
I did not have breakfast before I went to Espa and opted to have the meal at Tangerine before the rubdowns.
For the starter, I chose a mild-tasting omega 3-, iron- and antioxidant-rich baby spinach broth with king crab and enoki mushroom, which the menu says amounts to 406 calories. I was also given a tasting selection of a refreshing pear crostini with nuts (358 calories) and a wild pepper leaf wrapped around some herbs and walnuts (245 calories).
My main was a lightly cooked salmon with tamarind sauce which melted in my mouth and left a clean taste on my palate.
I washed down the healthy meal with a curative bael fruit-infused tea.
It felt good to start the day with healthy fare.
Afterwards, I chose the Detox Hammam Ritual for my 60-minute treatment, during which the therapist paid extra attention to my knees, calves and ankles - just as Irwin had said.
As I was scrubbed, soaped, massaged and wrapped in a marine mud mask while lying on a heated marble slab, I felt like an Ottoman princess.
The hammam ritual at Espa - which is done in a room with marble walls heated to a comfortable 45deg C - is one of the most indulgent spa sessions I have experienced.
Feeling sleepy after the treatment and with about half an hour before my 45-minute foot reflexology session, I went to the cosy sleep zone corner for a quick snooze.
The reflexology session started off with a footbath infused with a detoxifying juniper berry and cypress bath oil, and salt scrub.
The footrub was done while I was lying on a massage bed, and the skilled therapist gently but firmly kneaded away all the knots and tension in my calves and ankles.
By the end of it, I noticed that all the water retention had been drained from my knees and ankles, and my legs looked slimmer.
As part of the day retreat package, I was given access to the activities lined up for the day.
After my treatments, I was just in time for a kick-boxing class, but was not in the mood to sweat it out after two relaxing sessions of kneading.
So Espa kindly arranged for a one-on-one 30-minute meditation class for me to stretch and learn how to breathe more deeply. It was the perfect ending to five hours of relaxation.
The Intro To Detox package is just one of the four day packages available (priced at $450++ each). If you want to take a day off from work but do not want to leave the country, an Espa day retreat would be a good option.
Tip: Arrive at Espa early; you can participate in any of the activities, which start from 8am. The last class starts at 6pm. Try to go for the cardio classes in the morning before your scheduled massages, so that you can wind down properly by the end of the day.
~ Gladys Chung
Chi, The Spa
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa Island, tel: 6371-1027
Tucked away in a corner of the poolside at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa is the cosy Chi, The Spa.
Although the spa is located close to the pool, it still has a tranquil environment as it is shielded by tall plants. The moment one steps into the spa, noise from the pool is no longer heard.
The spa has 10 treatment rooms, including three rooms for couples, and offers 26 services. There is also an outdoor patio where Thai massages are done.
The spa was formerly called Rasa Spa. It was rebranded as Chi in the middle of this year as part of Shangri-La's effort to streamline its spa establishments worldwide and to give them all the same name. The spa at The Shangri-La Hotel in Orange Grove Road is also called Chi.
Chi's facilities include a steam room and an indoor jacuzzi pool, which you can use before or after your massage.
After your treatment, you can also continue to relax in the spa's relaxation room with a cup of tea and magazines.
Prices start from $78 for a 45-minute foot reflexology treatment.
We tried: The Singapore Massage, $198 for 90 minutes
Review: The massage incorporates Chinese, Malay and Indian elements, to reflect Singapore's three main cultures.
If you like stronger back massages, this is the treatment for you.
Instead of just using her hands, the therapist rolled a bamboo pole across my back. I felt the tension being released as she rolled the bamboo pole for about 15 minutes.
This was then followed by swift sweeping hand motions on my back and legs to dispel negative "qi", which the Chinese believe is unhealthy.
The Malay portion features a progressive massage of the abdomen to improve lymphatic circulation.
The treatment culminates in a very gentle foot massage using a Kansu bowl, made from a blend of copper, zinc and bronze. The bowl, which is used in many ancient Indian massages, is supposed to help eliminate body heat.
Although there was hardly any pressure on my feet, I found myself dozing off as the therapist moved the bowl in circles on the front part of my foot.
For me, one of the highlights was the sweet smelling body balm which was used instead of massage oil. It is from the French brand Themae and is made out of four different types of tea leaves.
I felt thoroughly rejuvenated after the session.
Tip: Don't take a shower immediately after your massage, so that the body balm has a chance to be absorbed into your skin.
~ Stacey Chia
Away spa
W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, tel: 6808-7290
The latest addition to Sentosa's spa offerings, the Away Spa turned one last month.
Like the rest of the stylishly designed W Singapore, the spa has an eclectic vibe.
Instead of greenery, the spa turns the senses on with therapeutic neon lighting, mosaic-tiled vitality pools, sculptures and snazzy, carved wooden walls.
All the products used for the treatments here are from British organic skincare brand Ila. The brand is exclusive to the Away Spa. Prices start from $140++ for a 60-minute body massage.
We tried: The Away Body Treat, $380++ for 120 minutes
Review: The first thing that struck me as I lay down on the treatment bed, was the soothing and calming but somewhat haunting soundtrack.
My therapist informed me that it was music provided by Ila and it was created to go together with the brand's healing organic products, which are made to synchronise one's body with the earth's natural rhythms.
Very New Age-y, I thought.
The session started off with a Himalayan salt crystal scrub blended with argan oil, juniper berry, rose geranium and wild poppy essence. The therapist said it was charged with negative ions to recharge and balance my body.
