3 Relaxing Asian-Inspired Massages To Try
While flopping onto your bed is relaxing after a long day’s work, there’s nothing more satisfying than a good massage. While the treatment is known for a whole host of benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing muscle tension and even increasing immunity, Asian massages are often more effective thanks to their strong, targeted strokes. Here, we bring you three of our favourite Asian spas to wind down.
Spa Esprit Tui Na Massage
Our tester, who’s a greenhorn when it comes to spa treatments, was happy to learn that this doesn’t use oil and that he could remain fully clothed (he was given a T-shirt and fisherman-style pants to change into) during the session. The therapist took into consideration his requests for gentler strokes, and although there was just a little pain involved, it wasn’t unbearable. In fact, our tester felt relaxed enough to doze off, thanks to the therapist’s balanced way of targeting his acupressure points in a firm, comfortable but never painful way. After the massage, the tight knots in his neck and back were loosened and he felt de-stressed. One of his gripes: the air-conditioned room felt a little humid and the spa room was a tad run-down but the surrounding views of the scenic Dempsey greenery made up for these.
Price & place: $128.40 for 60mins. At 8 Dempsey Road, #01-03. Tel: 6479-0070
Calla Spa Oriental Massage
One of the newest spas to be launched in Singapore, this is what our tester dubbed a five-star experience, thanks to super clean changing rooms and treatment rooms. You can spend the whole day here since the spa facilities, which include the steam room, sauna and heated Jacuzzi, are at your disposal (before and after your massage). Our tester started his session with all the symptoms of “text neck” but the male therapist’s firm strokes soon lightened the imaginary load on our tester’s shoulders and neck. The therapist even relaxed our tester’s back enough to produce that satisfactory “bone-cracking” sensation. Post-treatment, you can proceed to the dining area for free flow appetizers (pastas, soups, salads and desserts), and a one-time order of a main dish.
Price & place: $198 for 60mins. At Suntec City Mall Tower 2, North Wing, 3 Temasek Blvd #01500504. Tel: 6336-2552
The Fullerton Spa The Asian Heritage Signature
Our tester got the full pre-treatment works: she was given a wet face towel and some ginger and lemongrass tea. Then the therapist got her to soak her feet in warm water laced with salt and essential oil. Before the treatment on a heated bed, the therapist described the massage gels and body oils used, explaining that black pepper – an ingredient in one of these – helps to warm the body and enhance circulation. Our tester, who had just got off a long flight from New York, appreciated the attention paid to her neck, shoulders and swollen feet. The best part: the head massage during which the tester’s hair was stroked and tugged gently to release tension from the scalp. After the treatment, a platter of red dates, nuts and dried berries was served at the lounge area.
Price & place: $240++ for 90mins. At The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square. Tel: 68778182/3. Tel: 6479-0070
