Talk about needing a spa session and the options are aplenty in Singapore. From day spas, to city spas, to destination spas, to alternative spas… and there is really no reason to pass on an indulging treat. And if you are pondering further, we will suss out the best for you and promise that you will be in for an unforgettable relaxation.

Forget about all the fanciful players; think of a luxurious and heavenly session, at the all new luxury outlet in the heart of Marina Bay – Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Singapore, located at Asia Square Tower 2.

From the Heavenly Bed to WestinWorkout to Heavenly Spa by Westin™, Westin is all about wellness. Loyal guests of the highly-acclaimed brand rejoiced when the Westin finally re-opened in Singapore. For those who have experienced the heavenly treatments at Westin Spas around the world, rejoice! Because we no longer have to fly overseas for the renowned spa experience.

Here are 7 reasons why Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Singapore is indeed heavenly.

Enjoy the use of the spa treatment facilities

One of the basic spa etiquettes that we always reiterate is to arrive early – at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to the scheduled appointment time – so that you can familiarise yourself with the spa surroundings, to enjoy the facilities and to prep yourself for a great pampering session ahead.

The facilities at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ will do wonders to recharge your soul and spirit. The vitality whirlpool is not only a relaxing spot, but it also comes with a view overlooking the town area. Give your body a break and go for a round in the Aromatherapy Steam Bath, and take a rinse with the Experience Shower.

Even the waiting room is a sanctuary

After your pre-spa steam room session and swim in the vitality pool, have a cup of tea and spend some time in quiet reflection in the waiting room before your spa treatment. And post-treatment snacking calls for dried super fruits and dark chocolates that can all be found in the waiting room. Don’t miss out on the freshly brewed ginger tea, too!

Luxuriously elegant and modern interior

From the moment you step in to Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Singapore, you will put all your stress behind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. An oasis of calmness with every detail reflecting true works of art, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ is well-designed and it sets the stage for a pampering experience. If this is not heaven, we do not know what is!

Spectacular views from the spa at level 35

Besides the vitality pool, the five treatment rooms at Heavenly Spa by Westin™ all come with spectacular views of our thriving city from level 35 of The Westin Singapore. The indulgent feeling is top of the world, literally. And for every moment, breathe in gratitude, let go of all unhappiness, and just savour the sheer heavenliness.

A range of spa treatments

Signature Heavenly Massage, stress-relieving Rollerssage treatment, and many relaxing facials, expect a comprehensive menu that will have you feel like a royalty. Lie back and relax on the Heavenly Massage Bed, unwind and let the skilful therapists guide you to dream land.

Thémaé products

Heavenly Spa also carries an exclusive range of Thémaé products, which is known for incorporating the benefits of tea into spa. How about bagging a set of beauty goodness home?

A reinvigorating wellness experience

Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Singapore is more than just a regular spa where you go to for a massage or pampering session. What makes the Westin a destination for travellers around the world is its focus on wellness initiatives. The spa treatments at Heavenly Spa are designed for a holistic wellness experience whereby guests leave feeling refreshed, recharged and raring to go. This alone is reason enough why Heavenly Spa at The Westin Singapore is a heaven on earth.

We experienced the Heavenly Massage and Muscle Ease, and the therapists were extremely attentive to our areas of concerns. With our preferred pressure, they worked their magic on our aching bodies as our minds separated from the stress and drifted away in to slumber. And with the waking moment came along a relief that our bodies longed, every knot untangled and every nerve calmed.

So this is the Heavenly Spa, indeed.

For the latest updates on Heavenly Spa by Westin, go to The Westin Singapore’s website and ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook.

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members enjoy 10% off a la carte spa services until 31 May 2014. Click here for more spa promotions in March and April 2014.

Heavenly Spa by The Westin
The Westin Singapore
12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2
Tel: +65 6922 6977
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Email: heavenlyspa.singapore@westin.com

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

I’ve never been to nature spa, nor do I know much about one – until I went to the spa at Kayumanis Private Estate & Villa in Ubud, Bali. Perched atop the hills is a tranquil paradise that oversees the Ayung River and Lauh River of Ubud. And it truly reflects the essence of this traditional part of Bali.

