The shop’s outlet name is “Skill Massage Centre” and that makes one ponder how skillful are their masseuse? It claims to be newly opened and has a promotion that is $42 an hour. This is located at Orchard Towers and they offer Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage and Thai Massage.
A Japanese Experience (“Elegance Health Spa” @ Japanese Garden) March 23, 2009
Fancy having a Japanese massage in Singapore? That will definitely going to be costly but at least there’s a place for a nice massage at Japanese Garden Rd…and it is economical.
The business hours are till 11pm at night and I went there just an hour before their closing time. Parking is free over there. I came a bit late to understand from them that there’s a special promotion should you go during the off peak hours from 11am – 5pm period. But since I am there, and it is still highly affordable even without the promo, why not?
I was led to my room by my masseuse whom had this charming smile on her that seems to brighten up the night for me. I got to know that she was at a very young age and started as a masseuse just a few months ago. But it was soon that I got to feel her massage techniques were pretty good even though she hasn’t had years of experience doing this.
The rub off my back was good and firm with constant kneading and I can feel that she is very hardworking…on my tired back. She used the back of her hands to ‘roll’ around in circular motions and it was nice to have her tender hands squeeze the pressures off my shoulders.
The whole session ended promptly on the dot and it was also time for the ladies at the spa centre to knock off work. Sayonara for both me and the ladies for the night.
Hotel Massage (“Shing Health Spa” @ Kitchener Rd) March 3, 2009
Just like the previous post, this outlet is also located in a hotel…but a much smaller budgeted one. I don’t remember in the past seeing many spa nor massage outlets are in Singapore hotels. But now, it seems that the trend has caught on for this. I used to engage in massage services at the hotel in China during my business trips. It is always nice to have one when you are overseas and feel tired from all those hectic runs.
I did not call to make any appointment with Shing Health Spa as it was an impromptu decision to just pop by. Fortunately, there was a masseuse available for me at the moment I stepped in. In fact, if I were to be late by a minute, I will have to wait as there was another guy who just walked in too.
In an individual room, I went for my shower before engaging in the relaxing process of a Swedish massage. It is by far one of the more common type of massage Singaporeans will opt for. The constant kneading of my shoulder blade area was especially nice. My masseuse seem to form a rhythm as she patted my back. The glide of her hands from the top all the way to the bottom at my calf area…kinda depict the smooth transition from my previous work stress state to the current total relaxed state.
Pretty Masseuse (“XiYuan” @ Jalan Sultan) February 23, 2009
First impressions always count and also the ambassador of a massage or spa centre is often represented by the service crew themselves. There are some outlets that have very high emphasis of good looks in their masseuse that I noticed all their crew were of great looking standards (at least based on my observation at the point of time that I came across)…while there are those who just simply employ masseuse based on skills and not to care whether they are ‘auntie-looking’ or not.
Well, its a world of packaging nowadays. A good example will be Xiyuan, just opposite Textile Centre taxi stand. Located at the second level, I was led into a small room with dimly lit lights. Walking past about 4-5 service staffs, I must admit there were all quite some great lookers. It didn’t take long before my young pretty masseuse began the massage. She was pretty soft-spoken but through her replies in a typical mandarin, I can guess she’s likely from China.
The massage skills applied were sensational when her kneading coupled with a minty rub off my body. As she pressed on the back along my waist area, I could feel tension just oozing away. As she moved from the top to the bottom of my legs, she nimble every single nerves of my 10 toes. It felt ticklish initially as I didn’t expect that, but it was quite a refreshing feeling. She pounded my soles with her mini fists…simple yet effectively feeling good.
Nice & Cosy (“The 80′s Reflexology” @ Jalan Besar) February 10, 2009
In this service industry like spa and massage, the crew and personnel involved are of crucial importance. Because they are of direct contact with clients and they either make or break the brand. Through word-of-mouth, that’s the most effective medium that can spread like wildfire…good or bad.
The masseuse who serviced me at this outlet is also the receptionist who received me. Their masseuse on standby will always be on the receiving front whom will eventually lead the customer like myself to the room. The room though small on individual space, it emits a sense of cosy feeling in within.
In the room, light music was played in the background to enhance the mood for relaxation. My masseuse came into the room and positioned herself for the massage process. After indicating that I had a spur of headaches a few days before, she proceeded on with a good lengthy massage on my head…my temples and even some light facial massage. I think it might have lasted quite a while but I did not want her to stop, it was just feeling really comfortable.
