Spa feature: rasa sentosa singapore

PARADISE

FOUND

When the sun, sea, and sand get too much, holidaymakers on Singapore's beautiful resort island of Sentosa swap them for solace, shade and spa at the Rasa Sentosa Resort. With Sentosa translating as 'place of tranquility',

Annette Hanford couldn't resist

The health club and spa at the Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore, opened its doors in December 2004, replacing the existing Essence Vale Spa. Modern and chic, it is in keeping with its Asian heritage and the high, five-star standards set by the Shangri-La group of hotels.

Set over two levels and decorated with light wood, illuminated bamboo panels, mirrors, and rich burgundy accents, the spa consists of three deluxe suites for couples (with private whirlpool and steam facilities); seven single treatment rooms (each with shower); and the Thai Pavilion, a private open-air massage area, overlooking a fish pond and scenic waterfall. Communal areas feature stone carvings on the walls and a series of water features.

Spa manager Jenny Tan says the decor is designed to mentally move guests to another level. "We play with lighting and have themed the colours to get the right mood and identity. It's crucial to get the right ambience.

"It is also a must to have fresh flowers - flowers in the waiting area, in the treatment rooms and in bowls under the couch face holes."

The spa boasts a comprehensive menu, offering a variety of 'him' and 'her' treatments, along with pampering spa-suite rituals created for couples, such as the two-hour 'In Harmony' and 'Romantic Journey' packages, or the extravagant five-hour Caviar Indulgence package which allows guests to experience the healing and rejuvenating properties of caviar for S$1,350 (£525).

TROPICAL GARDEN

Male and female locker rooms are equipped with a whirlpool and steam room, while a foot massage studio allows guests to enjoy a tropical garden view from a comfortable air-conditioned environment as they lounge in customised planter chairs and experience reflexology, manicure or pedicure treatments. 

Up to 14 treatments can be carried out simultaneously, and the hotel's corporate market means the spa is often running at full capacity. The spa can be hired for hen parties, team building exercises, while spa party packages - Indulgence, Rejuvenate, and Rest & Relax - are designed to cater for 20 to 28 people.

The packages give exclusive use of the spa facilities for up to four hours, including the whirlpool, steam room, lockers and shower facilities, along with a choice of treatments and massages. Light refreshments and tasty treats, created by the resort's chef, are also supplied. 

Although larger spas have since opened on the island and the vast Resorts World development is under way there, the Rasa's smaller, intimate setting, combined with its therapists' skills and good results provide a unique and popular offering. 

"Just like the rest of the hotel staff, each therapist and receptionist needs to do four hours' training every month where the department trainer imparts her knowledge, to ensure standards are maintained," says Jenny.

"We call this preventative maintenance and it acts as a constant reminder to keep standards high."

TOTAL RENOVATION

However, she realises that the industry is changing and she cannot afford to become complacent. "The demand for spa is growing, but I foresee it could become stagnant in the next couple of years if we don't diversify and expand our service offerings."

In preparation for this, the hotel is due to close for total renovation in 2010. This will include refurbishment and expansion of the spa.

FACT FILE

Rasa Sentosa Resort, Sentosa, Singapore

Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily

Skincare: Kerstin Florian

Staff: four full-time/four part-time, subject to demand

Clientele: holidaymakers, corporate and neighbouring hotel guests, 60:40 female to male ratio

Signature treatment: Rasa Touch - two hours, featuring body scrub, mud wrap, and aromatherapy massage incorporating Swedish strokes