Wander Woman

Lauren's Journey to Cross the Globe, One Amazing Experience at a Time

by Lauren Raps

Just Say Ahhhhhhhhhh in Sentosa

After a fall full of spontaneous, home-based learning, endless meals out with my constant plus one, the anxieties about new acronyms of VTL, HRT and ART’s, and sweating about whether I got a swimming otter when I downloaded the new Trace Together app…. this mama needed an escape.

Enter the newest hotel to hit Sentosa, Oasia Resort and Spa…whose website promised me my own “personal wellness journey,” fifteen minutes away from home. Inherently cynical, I was skeptical that a Grab ride from my apartment and my husband’s conference call voice would take me to magical Sentosa where a new hotel could reset me and get me back to my “fighting weight” so that I can return to civilization renewed, refreshed, and recharged.

Oh, but it did…..

Sunset yoga in the Courtyard

As you enter the lobby of Oasia Sentosa, the accommodating bell staff relieves you of your overnight bag. As they lead you to the check in area, and serve you the most relaxing herbal tea, the soothing begins.

Located in a former military barrack, where the Le Meridian once stood – near the Barracks, Outpost and Village Hotel (also owned and managed by the Far East Company), sits the Oasia Resort Sentosa. It’s not what one would immediately envision when picturing a wellness resort, but it does work -- the building is beautiful, historical, and just lovely to be in.

After check-in, I was given a tour of the facilities and shown to my room. The hotel rooms are not big, and not many of them have a view…some may look out on greenery, others view the road but, as I learned – your room is simply functional as a place to crash after you spend your day utilizing the spa and partaking in the many activities on offer throughout a daily rotation.

Those activities range from body-balm making to a tea appreciation class; there are fitness and wellness offerings where you can go hard with HIIT, or take it at your own pace with yoga at dusk or dawn. I took part in the sunset yoga on the exercise platform overlooking the pool and found it was the perfect way to wind down.

Body-balm ingredients

For my exploration of the Oasia Spa, I booked their signature Bamboo Massage. Promising detox and rejuvenation – it delivered 60 minutes of pure bliss as I was rolled out with a bamboo stick in the most relaxing way.

Lauren Raps and Jennifer Williams at Oasia Spa

I would prefer that a resort that boasts such health and wellness facilities would build out the spa facilities more. When I asked why the area was so small, I was told that it’s designed to keep the atmosphere intimate. And yes, it was indeed intimate, though what was lacking in space and spa facilities was compensated with wonderful treatments, talented therapists and the latest in spa technologies such as a cryotherapy facial machine – the first of its kind in Singapore that seems as if it could freeze away some of my fine lines and dull skin. Think racing down a ski mountain without goggles or a buff.

Finally, my best impression from my stay at Oasia Sentosa must be the service. I haven’t experienced this caliber of customer service in quite some time at a hotel – especially a new one. For example, upon check-in I expressed some disappointment that I had just missed the bodybalm making class and that there wasn’t one offered again during my stay. Hours later, as I checked into my spa appointment, the receptionist informed me that they had added a private class for me after my treatment. I did appreciate such proactive thoughtfulness.

All in all, the Oasia Sentosa gave me that escape, the metime and the re-charge that we are all so badly in need of. Take these tips from Wander Woman, to make the most of your stay.

• Book early, at the time of writing the spa was reserved two months out. Be sure to book your spa treatment at the same time as your room.

• Stay for dinner and get breakfast included with your rate – the hotel is also home to the newest outpost of Bedrock Bar and Grill. The menu at this outlet allows guests to maintain the wellness vibe with some good health-conscious selections, and gives a nod to its seaside location with an array of seafood options (highly recommend the dry aged Barramundi tail to share.) The breakfast menu offers healthy and hearty ways to get a great start on your day.

• Manage your expectations with its scaled-down spa facilities – this isn’t a place where you get to your treatment super early for whirlpool, steam or sauna. There is a sauna, but the relaxation room is more functional than a destination.

• Rooms are basic and best for sleeping, not lounging – but if going with a friend many of the rooms offer a king size bed and a sleeper sofa. The latter isn’t the most comfortable but for one night, it works.

Lauren Raps is AWA's Bar Night Chair. She moved to Singapore in January 2021 with her husband and three boys. She is the President and Founder of Travel Prospect, a full service leisure travel planning company.