Zen-laced
Luxury
The
Oriental Spa
by
Evelyn Chen
After
a massive renovation reportedly costing tens of
millions of dollars, The Oriental, Singapore reopened
for business in December 2004. Redesigned with
a strong Pan-Asian influence, the swanky hotel
exudes old mandarin elegance and Zen-laced luxury
to match the top tier status now associated with
Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide.
To
complete our review of The Oriental Spa, we decided
to stay a night at the newly refurbished hotel.
Whilst our city-view suite afforded a great view
of Singapore's skylines through the stunning floor-to-ceiling
windows (we were told the harbor-view suites have
a more spectacular view of the bay area), we were
most impressed with the design of our suite. Bathed
in warm neutral tones, it projected luxury and
charm with attention to details that even the
most jet-lagged guests would take notice of: textured
ivory cloth on walls, polished wood bed panel
and Jim Thompson beddings.
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Tucked
away discreetly on the fifth floor is The Oriental
Spa. At 528 square meters, the spa comprises four
treatment rooms, a Couples' Suite, a Shiatsu room,
a yoga studio as well as a relaxation lounge.
Dressed in an exotic dark mandarin interior, the
dimly lit spa lobby is an aura of calm and peace.
Comfort Zone products are decked neatly on shelves
to the right of the spa upon entry. The menu here
boasts an array of holistic therapies and spa
rituals.
Whilst
browsing the menu, cold tea was served and our
shoes were discreetly removed in exchange for
spa slippers. As we were seeking a unique treatment,
the staff recommended that we try the Oriental
Massage. Combining a unique blend of massage techniques
from Asia, the indulgent one-and-a-half-hour Oriental
Massage provided an excellent all-round relaxation
for the muscles. Very unique to the Oriental Spa
too, a tiny gong was sounded at the beginning
and end of each treatment. This provided a truly
"mandarin" touch to our Oriental experience.
The
Oriental Spa has a reputation for being a top
business hotel and tired execs will not be disappointed
with the spa experience in lovely surroundings.
But should you find yourself here with a partner,
the Couples' Suite with its Agape baths, steam
room and opium bed may be the ticket.
The
Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Ave.
Marina Square
Singapore 039797
65-6338-0066
orsin@mohg.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore
Guest writer, Evelyn
Chen, is a Singapore-based
freelance travel writer whose work has
also appeared in About.com's go asia
channel and spa site. She travels regularly
to spa destinations in South East Asia
and has reviewed numerous award-winning
properties in the region. |
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P102705 |
(Updated: 07/10/08 HC) |
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