As part of my work, I have travelled quite a bit this year. I had the chance to try out new spa experiences in different cities which was perfect to release those tight knots from air travel and moving around with my camera, lenses and tripod. This year I was fortunate to try a Hamman for the first time. I had a body scrub in a Hamman in Istanbul, Turkey. My most recent Spa treatment was right at home at Auriga Spa in Capella Singapore where I tried the signature moon treatment for three full hours and that is what I call a full pampering.
Angsana Spa in Bintan
I was staying at the newly opened Cassia Bintan located just next to Angsana Bintan for two nights. It was a pretty relaxing and a quick getaway from Singapore.
I visited Angsana Spa located next door in Angsana Bintan and had the Angsana signature massage in one of the spa villas. Started off with a soothing foot wipe before laying myself face down on the massage bed. The Angsana Body Massage was absolutely relaxing and was quickly put to sleep after a few firm strokes on my back and pressure points.
After the session, I got to relax on a deck chair in the relaxation room while enjoying refreshments.
The 60 to 90-minute massage treatment cost between IDR750++ to IDR1,125++ per person and costs more during weekends.
Auriga Spa, Capella Singapore
The ultimate spa experience I had in 2017 was the three-hour Full Moon Spa at Capella Singapore’s Auriga Spa which started with a short explanation by my therapist about what I was going to experience. I was also given an Ester C supplement to take and a few droplets of Elixir of Life Tincture from The Organic Pharmacy in my drinking water. The treatments here are holistic which is both internal and external. The whole experience was made better because of the heavy rain outside which made it even more conducive for the afternoon session which started at 3 pm.
The three hours treatment had two treatments. The Kundalini massage (S$250++) is Auriga Spa’s newest treatment. It was 90 minutes of soothing and harmonising massage that engages all senses with elements of fragrance, light, and touch. My therapist use synchronising massage techniques to help me discover my chakras, the seven energy points that are aligned in a straight line through your body. All I remembered was sleeping so well during the whole treatment until I was told to turn over.
The Collagen Boost Anti-Ageing Facial (S$180++ usual price S$210++) rejuvenates the skin with antioxidants and boosts collagen production. The facial lifts the skin after the 75-minute treatment smelling like carrot, aloe vera, and seaweed. Tighten and brighten your complexion with horsetail, ginseng, and propolis.
Come in earlier to enjoy the other facilities before your spa treatment. There’s a Vitality Pool, which is basically a jacuzzi pool heated to 39-degree celsius, which is great for relaxing those tensed muscles. After a 10 to 15 minute soak, head to the cold mint shower. Shower under a dim green light with mint scented cool water followed by a hot rain shower. There is also a steam room for you to enjoy before your spa treatment.
Raffles Spa at Raffles Jakarta
Step into the Raffles Spa at Raffles Jakarta and you feel like you have entered an oceanic world, with decor that reminds me of sand, ripples, and waves. The spa is inspired by the lotus flower with its daily transformation being a symbol of revitalisation and natural strength.
The Raffles Spa features six treatment rooms, 2 VIP couples suite and a hair and nail salon. Indulge in over 677 sqm of spa and wellness facilities. There are separate male and female relaxation areas, vitality pools and steam facilities. Products used at the spa include Australian skincare company Gaylia Kristensen, Kerstin Florian and Tropical Spa body care products that are inspired by ancient Javanese health and beauty rituals with great emphasis on the jamu remedy practices.
I visited the Raffles Spa where I was given a 90-minute Raffles Jakarta Signature Heritage Massage (IDR925,000) which uses a combination of Lomi Lomi, Balinese and Javanese massage techniques with a signature Ginger Oil. This traditional massage decreases muscle tension, indulges the senses, and relaxes the mind and body.
Other body massages available include a 90 minutes traditional Jaipong Body Stretching, Balinese Herbal Compress Massage, Urban Stress Reliever, Tibetan Vibration Relaxation Massage or an Oriental Foot Reviver with pricing from IDR550,000 and up. Body treatments and Facials are also available here. Check out cheap spa chemicals online if you are an avid spa fan.
SPA ESC Radisson Blu Hua Hin
The Radisson Blu Resort in Hua Hin offers a relaxing getaway by the beach which overlooks the Gulf of Thailand. The soothing blue tiles in the pool of the 22 Deluxe Pool access rooms draw your attention from the lobby towards the beach. That together with the golden wall tiles are absolutely stunning in my opinion.
A visit to SPA ESC is a must to complete a holistic vacation in the laid-back town. SPA ESC is located away from the main resort room building in an exclusive Spa block where the Superior rooms are located. Enjoy treatments in one of the six treatment rooms and very experienced therapists.
(Update on 1 May 2021: This property has been renamed to Ace of Hua Hin Resort)
Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalíe at Les Ottomans Istanbul
I had my first Hammam experience at Vinothérapie Spa by Claudalíe at Hôtel Les Ottomans Istanbul, a member of Small Luxury Hotels. I was lucky to get my own private Hammam space in this luxurious spa while my other travel companions had a full Hammam experience where they shared a larger space for their treatments. I did wish I had a bit more time to enjoy the pre- and post-spa facilities.
Enjoyed the unisex steam bath for a while before I was escorted to my own private hammam (pictured above) where I spent the next 60 minutes enjoying the traditional Hamman treatment which included a scrub ritual, foam massage, hair-wash & conditioning.
After the Hammam treatment, I spent another 15 minutes relaxing over a tea in the relaxation room where the ceiling lit up like stars in the sky and reclining seats equipped with blankets kept me warm and calm.
Vinothérapie Spa by Claudalíe are also at Les Sources de Caudalie Bordeaux in France, Marques de Riscal Hotel Elciego in Espagne, Les Etangs de Corot Versailles in France, The Plaza Hotel New York in USA, The Shangri La Toronto in Canada, Hotel L’AND Vineyards Montemor-O-Novo in Portugal and The Yeatman Hotel Porto in Portugal.