Balinese spa is all about spiritual healing. The focus of Kayumanis spa is to embrace its roots and culture and brings to the world a true Balinese experience.

We began our spiritual journey with a welcome drink of rosella flower tea, and the affable spa manager did a run through of the spa itinerary for the day. Set for a 3-hour indulgence, quite aptly named ‘Spa Secrets’, we started with a tour around the in-house garden where they grow their own plants and herbs used in all the spa treatments. It was enriching to say the least.

Leading up to our pavilion is a stroll through nature so soul-healing that it brought much peace to us; just the perfect pre-spa prep. The pavilion is a designated couple room with shelter, complete with a toilet and shower facilities, and overlooks the lush greenery of Ubud.

And as our therapists cleansed our tired feet with sea salt scrub, we had a chat with them and found out that they are both villagers from the indigenous neighborhood. It surprised us to know that they are open to the cultural difference, and how they are grateful for the opportunities given to them at the spa. To help them progress upwards, the spa implements a Progressive Wage Model which helps the therapists improve along four ladders: wage, productivity, skills and career.

The therapists are given skills training to understand the various benefits of the treatments and how to serve each customer better. Therapists who cultivate good repeat customers are considered more productive and stand a better chance to get a promotion and pay raise.

And when we asked if they enjoy working for the company, they were all smiles and we got our answer. Kayumanis values every worker by having them feel like they work as a family, and are assets to the company. Most of the staff we spoke to have been in the company for incredible number of years – quite otherwise unheard of in Singapore – and this can only be achieved through cultivation of a healthy and happy working environment, coupled with quality staff welfare and appreciation.

This really stands in contrast to Singapore where some businesses still don’t have a Progressive Wage Model for their workers, but gladly they will soon have to implement this model in order to get their business licence.

Our hour-long Balinese massage was a relaxing one, with a combination of long strokes and pressure points focus to heal and recharge. Following which was a round of freshly-pounded scrub which comprised rice, lemongrass, turmeric, white ginger and candlenut. Exfoliation at its best, we’d say. And this was succeeded with a layer of fresh yogurt masque to deeply moisturise and soothe the skin.

Enjoying a spa treatment “in the outdoors” while relishing the sound of rain drops splattering gently was indeed an unparalleled delight. And we ended the ritual with a 30mins herbal bath where we soaked in a bath tub generously filled with fragrant herbs freshly hand-picked from the in-house garden.

This is the kind of experience that will be etched in our memories, for the sheer indulgence lies in the very simplicity of Mother Nature and people who truly love to render what they believe in.

This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.

Kayumanis Private Villa & Estate Ubud
Sayan Village
Ubud, Bali
Tel: +62 361 972 777
Note: This was an invited media session.

There is no shortage of good spas in Singapore, but very few match up to the standards that ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa has set. An oasis nestled in Sentosa, ESPA has a wide range of spa treatments – from signature massages to facials, and body therapies – that can cater to all your needs and luxurious desires.

With a 10,000 square metre area, ESPA has the luxury of space and has hence created an enchanting sanctuary which will make you feel relaxed and at ease upon stepping in. The hint of fragrance in the air, the sounds of calm splashes from the water features and the gentle voices of the staff are little meticulous thoughts that attribute to experience; a lush positivity, I’d call that.

We suggest arriving at least an hour prior to your appointment and enjoy a pre-treatment soak in the Outdoor Vitality Pool and Cold Plunge Pool, designed specially to relieve muscle tension. Its Rock Sauna is also very unlike the typical saunas – it is bright and airy with a view of the pool and greens. For the ladies, there is also a steam room within the restroom, and a 10-minute steam bath is highly recommended to detoxify and to relax both body and mind before the proper treatment begins. ESPA has indeed delivered a fantastic spa experience with its beyond impressive facilities.

