Treatments to try: Pamper yourself at Shangri-La, unwind at Raffles Spa, and more

1 / 4

The Chi Total Renewal Retreat, $703++ per person, at Shangri-La Singapore

Who it’s catered for: Anyone in desperate need of some R&R, and/or is feeling burned out from recent events

Vogue’s review: A three-hour long treatment is a serious commitment, so it’s fair to say that Shangri-La Singapore’s The Chi Total Renewal Retreat is not for the fickle—or faint!—at heart. Comprising a body scrub, massage, Obagi facial and a three-course meal, it amalgamates the best of its spa menu to grant users a top-to-toe pampering experience. The first item on the agenda? A full-body scrub, of which is available in a variety of options ranging from hydrating to firming. I opted for the Detoxifying Marine Scrub, which is designed to thoroughly eliminate dead skin cells. I was impressed by the level of detail in this procedure right from the get-go; my therapist had kneaded the fusion of dead sea salt crystals and papaya seeds all the way down to the soles of my feet, and had carefully worked the mixture into the spaces between my toes. This meant that every part of me that had emerged post-shower felt baby-soft and smooth; the perfect state for the next part of this retreat—the massage.

For individuals who prefer something a little more high-intensity, the Signature Asian Blend Massage is a good place to start. Utilising techniques encompassing Thai pressure points, Balinese and Malaysian strokes as well as Chinese energy flow, my tense muscles were pushed, kneaded and worked into submission over the course of an hour. Unbudgeable knots went putty under the hands of my therapist, and it’s safe to say I was floating in a serene plane of consciousness by the time the facial came around.

To say I didn’t see the Obagi Prescriptive Facial coming was an understatement. While the initial consultation had deemed my visage in need of hydration and firming, I was surprised by the spectrum of devices as well as techniques employed. A wand containing electromagnetic currents was run across my mien to tighten and lift, before my therapist—using gloved-up hands—reached inside my mouth to stretch out and loosen the tight muscles. While the sensation was initially discomfiting, I must admit that I sported a radiant glow for days after, with my jaw area feeling significantly less tense than before.

I’d be remiss not to mention that the spa’s lounge and pool facilities are accessible to all who purchase this package—but due to my own personal time limitations, my retreat concluded with a three-course meal at Origin Bar; a decadent affair comprising a fresh garden salmon, an exquisitely-cooked salmon as well as a matcha mousse dessert. The perfect ending note to an entirely indulgent—and pampering—treatment? No doubt about it.

22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350. Tel: 6737 3644

2 / 4

Elixir Power Facial, $320+++ for 60 minutes, at Raffles Spa

Who it’s catered for: Anyone who’s looking to perk up their complexion 

Vogue‘s review: A good facial can do a lot for your complexion—and in some special cases, your spirits too. Walk right into the foyer of Raffles Spa, and you’ll feel it seep into your bones—the soft dulcet tones of attentive service, lush interiors and the scent of aromatic oils wafting through the air.

And if you were hoping to reach a state of zen, you’re in luck—a special, limited-time partnership with Omorovicza brings heritage Hungarian skincare rituals to Singapore. Since glow was the goal for me, I am told that I’ll be undergoing the Elixir Power Facial. The perfume of roses greeted me as I entered the room—and it lingered throughout my treatment, thanks to generous spritzes of the Queen of Hungary Mist between each step. 

After changing into my robe, the therapist got to work with a cleansing balm and foaming cleanser to gently remove the rest of my make-up and SPF. Then a careful facial assessment was conducted, where my T-zone and cheeks were identified as problem areas. Since there were signs of clogging and redness, the Blue Diamond Exfoliating Peel helped to gently exfoliate my skin, with the Healing Concentrate™ working hard to improve hydration, elasticity and firmness simultaneously. Next came a double-mask moment, which drew out impurities and soothed the skin. To lock in hydration, the Elixir came to the rescue with cell-renewing sage extract and deeply hydrating pumpkin seed extract. Finally, a layer of moisturiser sealed everything in, especially with Hungarian techniques to massage it into the pores. 

But that’s not all. A scalp massage and targeted décolleté fascia work melted away all remaining tension in my upper body. As I headed back out to the foyer, I felt renewed—and it showed in my face for days afterward.

328 North Bridge Rd, #01-31 Raffles Arcade, Singapore 188719. Tel: +65 6412 1377

3 / 4

Ultraformer MPT HIFU Treatment and Volnewmer Treatment, $1,588* for 800 shots and $1,588* per session respectively at Om Aesthetics Clinic

Who it’s catered for: Those looking for a targetted sculpt and true face lift

Vogue’s review: There wasn’t a target outcome or specific concern I was thinking about prior to my appointment at Om Aesthetics Clinic. Yet it remains one of the clearest, most well-articulated consultations I’ve ever been to—Dr Neil did not only wish to impart his knowledge on the non-invasive nature of the new Volformer, he was very clear about my treatment regime, explaining what that would mean for me during the process, as well as what I should expect to see afterwards.

With a quick facial analysis, Dr Neil was focused on giving one side of my jawline a more targeted lift and shape, in order to match the opposite side of my jaw and give it a more symmetrical finish altogether. The Volformer aesthetic treatment proves useful here, as it combines the effects of two different devices: the Volnewmer RF system that utilises radiofrequency energy to target the mid-dermal layer for collagen stimulation, and the Ultraformer MPT that not only allows a dive into the deeper dermis and SMAS layers, but also more focused modes of treatment for intricate facial areas using ultrasound energy. The latter, especially, helps with structural lifting, and in my case, allows Dr Neil to take a targeted approach; whilst both sides underwent the pulses of heat that came with the Volnewmer RF device, Dr Neil used the Ultraformer MPT mainly for the right side, in order to achieve a focused sculpt, contouring my jawline so that it would ‘balance’ out both sides of my face overall. Although no needles are used with the Ultraformer MPT, I still note a sharper sensation that accompanies it—no doubt a result of its deeper, more focused nature. Even then, the nurses at Om Aesthetics were masters of distraction, and constantly massaged the other parts of my body so I would not be in too much pain during the session. 

What I walked out with however, was clear results. Whilst not immediately visible, I did notice a distinct uplift in the one side. I was pleasantly surprised that my face shape has appeared more symmetrical since; even almost two months on, I’m still reaping the benefits of a single session. What I thoroughly appreciated too, was the after-service care; not only did I receive painkillers for any remaining soreness from the session (which did last a few days for me), Dr Neil also personally checked up on my condition in the days that followed. An affirmative I was in good hands.

*T&Cs apply

111 Somerset Rd, #03-14 TripleOne Somerset, Singapore 238164. Tel: +65 8894 7314

4 / 4

Illuminating Professional Treatment, $360 for 120 minutes, at Gromark Aesthetics Centre