Down to my shoulders was slapped on with some massage aromatherapy oil. And my upper body felt light, especially after a fabulous head massage.
Massage near Army Camp (“Spa on Green” @ Jalan Kayu) February 9, 2009
In Singapore, it is compulsory for all guys to be enlisted in the army. And what’s more than a good massage to soothe a tired body after a day of outfield. There’s this spa outlet near Seletar camp vicinity after Jalan Kayu. In my personal opinion, the best time to have a massage and feel it at its best is when you are feeling extremely tired.
That’s when every single pressure press on the tired soul will make you feel absolutely fantastic. The day that I was at Spa on Green, I did saw 2 other guys in the reception holding areas…I just presume that they were tired army guys seeking some relieve.
As I had made an appointment prior to my visit, I was ushered very soon into my own private shower before the actual massage commences. While waiting for my masseuse arrival, I logged onto the available wireless internet connection to check for some business emails. It didn’t take long before a knock came onto my door and I was greeted by my personal masseuse.
The massage came in a gentle manner and the movement of those hands were delicately slow to ensure every muscle tension had been release away. My masseuse used the inner cup of her hands to knead my shoulders and back of my head. She then uses her elbow, coupled with a bit of her light body weight, to apply pressure of my calf in a nice rhythmical manner.
Not only was the massage experience great, but there are additional services such as manual car wash and valet parking which totaled a mere $3 only. This is a place definitely worth visiting again for the value it provides.
A Massage before Supper (“Qianshan Beauty Centre” @ Jalan Kayu) February 2, 2009
It is said by many that one should not have a heavy meal before massage. Jalan Kayu, a famous place in Singapore for roti prata is a sure temptation for supper. However to be discovered, there is more than just good supper in this part of Singapore. We have a good place for massage too – Qianshan Beauty Centre.
When I first went there, it was still newly furbished and my sensitive sense of smell confirmed when I sniffed a light tinge of paint coating. The smell was masked by the beautiful rose scent given out through.
As an appointment had been made earlier on, I was whisked away to my private room by a welcoming masseuse who is already waiting for me. Being in my comfortable spa robe, my long-hair masseuse wasted no time working on my body. Something unique is that, she starts from the bottom…my foot soles. I was pretty surprised as its always been the norm whereby massage starts from the top to bottom. But anyway, it felt really comfortable as she squeezed the sides of my sore ankles.
Having karate chops on my waist and later on proceeding to press on my shoulder points using both her thumbs. As we were about 10minutes towards the end of the session, she began chatting with me and I found that she was from China, Harbin. That explains her lanky height too from the northern region of China.
The session ended with me feeling rather pleased and satisfied. Next up, roti prata of course…
A Chinatown experience (“Oriental Pearl Healthcare Centre” @ Pagoda St) January 26, 2009
We have noticed quite a number of massage and spa centres are sprucing up in Singapore along the Chinatown area. This could possibly due to the tourism trade catering and targeting many foreigners who frequent Chinatown. It was some time ago that I visited one outlet at Pagoda St.
Upon stepping into the outlet, the ambience was nice with a relaxing atmosphere. The massage therapist allocated to me used a variety of techniques to promote healing and relaxation, as well as to promote greater flexibility and range of motion. I could feel the after-effect of the outcome in which it helps to improve blood circulation, decrease pain and inflammation, helps to relax the muscles, and makes you feel better.
The masseuse engaged my body for a 90minute session, something longer than the usual one hour. It is encourage often to people after their massage session to drink a cup of hot tea. And this was naturally served at this outlet, warm green jasmine tea.
Overall, the experience was a great one which ended with a 15-minute chat with my masseuse. The warmth of the service given can indeed be felt.
A Heavenly Process (“Massage Heaven Spa Studio” @ Sims Ave) January 19, 2009
In the past when spas and massage centres were still an uncommon sight in Singapore, the cost of engaging this relaxing service is really quite expensive to come by. But now we are looking at many of such services at affordable rates. One of which is at Massage Heaven Spa Studio – $38/hour.
The masseuses are experienced and their skills are a combination of sensuality with a blend of tradition in their massages. As I laid my body on the comfortable bed, taking in the scent of the light lavender aroma, I fell into a trance of total relaxation. A pair of smooth hands glide down my entire back, taking away the shagginess of the week’s workload. I do feel that my masseuse administered the process from the top of my shoulders to my legs very well. Every finger pressure pressed on my body work wonders to untie the tensed knots.
Overall ambience was a soothing one with light decor to accompany the limited space it has in the outlet. The service crew was as usual at its best, all smiles.
