Go on a spa date

Skip the plain ol’ movie-and-dinner date and give yourselves a pampering treat instead.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Skip the plain ol’ movie-and-dinner date and give yourselves a pampering treat instead.

Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis
Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis

For the couple who wants a spacation: Espa

Social Spa for Two, $1,118.15 for 180min.

“Can’t aff ord the time for a holiday? Well, this relaxing spa treatment feels just like a mini getaway. We were brought to a private beach villa – complete with its own steam shower and a private swimming pool overlooking the ocean – for our two-hour customisable treatment. I opted for a body scrub, wrap and massage, and a light facial, while my boyfriend went for a body massage and facial. First up was the scrub, using an exfoliating body polish, followed by a detoxifying algae wrap. Next, my therapist slathered Espa’s rose-and-sandalwoodscented Soothing Bath Oil all over my body before kneading out the knots in my back, neck and shoulders. Post-treatment, we had an hour to use the villa’s facilities. We also had access to the spa facilities outside of the villa, such as onsen pools and a sprawling gym. The treatment includes a twocourse meal, complete with a bottle of champagne, at Tangerine.” – Carina Koh, beauty writer

Espa is at Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway (tel: 6577-8880).

coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis
coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis

For the time-starved duo: Willow stream spa
Dream two-gather, $318.86 per person for 90min.

“This comprehensive treatment – which uses luxurious antiageing products from all-natural Australian skincare brand Gaylia Kristensen – is great for busy couples who don’t have much time for pampering. The 90-minute session started with a back massage using essential oils. This was followed by the use of heated stones on my back to soothe sore muscles. Next up, a facial exfoliation using a jojoba-bead-infused exfoliating cream, after which a hydrating facial oil, then a collagen mask, was applied. I was also treated to a foot, hand and head massage. After the treatment, we were invited to use the relaxation lounge and the rest of the facilities at the spa, to which access is complimentary with every treatment.” – Lee Xin Hui, features writer

Willow Stream Spa is at Level Six Fairmont Singapore (tel: 6339-7777).

Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis
Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis

For the stressed-out pair:The fullerton spa.

The asian heritage signature, $282.50 per person
For 90min.

“If you and your man just want a super-shiok massage, sans facials, scrubs or other add-ons, this is a great choice. First, a warm, muscle-relaxing gel was slathered on my body. Then, the therapist worked on loosening the tense muscles in the back of my head, neck, limbs and feet. Up next was a deep-tissue massage using aromatherapy oils. At my request, the therapist focused on undoing the knots in my shoulders with precise and strong repetitive movements. After the massage, we were ushered to the relaxation room for a cup of warm ginger tea (there were apples and dried fruit too). We’ll definitely be back for another round.” – Aretha Loh, features writer.
Hotel Singapore (tel: 6877-8183).The Fullerton Spa is at the mezzanine level at The Fullerton

Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis
Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis

For the zen twosome: So spa
So well in love, $706.20 for 150min.

“This kicks off with a 60-minute yoga session – perfect if you and your man are into the discipline – during which our personal yoga instructor took us through a series of poses as well as pair work. Then, we started the treatment proper with an invigorating Dead-Sea-salt-and-ginger foot soak, followed by a massage of choice. I opted for The Sentosa Massage, which incorporates medium-pressure long strokes and acupressure techniques to knead out knots. After an hour of bliss, an oat-based body scrub was used to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it silky smooth. After a shower, we headed for a light meal of juice and canapes at The Garden.” – Charmaine Lee, beauty writer

So spa is at Sofitel Singapore sentosa resort & spa, 2 bukit manis Road (tel: 6708-8358).

Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis
Coordination Carina Koh main photo Corbis

For the time-starved duo: Willow stream spa
Dream two-gather, $318.86 per person for 90min.

“This comprehensive treatment – which uses luxurious antiageing products from all-natural Australian skincare brand Gaylia Kristensen – is great for busy couples who don’t have much time for pampering. The 90-minute session started with a back massage using essential oils. This was followed by the use of heated stones on my back to soothe sore muscles. Next up, a facial exfoliation using a jojoba-bead-infused exfoliating cream, after which a hydrating facial oil, then a collagen mask, was applied. I was also treated to a foot, hand and head massage. After the treatment, we were invited to use the relaxation lounge and the rest of the facilities at the spa, to which access is complimentary with every treatment.” – Lee Xin Hui, features writer

Willow Stream Spa is at Level Six Fairmont Singapore (tel: 6339-7777).