In a spacious treatment suite at the recently refurbished Raffles Spa Singapore, my therapist produces an array of semi-precious stones.
Gently, she places a chunk of violent amethyst in my hand and describes its healing properties – a natural tranquiliser, amethyst is believed to ease stress and relieve nervous tension, she says.
She then shifts her attention to crimson garnet (balances energy), rose quartz (supports emotions) and carnelian (boosts creativity).
During the signature gemstone massage, she explains, these stones will be heated in purified water before being used to relax aching muscles and positively impact my energies.
I take off my street clothes in the adjoining dressing room, enjoy a warm shower, and then slip on the provided G-string and robe.
I then return to the cocoon-like space of the treatment suite.
I lie on my back on the heated massage bed and, when my therapist returns, I feel the soothing pressure of her hands, and hear the gentle click of stones as they move across my oiled skin.
After an almost eight-hour flight from Brisbane, Australia, earlier that day, it’s exactly what I need to smooth out the kinks and bring back a sense of peace, calm and balance.
The once over
Raffles Singapore is an historic luxury hotel that’s famous for its hospitality.
Though the grand dame has operated a spa for more than two decades, these facilities enjoyed a makeover during a property-wide restoration program which commenced in 2017.
Tucked away in Raffles Arcade, and surrounded by lush tropical gardens that sometimes seem intent on claiming the walkways, Raffles Spa Singapore provides a streamlined space for rest and rejuvenation.
A soothing blush- and beige-toned interior creates a sense of sanctuary while signature orchid displays provide a continuing connection to the hotel’s elegance and refinement.
On arrival at the spa, I was greeted with a glass of gemstone-infused water.
Amber lighting softens the glow from lighting filaments, creating a dimmer, warmer light, and a restful ambience.
Raffles’ restoration was led by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud and supported by Aedas, a leading global architecture and design firm.
Facilities at Raffles Spa Singapore
Raffles Spa Singapore took its first bookings in August 2019, just as the rest of the refurbished hotel was throwing open its doors. The pandemic pause meant that the grand dame still looks fresh.
The spa contains six luxurious gemstone-inspired suites and a Gem Suite designed for loved-up couples; each has its own ensuite bathroom and dressing room.
For a recommended 30 to 60 minutes ahead of any spa treatment, guests are invited to use the aquathermal facilities which are designed to promote blood circulation and relaxation.
These include an aromatherapy steam room which releases pure salt vapour, a herbal sauna, a vitality pool filled with mineral-rich Peruvian pink salt, and an ice fountain.
Post-treatment, guests can unspool in comfortable gender-segregated lounges with a cup of herbal tea.
Though the heated 25-metre lap pool and the fitness centre are billed as part of the spa, they’re both located on level three of the main hotel building.
Raffles Spa Singapore’s treatment menu
Raffles Spa Singapore offers an extensive menu that is inspired by local therapies.
For example, a Sumatra Healing Ceremony uses traditional herbs and Indonesian massage techniques to induce a sense of well-being.
Other popular ‘Spa Journeys’ include the Ayurveda-inspired Chakra Deep Sleep Ritual.
A wide range of facials, massages and body therapies feature on the Raffles Spa menu.
Products are drawn from the Biologique Recherche, ISUN and Reverence de Bastien ranges.
The spa is also your first port of call if you wish to indulge in yoga or meditation classes, crystal bowl sound healing sessions, or therapies such as reiki, cranial sacrotherapy, or lymphatic drainage.
Those who wish to devote the majority of their stay to wellness could even participate in Raffles Enlightenment Retreat, a three-night package combining spa treatments, a guided walk and related wellness experiences.
(Stay tuned for my story of this one.)
Must do near Raffles Spa Singapore
If you’d like to layer on further indulgence, time your spa treatment so you can partake in the Raffles Singapore Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s Grand Lobby.
The delivery of dainty finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and sweet treats is a tradition that dates back to the 19th Century.
Want to package up some wellness to take home with you? The spa is located only a short sashay from Raffles Boutique (formerly the Raffles Gift Shop).
It sells wellness products such as the Raffles Eye Mask alongside more traditional souvenirs and keepsakes such as coasters and postcards.
Stay
It’s hard to beat a stay at Raffles Singapore. Practically speaking, when your massage sends you into seventh heaven, you’ll be just a short doddle from your room and the blissful loose-limbed nap your body desires.
Raffles Singapore is practically synonymous with this garden city. Established in 1887 as a humble 10-room bungalow, it has expanded over time to the all-suites grand dame with lingering colonial-era charm that stands today.
My room – pardon me, suite – opened from a shady veranda to a living room style parlour.
Beyond that was the bedroom with four-poster bed and a smart black-and-white bathroom with central freestanding tub. Read my full review of Raffles Singapore (to come).
The iconic status Raffles Singapore has attained and the service it’s renowned for means it does come with a price-tag to match.
If you’re looking for somewhere more affordable close by that doesn’t comprise on comfort, it may be worth exploring Naumi Singapore, the Fairmont Singapore, or Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore.
Spice it up
Pull up a bar stool and sip a Singapore Sling in Raffles’ Long Bar. This gin-based cocktail was literally invented here in 1915 and, while there are a few variations on the original recipe, there’s no better way than this fruity style punch to get an authentic taste of Singapore.
Not a drinker? Not a problem. Opt for the Teetotaller’s Sling, or select from a range of other house mocktails.
Celebrity spa-goer
Raffles Spa Singapore is tight-lipped as to which celebrities have visited.
However, the hotel is well-known for its celebrity connections. Guests who’ve stayed over its long and illustrious history include W. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson.
Service at Raffles Spa Singapore
The therapists are highly skilled and trained in a range of modalities.
What’s in the neighborhood?
The spa and the hotel are located less than 10 minutes on foot from the National Gallery Singapore where you’ll find the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art.
A slightly longer walk (about 15 minutes’) will take you to either the National Museum of Singapore, which is the country’s oldest, or the Peranakan Museum, with three floors of exhibits.
Though these distances might sound minor, walking is not always a pleasant experience in Singapore’s hot, humid climate.
There’s no shame in jumping in a taxi or using a ride-hailing app such as Grab and Gojek. (You won’t find Uber in Singapore.)
Logistics
Raffles Spa is located about 21 minutes by road from Singapore’s Changi Airport.
The wash up
Raffles Spa costs top dollar but as an exercise in relaxation and refinement, it scores top marks too.
Raffles Spa is perfect for …
Singles in need of pampering and couples celebrating a special occasion. This is not the spot for noisy gatherings of groups of friends such as hen’s parties.
For two people, the 210-minute Gem Suite Experience offers tailored spa treatments, use of facilities, and Raffles Singapore’s afternoon tea experience with a glass of champagne.
Summing up
Allow some time before and after your treatment to luxuriate in the Raffles Spa experience. Open 10am to 7pm daily.
Denise Cullen was a guest of Raffles Singapore and Raffles Spa.