Following the pre-treatment relaxation was a 60-minute ESPA Personalised Massage, where we were driven by buggy to a private Beach Villa we called our own for the next 2 hours. Our therapists helped to assess our problem areas and advised on the most suitable massages for us, before they placed us on heated massage beds that overlooked the Keppel Bay. The view that we got while our therapists worked their magic on our bodies is one that is unrivalled and definitely the best one to have while enjoying an afternoon spa. And of course, the massage itself was strong and firm just like how we prefer, and had us feeling so free from tensed up shoulders and aching lower backs. The second hour that we had to ourselves was spent soaking up some sun while taking a short swim in the outdoor private pool. The villa also comes complete with shower facilities, so you can clean up before taking your leave.

If you are planning to give your partner a little surprise, a spa indulgence at ESPA cannot be more perfect. Whisk your partner off to this secluded corner of Resorts World Sentosa and enjoy some quality time together. You get to enjoy five-star spa treatment in a beautiful beach villa suite facing the sea – we cannot think of a better way to spend the weekend.

Just a note that the prices are more generally steeper than most spas, but every dollar that you pay will be well worth the splurge, and if money is not too big an issue, ESPA is undisputedly the ultimate spa destination in town.

ESPA
8 Sentosa Gateway
Tel: +65 6577 8880
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Note: This was an invited media session

Since 2009, we have been regulars of Aramsa, The Garden Spa at Bishan Park. Because we always walk out feeling so recharged and de-stressed, the brand has won our hearts and loyalty. Last year, the Asmara Lifestyle group introduced a new arm – The Spa Artisan at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – and we paid a virgin visit to the luxury spa and had half a day of indulgence under the care of the dedicated staff.

Upon stepping in to the spa, we were warmly greeted by the exuberant receptionists. And because we were going for the newly-introduced PowerSlim, we had our body analysis done. We were very impressed because the staff were so fluent with the explanation of the body analysis, and we were given recommendations for treatments based on our body needs.

We understood from the consultant that he was previously from Aramsa, The Garden Spa. But because he had the opportunity for a job rotation, he accepted his new role at The Spa Artisan and underwent training and upgrading courses to better understand the more complex treatments offered here.

Not every worker gets a similar chance like this consultant to upskill and move up the career ladder, which is what the NTUC’s Progressive Wage Model (PWM) seeks to achieve. This is why NTUC is pushing for employers to adopt the PWM so all workers, regardless of job type, can benefit from career advancement and wage progression according to their productivity improvement and skills upgrading.

The staff at The Spa Artisan are all happy to be presented growth and personal development opportunities by their company. With such passion for their careers and so much enthusiasm for their roles, as patrons, we could truly feel the service from their hearts, and most definitely happy for them that the company values every worker.

After the body analysis, we proceeded with the PowerSlim treatment, which is a revolutionised method to efficient slimming by using synergising infrared radiation and ionisation with specially devised concept. It is said to be equivalent to 5 hours in the gym with what would only take 55 minutes in the PowerSlim studio.

The therapist helped to apply a special velvet cream on my targeted areas before I was put in the incubator-like machine. It was effortless, and the entire process was most definitely painless.

Next, we went for a 150mins Japan Spa Journey couple ritual. Priced at S$518+ per couple, it is one that encourages blood flow and promotes relaxation through the myriad of scents. The ritual began with a purifying wash and scrub. We were pampered with a fragrant yuzu mimosa algae wash, then an exfoliating gingergrass scrub. It was nothing fanciful, but certainly much needed.

Next was an hour-long full body massage and scalp massage. Choose from a tray of flower skin massage oil, including Moroccan Rose, Italian Blood Orange and Ocean. The supposed massage for the Japan Spa Journey is that of a relaxing one, but because we are both fans of strong massages, we opted for Shiatsu – which focuses on pressure points. Our masseurs were very well-trained and experienced – every stroke hit the right spot; every touch was so firm and strong. Not for the faint-hearted, surely, but if you can take the pain, we would highly recommend this option because it eases the body of all knots and tension, leaves you feeling a lot lighter.

This message is part of a ladyironchef x Labour Movement project where we seek to share with you insights on the different initiatives by the Labour Movement to give workers in Singapore better jobs, better pay and better work-life balance.

