SINGAPORE – In just a few short weeks, families in Singapore who decked the halls with Christmas finery had to swop faux fir trees for auspicious Chinese New Year kumquat potted trees.

The back-to-back preparations for two big festivals – first on Dec 25, then Chinese New Year on Jan 29 and 30 – can be intense.

While celebrations are high points, they can also be overwhelming if one does not practise self-care.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), self-care is when people take responsibility for their own well-being by adopting a lifestyle that promotes overall health of mind and body.

The global health agency released new guidelines in July 2024 to help countries integrate self-care within healthcare frameworks.

“Self-care is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in our fast-paced lives,” adds WHO.

Spa visits are one way to initiate self-care, say experts. Treatments available in Singapore span a huge spectrum, from Western-style deep-tissue massage using hypervolt massage guns to Japanese onsen baths to Peranakan-inspired therapies.

Dr Geraldine Tan, director and principal psychologist at The Therapy Room in Orchard Road, says celebrations are hotly anticipated events, but they can overstimulate the brain.

“Think of the mad rush to shop and redecorate the home,” says the 46-year-old, who co-hosts Therapy Tuesdays, a weekly radio segment on SPH Radio Kiss92. It features tips on maintaining good mental health.

“People can feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work involved, on top of their day jobs.”

Dr Tan says that when one feels overwhelmed during festive seasons, it is necessary to quickly take time out to avoid being completely exhausted or having a meltdown.

Tell-tale signs of stress are mood swings, irritability and a feeling of wanting to withdraw from others.

Spa therapies can help individuals focus on their bodies and relax specific body parts, says Dr Tan.

Closing one’s eyes starts a change in pace which is important for detaching from the source of stress and over-stimulation.

Piped music and a slower rhythm allows the mind to return to a calmer state and recover.

Dr Tan adds: “The tactile aspect of spa therapies can help reduce stress. We know a hug helps to relax the self, so spa therapies tap this primal need. Most spas also use aromatherapy and this engages the olfactory sense to enhance the total experience.”

The Straits Times highlights five of Singapore’s best-designed spa experiences.

In 2024, home-grown spa Aramsa – The Garden Spa was named Best Day Spa by the World Spa Awards, organised by the London-based World Luxury Media Group.

This comes as no surprise to the spa’s founder Jazreel Low, who says the facility – which comprises 6,000 sq ft of built-up space and 4,000 sq ft of gardens – has been picking up trophies since it opened in 2006 at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

The leafy sanctuary combines immersive wellness experiences with outdoor baths amid the greenery and birdsong of one of Singapore’s largest parks.

It has 13 treatment rooms for singles and couples, each presenting contemporary design and seamless spaces in harmony with the garden ambience. The outdoors is brought inside through floor-to-ceiling glass panels.

Its concept and services have won acclaim, such as the Singapore Tourism Board’s Best Spa Experience in 2007 and the President’s Design Award (Silver) in 2010, which was given to local practice Formwerkz Architects for its “spa in a park” design.

Ms Low, a former model-actress, was one of the winners of the inaugural Star Search in 1988, which also launched the acting careers of Mediacorp’s Zoe Tay and Aileen Tan.

She runs several businesses in the wellness and food-and-beverage industries with her husband – landscape entrepreneur Michael Teh – and other partners.

Ms Low, 58, entered the spa business in 1999 with Asmara Spa (now known as Asmara Lifestyle) on Bintan island. The spa concept later spawned branches there at Club Med Bintan, Nirwana Gardens, Mayang Sari and Ria Bintan Resort.

“It was a very successful garden spa concept which encouraged us to open a similar one in Singapore in 2006, after Singapore-based clients asked if the concept could be replicated closer to home,” Ms Low tells The Straits Times.

She chose the name “Aramsa” for her first Singapore spa as it was “Asmara” spelt backwards.

“While ‘asmara’ means ‘love’ in Bahasa Indonesia, ‘aramsa’ refers to ‘blissful repose and relaxation’ in ancient Sanskrit,” says Ms Low.

Commenting on the accolades, she says: “It is very humbling to know that what we do here resonates with our community and this recognition inspires us to continue innovating and striving for excellence in everything that we do.”

In March 2024, Ms Low and Mr Teh commissioned principal architect Lee May Anne from home-grown firm Makk Architects to renovate the facility 18 years after its opening.

They wanted a fresh and more immersive environment with “enchanting landscaping”.

Ms Lee says the original tropical garden had served its time and was “looking a little tired”.

