SPA HOTSPOT: RAFFLES SPA, SINGAPORE

ICONIC FOR A REASON

Located in one of the most famous hotels, Raffles Spa in Singapore delights with old-world grandeur. Nadine Dilong shares her experience.

When I think of Singapore, I think of amazing food, endless shopping centres, and Raffles Hotel. There aren’t many places as iconic as this one, with its grand white columns and gorgeous courtyards. Opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world, and after an extensive recent restoration, you get modern and luxurious amenities

with old-world charm. So of course, I couldn’t visit Singapore without checking out Raffles Spa for a Biologique Recherche Facial. The French brand is up-and-coming in Singapore, with a new concept store just opened at the famous Marina Bay Sands shopping centre.

Before treatments at Raffles Spa, guests can use the steam room and plunge pool next to the gorgeous change room, which is one of the biggest and brightest I have seen with black and white marble evoking old Hollywood glamour. I loved the attention to detail, which showed when I opened my locker, stocked with everything spa goers could wish for: A water bottle, hair tie, comb, disposable underwear, a robe, slippers, and several towels. There was a seperate room with hair and makeup tools in front of a huge vanity to freshen up post-treatment, and large shower rooms.

My treatment room was dimly lit and my male therapist awaited me with a big smile before he explained my facial to me. I was covered in the softest towels and blankets I had ever experienced during a facial, which really elevated the experience. Biologique Recherche facials, like most facials, start with a deep cleanse, but in contrast to most other treatments, the massage happens directly after cleansing, and before the skin treatment. A lymphatic drainage massage is incorporated to stimulate blood flow and naturally sculpt and lift the face. My therapist used low pressure, but very precise movements along my décolletage, neck, shoulders, and face (even my nose!), and it felt like a treat to start off with such a relaxing part of the facial – kind of like having your dessert first.

What followed was exfoliation using the brand’s iconic P50 Lotion, which not only gently exfoliates, but also moisturises, maintains the skin’s pH levels, and enables deeper penetration of products used straight after. Then, my therapist applied three different masks onto my face: an oxygenating one around my eyes, a lifting one around my neck and jaw, and a calming one on my cheeks. While the active ingredients in the masks did their magic, I was treated to a scalp massage – my favourite part of any treatment.

After the masks were removed, a day cream and eye cream were applied, and my skin looked bright and balanced, no redness in sight! I was guided to the relaxation area, where a buffet of nuts, coconut flakes, fresh fruit, protein balls, and tea awaited me as I sat down on the day beds and stayed a little longer before going back into the humid Singapore heat outside. Raffles Spa is truly an urban oasis in one of the most iconic hotels you can visit.