Singapore Spa Spotlight

Southeast Asia’s Republic of Singapore is a true multicultural mecca, so it’s fitting that the spas in this diverse country honor that quality, drawing inspiration from a range of influences and incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Malaysian and Indonesian massage techniques, and Ayurvedic philosophies into treatments. Rituals also utilize colorful ingredients such as ginseng, aloe, rice, Indian Ocean salt, ginseng, orchid, green tea and lotus blossom.

Sensory, authentic treatments such as these can be found at two of the Republic’s leading spa resort and hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, and Capella Singapore. SpaFinder recently expanded its network by adding these two resort and hotel spas to our program, and all we have to say is dust off your passport and book some travel plans ASAP — these spas are worth a visit!

Read on for an insider’s look at these gorgeous spa properties.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore: An Urban Oasis

Stay: Nestled within the city’s Marina Bay dining and entertainment district, the Mandarin Oriental, currently the only Five Star Hotel and Spa in Singapore, as recently awarded by Forbes Travel Guide 2012, allows for easy reach of the business quarter, prime shopping and famed sightseeing spots.

Spa: On the hotel’s fifth floor, the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental is a sanctuary, where sensual fragrances fill the air, a contemporary design with vivid hues, pearl accents and Chinese furnishings plays throughout, and guests can find amenities like a shiatsu room, fitness studio, mind/body yoga patio and couple’s treatment room. Spa services stem from ancient holistic rituals; we recommend one of the Signature Therapies, created in collaboration with traditional Chinese medicine specialists and aromatherapists .

Dine: A variety of culinary delights can be enjoyed at no less than six restaurants and lounges — try Morton’s, The Steakhouse, the brand’s first restaurant outside of the U.S., and Bay@5 to sip signature cocktails while soaking in glittering skyline and sunset views.

Play: It’s all about location here — Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, is a quick stroll from the Marina Bay shopping, across the street from the Esplanade arts complex and just ten minutes from the Orchard Road shops. Take a classic bum boat ride along the shores of the nearby quay, or embark on a night safari through the world’s first wildlife park. Singapore’s verdant botanical gardens are also worth a visit.

Capella Singapore: Cosmopolitan Tranquility

Stay: Capella Singapore resides on Sentosa Island, surrounded by acres of rainforest with the South China Sea as its backdrop.

Spa: Auriga Spa’s treatments are immersed in celestial rhythms to harmonize total wellbeing: body, mind and spirit. One of the four signature services — one for each moon phase — is our pick; you’ll indulge in head-to-toe bliss with a massage-body scrub-wrap-facial combo using Organic Pharmacy’s natural product line.

Dine: Three gastronomic options range from fine dining (the elegant Cassia, for contemporary Chinese fare) to casual (Bob’s Bar, which serves light bites and tropical drinks). Be sure to make a reservation at The Knolls for Mediterranean dishes, shared tapas and Sunday brunch; afternoon tea ceremonies, with more than 30 rare Chinese, English, Indian and Japanese tea varieties, are also served here.

Play: Personal assistants are on hand to help you customize your entire stay, from nearby sightseeing tours by land or sea to golf games to spa services to tennis matches. Water enthusiasts can swim in the three on-site pools (select villas also have private plunge and mini-lap pools) and visit the nearby beaches. Exploring Sentosa Island via bicycle rides is also a popular way to tune in to your surroundings.

Read more

• Rich Traditions of the Asian Spa Road
• Top Spas of Asia
• Spas of Asia