“Being in the well-being business, I thought the physical space should connect emotionally with spa-goers, allowing the renewal of their spirits as well as their bodies,” says Ms Lee, 52, who is also an adjunct assistant professor at the National University of Singapore’s architecture department, focusing on architecture design studios.

“I kept the existing ecology as much as possible, as the auditory contribution of the sound of nature adds another layer to the dreaminess of the space.

“Diaphanous tulle drapes with lush folds were added to assist in the visual effect over and above the careful selection of hard finishes, to reinforce the new ‘enchanting landscaping’ idea as the design anchor.”

The spa recently launched The Tingkat Tales, a part of its seasonally rotating Escape Series packages.

The two-hour Peranakan-inspired package highlights locally sourced ingredients such as a body scrub made with candlenut (buah keras) paste. The deep-tissue massage uses oils infused with kaffir lime and lemongrass essential oils, and concludes with an outdoor bath. It is priced at $298 for singles and $448 for couples.

“Being in the heart of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Aramsa – The Garden Spa is a great place nestled in greenery to reconnect with nature and escape the madness of the world outside,” says Ms Low.

Info: For details of the spa’s branches and a list of treatments, go to aramsaspas.com

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore has won a five-star award from Forbes Magazine for 13 consecutive years, from 2012 to 2024.

Unlike Western spas that focus on European therapies, this relaxing sanctuary uses time-honoured Asian ingredients, offering a traditional Malay therapeutic ritual that promotes holistic healing, among its other services.

Treatment prices start from $290++ for singles to about $1,300 for couples. There are four treatment rooms, including two spa suites, and an array of massages and services such as manicures.

Ms Siti Alawiya, director of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, highlights the popularity of localised therapies.

“While Singaporeans primarily seek out treatments like Malay urut (massage) and Bengkong Perut (tummy wrap) for post-natal care, foreign travellers also reap benefits such as detoxification and alleviation of bloating caused by poor circulation during long-haul flights.”

The Essence of the Garden City, a two-hour body treatment, starts with herbal exfoliation, followed by a Malay urut (rubdown) using a herbal hot compress of locally blended jamu oil.

Jamu is a traditional Javanese healing system which uses mainly tropical roots, bark, flowers, seeds, leaves and fruits.

The jamu oil has a sunflower oil base and is infused with ingredients such as Tapel Wangi, which is made from rice flour, betel lime, lime water, galangal and cinnamon.

Tapel Wangi is said to help firm and tighten flabby muscle and skin.

The oil includes Halia Bara (red ginger) which has a warming effect. There is also Ibu Garmat, a type of sea cucumber known for its nourishing and rejuvenating qualities said to improve skin texture.

Another ingredient in the oil is Pasilla, a type of dried chilli said to have an astringent effect on skin.

After the oil massage, an ancient Malay tummy wrap is applied with a traditional corset, promoting relaxation and strengthening the abdominal area.

Other best-selling treatments include the Signature Therapies range, which draws inspiration from Asian heritage and principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

One such treatment to try is the Oriental Qi, a relaxing 90-minute body massage ritual that works on the energy of the meridians using essential oils.

There is also the Intelligent Movement, a 90-minute massage ritual designed to relieve muscle tension with a combination of deep muscle massage. It uses a hypervolt massage gun to work on the tense muscles for a deeper massage.

Info: mandarinoriental.com/singapore

The Fullerton Spa at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore offers a menu of treatments designed to harmonise body and mind, tailored for shoppers trying to balance Chinese New Year preparations with the need for self-care.

Those looking to escape for a few hours during the hectic festive period can consider The Fullerton Spa’s Festive Spa Indulgence package.

The getaway starts with a 30-minute Brightening Scrub, moves on to a 30-minute Therapeutic Back Massage and finishes with a 30-minute Acupressure Foot Massage.

Guests are pampered with premium products co-curated with the award-winning British Espa line of spa skincare and bath essentials, while cocooned in softly lit private suites that set the stage for ultimate relaxation.

Post-treatment, the experience is elevated with The Courtyard’s Signature Afternoon Tea of handcrafted delights, served in the privacy of The Fullerton Spa’s lounge.

Available at a special rate of $348++ till Jan 31, the package offers a way to de-stress while shopping for Chinese New Year.

Spa-goers can also enhance their wellness journey with Yoga by the Bay, an outdoor yoga session set against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline.

Held every Saturday from 8 to 9am, each 60-minute session is priced at $35 nett a person. To complete the experience, participants can also enjoy $35 off any 60-minute facial or body treatment at The Fullerton Spa.