I was then wrapped in a mud mask.
After I rinsed it off at an adjoining outdoor shower, I was given a gentle body massage with a juniper berry, rose geranium and rosehip seed energising body oil.
With a few spritzes of an energy spray - made with rose hydrolat, wild poppy essence and orange blossom - on my face, I was sent on my way.
After the treatment, I felt a sense of calm. I was also energetic for the rest of the day, despite having had only five hours of sleep the night before.
Tip: Take a soak in the warm vitality pool before the treatment to relax the muscles and get yourself into a relaxed state of mind.
~ Gladys Chung
Thann Sanctuary
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa, tel: 6336-4001
Housed in a two-storey colonial building with wide windows, the spa is a franchise of the Thai brand of spa products and services, Thann.
It started operating at Amara Sanctuary last year.
Fitted with dark timber wood, the relatively small and cosy space is tucked atop a hill that faces the South China Sea.
Its signature treatments incorporate a blend of Thai and other deep tissue massage techniques.
Prices start from $110++ for a 45-minute head, neck and back massage.
We tried: The Nano Shiso Therapy, $290++ for 130 minutes
Review: The treatment started off with a facial. After a double-cleansing ritual, a detoxifying cream mask made with cucumber and rose essential oils was slathered on my face to absorb excess sebum and draw out impurities.
A nourishing oatmeal scrub to get rid of dead surface cells followed.
My favourite part of the treatment was the gentle acupressure massage that relieved tension in my face.
The facial was finished off with a lifting and firming mask.
Heated ricebran oil concocted with rosemary and eucalyptus was used for the relaxing but firm body massage.
The birds singing outside the window completed the experience.
The treatment was much-needed after a stressful week at work and it did not disappoint.
My face looked clearer and brighter, and my pores remained tighter for the next three days.
Tip: Instead of taking the buggy from the Amara Sanctuary to the spa, take a five-minute stroll along the green pathway that leads to the spa and soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings.
~ Gladys Chung
Spa Botanica
The Sentosa, a Beaufort Hotel, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, tel: 6371-1288
Established in 2003, this 6,000 sq m spa offers treatments based on traditional Asian beauty and health practices.
Located on a heritage site (a restored colonial building with lush gardens), it boasts a luxuriant garden with open-air villa massage rooms, a meditation labyrinth encircled by bamboo trees, mud pools, a hydrotherapy bath and waterfall float pools.
Prices start from $165++ for a 60-minute Swedish massage.
We tried: The Herbal Compress Massage, $280++ for 120 minutes
Review: This treatment is designed for stressed-out executives. The herbal compress aims to release the tension in muscles and promote blood circulation.
The compress is essentially a cluster of Kaffir lime leaves, Javanese grapefruit, other herbs and essential oils packed tightly in muslin. It is then steamed and applied to the skin.
Before she massaged each of my body parts, the therapist first gently rolled and tapped the warm compress onto those areas. As she did that, I could feel my tiredness melt away.
The heated herbs also helped to make sure that the massage, though firm, was never painful.
All the knots in my body were gone by the end of the session and my limbs and back felt more supple and flexible.
Tip: You are free to use the labyrinth garden, mud pool, swimming pool and waterfall float pool when you pay for a treatment at Spa Botanica.
Arrive at least an hour earlier, slather on some nutrient-rich mud, meditate in the labyrinth as you wait for the mud to dry, then wash it off and go for your treatment. Afterwards, go for a refreshing dip in the cool pool.
~ Gladys Chung
Auriga Spa
Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, tel: 6591-5023
Started in 2009, the spa is named after the auriga constellation in the northern hemisphere. There, the capella star is the brightest.
The spa also designs its signature treatments around the phases of the moon - New Moon, for renewal; Waxing Moon, to refocus energies; Full Moon, to maximise potential; and Waning Moon, for cleansing.
The sanctuary's facilities include a herbal steam room, an indoor vitality jacuzzi pool and a private outdoor garden for each treatment room.
Prices start from $170++ for a 60-minute facial.
This year, Auriga Spa was named one of the finest five-star properties in the world by Forbes Travel Guide.
We tried: The Auriga Detox Day package, $499++ for four hours of pampering and a healthy meal at The Knolls restaurant
Review: Before the marathon massage session started, I was given a glass of warm lemon juice and a cup of hot cleansing herbal tea concocted with honeysuckle, hawthorn and brown sugar.
After a quick round of dry body brushing to boost my blood circulation, the therapist exfoliated my body with a detoxifying seaweed and eucalyptus salt scrub.
This was followed by a 45-minute seaweed mud wrap and a comforting head massage.
As the moon was in its waning phase at the time, I was then given a 90-minute detoxifying but gentle lymphatic drainage rubdown with an oil made of rosemary, juniper berry and fennel.
To finish off, I had a 60-minute deep cleansing facial, which includes extraction and a seaweed clay mask to draw out impurities.
I was starving by the end of the back-to-back massages and was thankful for a wholesome meal at The Knolls restaurant.
The delicious and healthy Mediterranean octopus salad and claypot-baked vegetable quinoa were satisfying and provided the perfect end to the pampering experience.
I felt energised for the rest of the day - despite not having a good rest the night before - and noticed that my waist and back looked more defined.
The Auriga Detox Day package would be a perfect birthday present or pre-wedding treat.
Tip: Arrive at the spa at least 30 minutes earlier for a soak in the vitality pool and give yourself an hour to finish the meal. So set aside around six hours for this treatment.
~ Gladys Chung
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