| Amrita Spa, Raffles City Singapore |
In terms of size and opulence, the Amrita Spa (“Amrita”) at Raffles City stands out prominently among the many spas in Singapore. Started in August 2000, Amrita is a relatively new luxury spa concept developed by Raffles International Limited at a cost of about US$5 million.
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With a total floor area of 50,000
square feet, Amrita’s spa and fitness facilities are sprawled over 3 levels of
Raffles The Plaza Singapore. Amrita is arguable the largest and one of the best
equipped spas in Asia with 35 treatment rooms (attached showers), dedicated
pedicure and manicure stations, hot and cold plunge pools, meditation alcoves
and the most heavenly relaxation lounge. Its fitness facilities are also
expansive, covering 6 tennis courts, 2 out door swimming pools, aerobics and
yoga studios and a state of the art gym.
Amrita’s
name is derived from the ancient Sanskrit legend where Hindu Deities searched
for an elixir (the Amrita) that would give them eternal youth. This was the
promise that Amrita seeked to deliver when developing its treatments. The spa
menu offers the gamut of massage, body, water, face and hand/feet therapies,
with a blend of Ayurvedic, Aromatic and European spa rituals. Designed by
Richmond International (UK), Amrita exudes an exotic charm with its ecletic mix
of minimalist style, designer fittings, chic furnishings, water features, wood
and Asian antiques. The reception area fronts a reasonably sized retail space
showcasing “house-brands” namely Amrita private label, Dermalogica and
Kerstin Florian products.
While
waiting for my treatments to begin, I used the hot and cold plunge pools. Known
to stimulate blood flow, venous and lymphatic drainage, the alternate hot and
cold baths completely relaxed my tired muscles! I then adjourned to the
relaxation room - adorned by day beds (separated by curtains to allow for
privacy) and dimly lit designer lamps; the entire room has a meditative mood,
tranquil enough for restful souls to “slump” into nirvana! Chew Yong (my
therapist) stepped in just as I was sipping “bliss tea”, a herbal infusion
specially blended for Amrita (wished I had come earlier to sink into the
serenity of the relaxation lounge!).
A
whiff of aromatic oils greeted me as I was led into a single treatment room with
an open bathtub within an “alcove”. The room was dimly lit by tea-lights and
orchids were arranged neatly throughout the room to indulge the senses. I was
due for the mineral rich moor mud wrap – the treatment commenced with a dry
skin brush to exfoliate and drain the lymphatic system. Warmed moor mud
blended with stress relief treatment oil (of lavender, geranium and ylang ylang)
were then generously applied to the entire body before I was wrapped in layers
of blanket, plastic and foil. This legendary treatment has highly therapeutic
properties, and is known to detoxify, remineralize, rejuvenate and soothe aching
muscles. While experiencing the powerful effects of the moor mud working its way
into my dehydrated and tired skin, Chew Yong skillfully performed an
acupuncture-point “mini-facial” using a “sedative additive” (pure facial
oil) by Dermalogica. After removing the moor mud with a loofah soaked in
chamomile shower gel at the bathtub, Chew Yong applied after-bath cream with
effleurage movement over my body. The sensation after the moor mud treatment was
beyond words, I felt so relaxed that I was almost “floating” to next
“Amrita Spa Foot and Leg Treatment”. My feet were first soaked in warm water
with aromatic gel and mineral salt to soften the skin. Nails were filed and skin
exfoliated using chamomile scrub. A relaxing leg and foot effleurage massage
followed using Amrita’s foot blend oil to stimulate lymph flow and meridians.
A layer of gauze was applied before the feet were enveloped in a thermal mask
that self-heats to 40 degree Celsius. That was the ultimate indulgence for human
feet – I felt lighter and de-stressed, my feet has never felt so supple!
My
spa adventure ended with a banana smoothie at the Alligator Pear Restaurant and
Poolside Bar (they serve up quite a spa cuisine). Amrita has certainly impressed
my senses, my afternoon indulgence spent immersing in the relaxing and
rejuvenating ritual has made me crave for more of Amrita!
An aside, my therapist (Chew Yong) has been most impressive with her skillful hands and poised professionalism. She has whole-heartedly engaged her heart and soul in delivering a healing tactile experience…one that I will most certainly remember.
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