We list the best Singapore spas for specific massages, from Thai and Balinese to Swedish and Shiatsu.
Some like meditation; others like a good stretch. But if your idea of recharging your body is getting a good massage, you’ve come to the right place. Not to worry. If you’re all knotted up and don’t know where to go, keep reading. From Thai rubdowns and Balinese therapies to sports and foot massages, we break down the different types of massages in Singapore and the best spas that offer them.
Best massages in Singapore for different needs
1. Hot stone massage: To relieve body aches
This involves laying heated stones on your pressure points while the masseuse kneads your body. The hot stones warm up the tight muscles to relieve muscle tension, as well as improve blood circulation. This will leave your body feeling rejuvenated.
Try: Willow Stream Spa ($280 for 90 mins), La Source ($228 for 60 mins), Cecilia Westberry ($135 for 60 mins)
2. Swedish massage: To drift away in tranquillity
This massage combines several movements like gliding strokes, kneading plus tapping, bending, and light stretching. This combination means that it can be as gentle or intense as you want it to be. Add aromatherapy oils for a deeply relaxing and calming experience.
Try: Heal Spa ($94 for 60 mins), The Hot Spa ($68 for 60 mins), Imperial Spa ($73 for 60 mins)
3. Deep tissue massage: To relax tense muscles
As the saying goes: “no pain, no gain”. This looks like your normal, everyday massage but with more pressure applied to target hard-to-reach tissues and tense muscles in the body. Warning: brace yourself for the pain and the post-massage soreness. But trust us – your body will thank you later.
Try: The Outcall Spa ($238 for 90 mins), Chi, the Spa ($170 for 60 mins), Healing Touch Spa ($68 for 60 mins)
4. Jamu massage: To improve blood circulation
Originating from Indonesia, this massage is typically performed on women as part of post-natal treatment. It uses traditional herbal oils, which are warmed up and rubbed all over your body. Jamu massage helps with wind relief, improves blood circulation, and cures chronic pains.
Try: Life Spa ($260 for 60 mins), Spa Rael ($258 for 60 mins)
5. Abhyangam (Ayurvedic oil massage): To restore balance to your body
Abhyangam is an Indian massage that relaxes the muscles of the body by using herb-infused Ayurvedic oils in seven different phases. This type of massage is highly recommended as it not only restores mental and physical balance to the body but strengthens the nervous system as well.
Try: Ayur Centre ($60 for 60 mins), Ayush ($64.20 for 60 mins), Amrita Ayurveda ($55 for 45 mins)
6. Shiatsu massage: To tackle stress
This well-known therapy from Japan also the principles of ancient Chinese medicine. The aim is to deeply relax and achieve a clear flow to your chi. Gentle finger and palm pressure placed on the meridian points of the body combined with stretching will melt the stress away.
Try: Ikeda Spa ($170+ for 60 mins), La Source ($158 for 60 mins), Heal Spa ($94 for 60 mins)
7. Thai massage: To stretch and soothe
This is a soothing treatment to calm your senses, despite the yoga-like stretches. Traditionally, Thai massage doesn’t involve hot oils or lotions. Expect rhythmic pressing, rocking and stretching, such as the cracking of your knuckles, pulling of fingers and toes, and assisted arch backstretch.
Try: Nimble/Knead ($76 for 60 mins), Sabaai Sabaai ($88 for 60 mins), Healing Thai Massage ($60 for 60 mins)
8. Javanese massage: To offer pain relief
Using all parts of their hands (from knuckles to thumbs), therapists exert deep pressure with pushing and stroking movements. This can be quite intense (aka more kneading). The aim is to utilise all 67 major acupressure points to improve blood circulation and aid in the removal of toxins. This stimulation rids you of stress by reducing muscle tension.
Try: House of Traditional Javanese Massage ($78 for 60 mins), Balinese Thai ($60 for 60 mins)
9. Balinese massage: To get those knots
This is a vigorous massage with firm pressure focused on deeply relaxing the muscle tissue. Natural oils are used – especially ginger, which helps reduce water retention and cellulite. It’s incredibly stress-relieving and relaxing, so be ready to fall asleep during your treatment.
Try: Banyan Tree Spa ($298 for 60 mins), Bellecare ($78 for 60 mins)
10. Tui Na: To loosen up
Word of advice for newbies: Tui Na (or Tuina) isn’t a pampering treatment. It’s a vigorous combination of massage and acupressure to meridians, acupoints and muscles to unblock the free flow of qi. Simply put, Tui Na invigorates the body and relieves muscle-skeletal tension. As the treatment requires a lot of pressure and focuses on vital regions, it’s recommended to check with your therapist (who should be a registered TCM practitioner) on your suitability. Warning: don’t do this on a full stomach.
Try: Spa Rael ($224 for 60 mins), Spa Esprit ($145 for 60 mins), The Ultimate ($214 for 60 mins)
11. Aromatherapy massage: To relieve stress and unwind
This uses essential oils that are highly concentrated in plant oils, as well as massage oils and lotions when kneading on tense areas. Positive changes in the mind and body are also influenced by the scent absorption of the oils. Plus, aromatherapy is believed to work wonders for menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.
Try: Ikeda Spa ($210+ for 60 mins), Away Spa ($180 for 60 mins), Remede Spa ($190 for 60 mins)
12. Abdominal massage: To combat bad constipation
When it comes to removing obstructions and restoring flow in your digestive tract, an abdominal massage does a great job. This effective massage includes circular kneading, crawling motions and pressing movements on the abdomen. Expect some tension or pain due to the increasing pressure applied to your abdominal areas. Here’s a tip: breathe alongside the strokes to ease the pain.
Try: Heal Spa ($128 for 60 mins), Healing Touch ($108 for 60 mins)
13. Foot massage: To help with aching soles
Pamper your tired feet with a tension-releasing, detoxifying foot massage in Singapore. This reinforces stronger strokes along the pressure points of the feet. It also tackles your aching muscles, recovers joint mobility and improves blood circulation. You’ll be back in your favourite pair of heels in no time!
Try: Nimble/Knead ($42 for 60 mins), Feet Haven ($40 for 60 mins)
14. Sports massage: To boost athletic performance
Sports massages are typically done to aid recovery. Pre-activity massages help to wake up muscles, while post-activity ones contribute to releasing muscle tension. But take note that sports massages may not be recommended for those with major injuries – do consult your doctor for professional advice first.
Try: Singapore Pain Solutions ($100 for 45 mins), Health 2U ($205 for 60 mins)
Want a great massage sesh in Singapore? Look no further than these treatments!
