It’s the place you want to be whenever you’re in need of some serious pampering and a luxurious sanctuary to regroup and restore your equanimity

 

“Where’s a good spa in Singapore?” is a question I get asked pretty often. It’s no surprise, considering how arduously everyone seems to be working nowadays and the amount of stress that’s coming at us from every aspect of our lives. A trip to the spa once a week, or every other week, thus, can do wonders for one’s mind and body.

So to answer the question, well, I have a few favourites. But it all comes down to what you’re looking for: An express pick-me-up? An afternoon’s respite? Or one full day of R&R and DND?

On days when the going gets really tough, and you’re in dire need of some serious pampering and a sanctuary to regroup and restore your equanimity, I find the Auriga Spa at The Capella Singapore to be quite the perfect panacea. In fact, you’ll feel an immediate sense of calm wash over you the moment you step out of the car and on to the private driveway of the luxurious resort hotel. You can literally hear the birds chirp and leaves rustle. The air is fresh and almost therapeutic. The crowd-free space is yours to roam. Of course, a view of the sea always helps. 

The lush grounds of The Capella Singapore

But the real bliss begins at Auriga Spa. What sets the spa a cut above the rest is its impeccable attention to detail, such that everything from the service to the ambience, and the high-ceilinged treatment rooms to the treatments and products are exactly right. And by the end of the session, you’re exactly where you were hoping to be — relaxed and ready to take on the world again.

The reception area of Auriga Spa

While the Lunar-themed signature treatments at Auriga — New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon and Waning Moon — are absolutely divine, the new Senja Sunyi treatment is nothing short of. The 90-minute massage combines the best of Javanese and Chinese techniques. Starting from the sole, long soothing strokes that relax the mind, body and soul segue into tension-melting Tui Na seamlessly, alternately.

The therapist works her magic rhythmically — as if to the soft, calming music playing in the background — mollifying every ache I feel in my long-suffering calves (yes, love of high heels hurts) and back, as well as the kinks in my neck and shoulders. At some point in my blissful semi-conscious state, she starting applying warm Moonstones into her tender-yet-firm strokes to better assuage the stubborn tensions in my muscles. If I weren’t so completely relaxed and zen-ed out, I might have cried a tear of happiness.

The Couple's Suite

As you know, stress is also very bad news for the skin. So, while you’re there, you might as well give your face a quick lift, too. Another new addition to the Auriga menu is the Natural Facelift Express facial, which uses the high-end Shinso range of products from Japan. I was told it’s highly popular with celebrities.

The facial itself takes only 45 minutes, and is very simple in its steps — cleanse, exfoliate, massage and apply a mask. It’s the products — like the Shinso Glow, Shinso Essence, Shinso Mist and a hand-blended Shinso mask — that work wonders in increasing skin cell regeneration, tightening and brightening the skin, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles to give you an “instant facelift”.

Et voila! Two hours and 15 minutes are all you need to feel — and look — as good as new.

 

 

The Senja Sunyi treatment, 90 minutes, is priced at S$230++ per person. The Senja Sunyi Couples Treatment — which includes a Mandi Safar Bath and Peranakan-style afternoon tea at The Knolls — will be available from February 1, 2014, at S$688++ per couple.

The Shinso Express Facial, 45 minutes, is priced at S$200++ per person. For reservations, call 6591 5023 or email spa.singapore@capellahotels.com.