Most of us probably don’t need an excuse to get a massage, but you might be pleased to know that science is on our side. A study from Emory University in the US showed that participants who received a Swedish massage once or twice weekly over a period of five weeks had lower levels of stress hormones compared to those who didn’t. The effects lasted for several days after each massage, and appeared to have a cumulative effect. Here’s our edit of the best massages we’ve tried lately – all of them soothed our tired muscles and put us in a state of sheer bliss.
What it is: Can’t decide which style of massage you like best? This treatment is right up your alley. Your therapist will use techniques inspired by a mix of Swedish, Thai and Chinese Acupressure massage styles to help you unknot and unwind, all while using a custom-blend of orchid essential oils. Orchid extracts are said to help reduce stress and fatigue.
The best parts: By topping up just $38, you’ll be able to get a spa pass that grants you access to unlimited refreshments, shower facilities, cryo and thermal pools, steam room, sauna and free Wi-Fi for an hour.
Price and duration: $168 for 90 minutes
For more info: spanes.sg
What it is: Available at Three Rhythm Spa on the fourth level of Tangs at Tang Plaza, this lymphatic drainage massage is designed to improve circulation and help the body detoxify – great for reducing puffiness (water retention) in the body. In one hour, the therapist massages your feet, legs, back, and arms in a circular motion, using a blend of relaxing and invigorating essential oils. Appropriate pressure is applied on your lymphatic areas to help waste exit the body faster.
The best parts: The massage is gentle and soothing, and will make you super relaxed by the end. Immediately afterwards, you may feel the urge to pee more often. That’s a sign of a good lymphatic drainage massage.
Price and duration: $180 for 60 minutes
For more info: www.threecosmetics.com.sg/
What it is: If your body is tight from long hours of hunching over the computer, this massage is for you. Your therapist will use warm lapis stones and moderate to deep pressure to soothe tired, aching muscles.
The best parts: Everything at the Ritz-Carlton Spa is designed for ultimate relaxation: The calming sounds of water, dimly lit room, plus the pre-massage breathing exercises and foot massage. Don’t be surprised if you sleep through the treatment. Post-massage, prolong the state of bliss by adjourning to the ladies-only mineral pool or relaxation room with zero-gravity recliners.
Price and duration: $200++ for 60 minutes
For more info: www.ritzcarlton.com/singapore
What it is: This body treatment was specially created for The Fullerton Spa by Aromatherapy Associates. During the massage, your therapist will use a combination of eastern and western techniques to ease knots and tension. The session starts off with a Chinese pressure point massage to promote blood circulation and energise the body. Next, your masseuse will use an invigorating blend of warmed rosemary, ginger, lavender and black pepper oils to perform a Western-styled deep tissue massage.
The best parts: The warm foot bath before the massage to calm your senses and prep you for treatment. The massage is also very thorough – you’ll be kneaded from your scalp to your toes.
Price and duration: $240++ for 90min
For more info: www.fullertonhotels.com
What it is: Available at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, this therapeutic massage might be just what you need after a long day. Your therapist will use heated Himalayan salt stones and medium pressure to release tension in the body and promote blood circulation. Himalayan salt is considered to be the purest type of salt as it contains 84 naturally occuring minerals. Himalayan salt, when heated to 54.4 deg C, is also said to emit negative ions that help reduce the effects of free radicals in the body.
The best parts: The warmth from the heated salt stones will give you a cosy, comforting feeling. Expect to fall asleep during the treatment because you’ll be feeling so calm and relaxed.
Price and duration: $270++ for 90min
For more info: www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila
What it is: This new body treatment, available at Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore, was created by LA-based celebrity kundalini yoga teacher Guru Jagat. What makes this massage so unique is the fact that it focusses primarily on “opening up” the seven chakras (energy points) of the body. Your therapist will encourage energy to flow through the body by massaging these energy points with lavender oil and moonstones.
The best parts: The lavender oil smells divine and has a soothing effect on the mind and body. A facial massage with double rose cream and crystal stones, and a scalp massage with nourishing oil, are also included, so you’ll truly be relaxed from top-to-toe.
Price and duration: $250++ for 90min
For more info: www.capellahotels.com/singapore
What it is: Offered at Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel (MBS), this medium-to-strong pressure massage features slow and firm rhythmic strokes to ease tension.
All Banyan Tree Spa treatments also come with a soothing foot bath and complimentary snacks and drinks in the lounge post-massage.
The best parts: Each treatment room comes with a private en-suite toilet and shower area for a truly luxe experience. Every masseuse in Banyan Tree also goes through hundreds of hours of training before they’re allowed to perform treatments, so you can expect to be well taken care of during your session. The soothing massage oils used during the massage – combined with the therapist’s deft hands – will put you fast to sleep. When you wake, expect that even the tightest knots would have been kneaded out.
Price and duration: $297.78 for 60min
For more info: www.marinabaysands.com/hotel/amenities/banyan-tree-spa.html
This story first appeared on www.shape.com.sg
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