The Spa Artisan
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
1 Fullerton Square, Mezzanine Floor
#01-13/14
Tel: +65 6423 1382
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
Note: This was an invited media session

We have been to several spas in Bali, and while there is a great disparity between the shabby ones and the ones with impressive architectures, there is also a differentiation between the ones with good and better architectures. The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali boasts of one that is easily the nicest in the Jimbaran area, and the sheer space imprinted nothing but a fond impression and memory. The grandeur of its in-house spa is almost at the level of a destination spa, and though it is within the Four Seasons Resort Bali itself, stepping into the spa feels like stepping into a separate arena of luxury; a sanctuary of peace, relaxation and tranquility.

We settled for a couple villa that was complete with an outdoor bath tub and rain shower. Our therapists brought us to our villa after having us fill up a comprehensive form to better understand our basic health conditions, problem area(s) and strength preference. Very thoughtful, because a simple gesture like this makes a big difference to the overall experience of our massage session.

The room was well-furbished to the garden theme, and the atmosphere was set right to retreat into the much needed comfort – lavender and a hint of geranium burning and filling the air with an invigorating scent and soft spa tracks tinkling to a repertoire. Our thoughtful therapists went through the various ingredients that were to be used for our couple treatment, and had us choose from a selection of body scrubs and massage oils – all these while we soaked our feet in pans of warm water sprinkled with aromatic sea salt.

To kickstart the luxurious couple treatment, we had an exfoliating scrub that left our skin feeling clean and fresh, after which we were given some private time to soak in the lush bath tub covered completely with red rose petals. The floral bath was simple yet so rewarding for it served as a quiet time to take in all the marvels of the pampering session as we stared at the floating rose petals and listened to the birds chirp freely, all around us.

And the second half of the treatment was a relatively relaxing massage that sent us both to slumber. Our usual preference for massage is that of a strong and firm one to hit every pressure point, but because the couple treatment was meant to be an energising one for the souls, we were treated to a round of slow but long-strokes massage by the skilful Balinese.

Indeed, when at Bali, it is well worth the splurge to indulge in a holistic spa treatment. Take a little time off your holiday timetable, and dedicate a morning to restoring your soul. Place your faith in a professional luxury spa, and enjoy Four Seasons Resort Bali Spa.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Kuta Selatan
Jimbaran Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 701010

Given the hectic lifestyle that most people lead, I have always believed that spa treatments are not an indulgence, but a necessity in life.

Bali is known for many things – white-sand beaches, amazing sunset spots, fantastic restaurants and bars. But Spa reigns the list as the top favourite. The next time you are in Bali, and in need of a pampering, head to Shine Spa at Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort for a wholesome spa treatment.

Like what you would expect from any good spa, Shine Spa for Sheraton encourages guests to arrive early to enjoy the sauna and whirlpool prior to the treatment.

Immediately upon entering the spa, I felt at ease with light and calming music lopping in the background. My therapist was attentive to my needs, and she managed to find and relieve the tensions effortlessly. To me, a good massage is when it sends you to slumber. And that was the case at Shine Spa. I fell asleep shortly after the start of the massage, and when I woke up, my body felt so much lighter.

Not only does Shine Spa has the traditional Balinese massages, but they also have a range of signature treatments – blending from the east to the west with local Balinese touches – which include the Shine Massage (Rp 400,000/S$52 for 60 min), Shine Facial (Rp 580,000/S$75 for 60 min), Shine Body Treatment (Rp 450,000/S$58 for 60 min), and if you are there with your partner for a romantic getaway, go for the Shine for Two (Rp 420,000/S$54 for 60 min).

What makes Shine Spa for Sheraton a place you can return to again and again is that you do not have to spend a bomb for a treatment here. For a luxurious 5 star hotel spa, the prices are very affordable. Shine Spa should be at the top of your list when you are staying in the Kuta area.

Shine Spa for Sheraton
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort
Jalan Pantai, Kuta 80361, Indonesia.
Tel: +62 361 846 5555
Note: This was an invited media session