Besides the Festive Spa package, there are also the award-winning Asian Heritage Signature massage ($280++ for 90 minutes) and The Fullerton Signature Facial ($240++ for 60 minutes).

They were recognised as Best Asian Fusion Massage and Best Value-For-Money Facial respectively at the Singapore Women’s Weekly Spa Awards 2024.

The Asian Heritage Signature massage is a perennial favourite, blending specialised massage techniques with a scalp massage to ease tension and restore vitality.

For radiant skin, The Fullerton Signature Facial combines triple-cleansing methods with nutrient-rich formulas for a glow said to last beyond the festivities.

There are seven thoughtfully designed treatment rooms at the spa, including nooks for couples with en-suite showers and deluxe amenities.

Prices range from $185++ for a 60-minute massage to S$480++ for a 150-minute massage and facial experience, combining the Asian Heritage Signature massage and The Fullerton Signature Facial.

Info: www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-singapore/spa

Adeva Spa in bustling Orchard Road offers an urban retreat for those seeking balance and rejuvenation.

As one of Singapore’s largest spas, it provides weary shoppers with luxurious treatments designed to revitalise mind and body.

Bestsellers include the 24K Gold Deluxe Facial, invigorating scalp therapies and the Yang Shen Meridian Massage.

Spanning almost 10,000 sq ft on Level 6 of Paragon shopping mall, the spa is designed as an urban oasis for professionals, travellers and shoppers.

Since opening at Paragon in 2009, Adeva Spa has undergone a Zen-inspired makeover and expanded to include a hair and scalp centre, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic and an upcoming pilates studio.

Its signature treatments include a 90-minute 24K Gold Deluxe Facial, priced at $433.82, which combines gold’s restorative properties with advanced skincare techniques for radiance.

Another treat is its Kai Yun Scalp Therapy (45 minutes, $128 for first-timers) which features TCM-inspired gua sha techniques to improve circulation, release tension and bring about deep relaxation.

There is also the Yang Shen Meridian Massage (60 minutes, $188 for first-timers) which focuses on energy pathways with rhythmic strokes and acupressure, promoting vitality and inner harmony.

It includes Chinese gua sha massage for stimulating blood circulation and promoting relaxation.

Adeva Spa is part of The Ultimate Group of Companies, a home-grown beauty and wellness business which began operations in 2002 and owns and operates six spas here.

“The signature treatments offer a holistic spa experience through carefully curated services ranging from pampering full-body massages to luxe facial treatments using the finest of ingredients,” says the group’s managing director Sheldon Tan.

Info: adevaspa.com.sg

For sufferers of “office syndrome” – in which poor posture results in aches and pains in the neck and back – Yunomori Onsen & Spa at Kallang Wave Mall has an oil-based Office Worker Massage to dispel pent-up stress.

The spa, billed as Singapore’s first authentic Japanese onsen when it opened in 2016, also has Deep Sleep head massages for those having trouble reaching the Land of Nod due to stress overload.

The 15,400 sq ft spa features 11 onsens or hot mineral baths, four massage rooms for couples and 14 rooms for single clients.

Its onsens are designed to replicate the health-giving mineral baths found in Japan, which include hot baths, jet baths and cold baths.

Its Thai experts specialise in a range of treatments such as aromatherapy, deep tissue and traditional Thai massage.

Prices start at $52.32 for a 30-minute head and shoulder massage, $112.27 for an hour-long Thai body massage, and $226.72 for a two-hour deep-tissue massage.

The centre recently underwent extensive renovations to enhance the spa experience with a focus on sensorial delights.

It was designed in 2016 by 67 Studios, one of Thailand’s top architecture and interior design studios, to blend Japanese traditions with Singapore’s modern urban vibe.

The design by 67 Studios integrates subtle Japanese motifs with contemporary elements, creating a tranquil retreat that feels locally relevant.

Curves and flowing forms define Yunomori’s visual language. These organic lines guide movement while reflecting the soothing flow of water.

Every element is intended to create an atmosphere where guests feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the spa’s approach to service, inspired by the Japanese hospitality ideal of omotenashi.

Omotenashi refers to a deep-rooted tradition believed to have originated in Japanese tea culture, in which the service provider is encouraged to take care of guests with unstinting effort.

Yunomori Onsen & Spa is owned and operated by Onsen Retreat & Spa (Singapore), an associate company of Thailand’s Onsen Retreat & Spa Group. The brand debuted in 2012 in Sukhumvit, Thailand. It has three spas in Thailand and one in Singapore.

Info: yunomorionsen.com

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