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updated 3 Jun 2011, 03:26
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Fri, Jun 03, 2011
The New Paper
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Spa. Relax.
by Noor Ashikin Abdul Rahman

IT ALL started with a slight throbbing near my right eye that I dismissed.

That morphed into tightness around my temples and then culminated in a series of impossible headaches.

It seems I'm all stressed out.

Busy women could do with an induced stress-free situation that whisks us away from the hustle and bustle of life and allows us to truly relax.

This is where spa treatments come in.

And if time is tight, these are hour long treatments.

There is a range of treatments to suit all budgets, whether you simply need an affordable fix or an extravagant session of pampering.

Set on achieving a state of bliss, I went on a week-long hunt for four different spa treatments to achieve top-to-toe relief.

Ikeda Spa
Yasuragi hair and scalp treatment and organic body scrub

Also known as the Bento Box A package, this is perfect for headache and insomnia relief.

The former involves the use of a volcanic stone stick that is used to rub all over one's head, with focus on acupuncture points on the head.

It takes a while to get used to the initial pain but after that, I felt relaxed enough to enjoy its effects.

Following this, the masseuse massaged lightly-scented oil onto my skin to exfoliate it.

Rupini's
Eyebrow threading

As part of my pampering session, I went to have my eyebrows shaped.

In 10 quick pain-free minutes, I had beautifully arched eyebrows that framed my peepers.

By the end of the week, I sensed an instant difference in my body.

Gone were the strains and aches.

Instead, I felt I had a lithe body.

I left feeling like a million dollars.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel
Sodashi Purity Facial

This facial involves the use of chemical-free products that are less harsh and suit all skins types.

I was won over by how cool the products felt on my skin and the light, fresh fragrance.

The treatment did wonders for my skin, instantly smoothing out the surface and removing excess oil, which has always been a stubborn problem.

Face, head and skin - check.

But my sore muscles were still the bane of my existence.

DrGL loves DrSpa
Full body massage

The masseuse focused greatly on my shoulders and upper back, which were my problem areas.

All these was done as I cosied up on a bed, comfortably heated to help me relax.

The calming atmosphere and right amount of pressure exerted was such that I could slowly slip into a short slumber as my muscles were kneaded.

Name your price

ON A budget? Or the is the sky the limit? Here are some suggested treatments for all budgets.

BUDGET $10

TRY: Eyebrow threading ($7).

DURATION: 10 minutes.

WHERE: Rupini's 220, Midpoint Orchard, Orchard Road, #02-07.

Tel: 6738 6261.

 

BUDGET $50

TRY: Choose between Bento Box A or B ($48). Bento Box A includes a Yasuragi hair and scalp treatment as well as an organic body scrub. Bento Box B includes a Yasuragi hair and scalp treatment and a mini custom facial.

DURATION: 60 minutes

WHERE: Ikeda Spa, 787 Bukit Timah Road (off Sixth Ave). Tel: 6469 8080.

Promotion: TNP readers get to enjoy either Bento Box A or B at a special price of $48(usual $190). This is available only Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), from noon to 3pm.

Just quote "The New Paper" when making reservations. This promotion is valid till May 17.

 

BUDGET $200

TRY: Sodashi Purity facial ($190++).

DURATION: 60 minutes.

WHERE: The Spa, in the Club at Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Boulevard.

Tel: 6831 7400.

 

BUDGET $500

TRY: Full body massage ($400).

DURATION: 60 minutes.

WHERE: DrGL loves DrSpa, 27 Lorong Liput. Tel: 6465 8880.

 

This article was first published in The New Paper.

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