Body: When the weight of the world gets too much ... it's Spa Time!

The weight of the world can be overwhelming at times, even for us 21st century ladies who like to think we’ve got it all figured out. How are we to handle the kids’ exam fever? 

What are they really being taught at school? Which social organisation is going to be taken over next through stealth tactics? And then there’s swine flu to top it all.

When the cares of the world just seem too much, maybe ‘tis time to hit the spa for a bit of pampering! 

Luckily for us, treatments abound that won’t send your bank account into the red. 

And since it’s Mother’s Day too, take mum along…make it a double treat and enjoy a bonding good time with the most important woman in your life. 

Willlow Stream Spa at Fairmont Hotel recently rolled out The Urban Retreat, a spa ‘n lunch package that costs a sweet S$120+ per person. 

This includes a choice of one treatment – take your pick from a stress relief massage, travel recovery massage, sports massage, customised deep cleansing facial or sensitive skin facial – which lasts at least 60 minutes, the use of spa facilities for the day, followed by a three-course lunch at Alligator Pear, their poolside restaurant. 

What’s more, the menu features fat-free, organically grown and nutritionally balanced ingredients flavoured with herbs from the hotel’s own green patch. Dishes include grilled tuna steak with capsicum compote; smoked salmon tagliatelle with fresh tomato and basil, and pina colada (comprising coconut, pineapple and lime sherbet). 

FYI, the package has a total retail value of up to S$308 nett. 

Where: 

Fairmont Singapore 

80 Bras Basah Road

Tel: 6431 5600 for appointments 

E-mail: willowstream.enquiries@fairmont.com

Grand Park City Hall’s Spa Park Asia has recently been renovated and relaunched, focusing on Asian therapies with a range of ‘oxygen-based spa products,’ TCM therapies are a highlight, including tui na (S$120 for 60 minutes), a massage using finger and palm pressure to promote the flow of qi; ba guan (S$60 for 30 minutes) – also known as ‘cupping’ – to improve blood circulation and rid the body of toxins; and guan sha (S$60 for 30 minutes), which treats chronic ailments such as tense muscles and qi congestion. 

For a spot of economic downturn wellness, sign up for its Refresh & Restore promotion (S$99 until 31 May) comprising a 60-minute body massage and a 25-minute Body Polish or 15-minute foot massage. 

There’s also its signature treatment, Park Indulgence (S$180), a two-hour session that consists of a massage using a variety of Asian massage techniques, hydrating body polish and body masque.

Where: 

Grand Park City Hall

10 Coleman Street

Tel: 6593 6938/39 for appointments