Singapore is awash in spas, in fact much of the touristic part of Asia is. They come in all shapes and sizes from tiny ‘nail’ spas to large complexes with several baths etc. They are stand-alone in shopping centers or attached to, but not necessarily operated by, hotels and clubs.

The spas cater to both men and women though the focus are women. The quality of the facilities and the treatment differ greatly as do the types of treatment and, off course, the pricing.

If you want to pamper yourself talk to somebody to see if they have good (or bad) experiences somewhere. If you have local credit cards there also are regular offers for discounted ‘trials’. For a relaxing short break for you and your loved one taking a combined hotel - spa visit can be a good deal.

Some need-to-knows for first-timers:

• You will need to walk around in disposable undies with a towel or kimono around you. The staff have seen it all before and you generally hardly see other clients and if you do they are likely to wear the same so just relax.
• Don't go on (too) full a stomach, especially not if you are getting a massage.
• Don't drink too much, there are obviously toilets but it detracts from your relaxing.
• If you have chosen any decent spa that is what they are, decent, no funny business.
• Every body is different and the treatments can be 'heavy'. A good spa asks you to fill in a questionnaire on your health etc. be honest and let them know anything you can not do / take.

As with many things on this site there is too much choice to ever be complete but we'll share some experiences with you here:

Spa Botanica - On Sentosa the spa is next to the Beaufort Hotel and you can have joint deals in a very relaxing atmosphere on the island. The spa is luxurious, spacious and well laid-out with a range of treatments for parts or the whole of you. Well worth a visit.
The Retreat - In Changi Village the Retreat occupies parts of the ground, 8th and 9th floor. From the 9th floor room you have a view of the sea and Johor and as you are on the highest building around only airline passengers will be able to see you in the outdoor bath. They offer a comprehensive range of treatments and specialise in thalasso (sea-based) treatments such as a salt-scrub'.

Concluding: Relax!

Men and Spas : an aside If you are a man reading this there is a good chance you have not been in a spa before. I know that there are guys out there who are regulars but this piece is not aimed at you. If you are going to a spa it is probably on instigation of your wife / girlfriend and she has probably done it before. Firstly, you can struggle but give in once in a while, she'll love you for it. Many spas have treatments for men specifically or can cater to man. Treatments vary from skin rubs (to get rid of dead skin etc.), facials (to relax and rejuvenate) and massages (for relaxation only or improve blood flow etc.). Beside these there are the sauna's, steambaths, jacuzi's and the rest. You will probably have a lady attending to you, there are guys but they are a minority. Personally I have a slight preference for a lady fussing over me but with your eyes closed, whatever, if your wife booked for the two of you together you'll probably be in the same room most of the time so no worries. It may not really be your thing but it is not bad, just relax and you may enjoy it.

Do you need more info? Leave a message on our expat message board!