Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best massages in Singapore! Whether craving a peaceful break from the busy city life or seeking a dose of authentic Singaporean pampering, you’re in for a treat. In this helpful guide, we’ll reveal the top locations across the city where you can enjoy soothing and revitalizing massages. From luxurious spa retreats to hidden gems that won’t break the bank, we’ve explored every corner of the island to bring you a hand-picked selection of stellar massage destinations.
In Singapore, massage is deeply ingrained in our daily lives. It’s no wonder many of us turn to massages to unwind and melt away the stress of our busy schedules. After a long day at work or after a long day of travel, there’s nothing quite like a soothing massage to ease those achy muscles and release tension from our bodies. We all know how hard we push ourselves, constantly pushing through the demands of everyday life.
The IRAS 2010 survey showed that over 18,000 businesses in Singapore currently offer beauty and wellness treatments like massages, spas, nail care, and haircuts. That’s a lot to choose from when considering how small our country is. Finding the perfect one for your needs can be overwhelming. Let us take care of that for you.
We have done extensive research to uncover the top-notch massages in Singapore, solely based on reviews on several social media platforms, saving you time to scroll through all the reviews. These hidden gems boast highly skilled therapists who will work their magic on your body, tranquil atmospheres that will transport you into pure relaxation mode, and luxurious amenities that elevate your experience to new heights.
How We Review the Best Massages in Singapore
Can we trust spa reviews? Many people usually make their decisions to visit a spa based on reviews they find on the Internet. These reviews are in written comments on various websites, written blogs, and reviews left on Google. An individual may also search for spas in their area and compare prices and reviews. While it is not impossible to find reliable reviews, it can be difficult to weed out fake ones. There are three main places you can go to find such reviews about spas and massage parlours.
1. TripAdvisor Reviews
Trustability: High
You can’t really go wrong with TripAdvisor when it comes to authentic reviews. As it is the world’s largest travel website that has changed how we book our travels, it has a reputation to protect. The good news is that TripAdvisor has long known about this and has since used a tracking system to check and catch fake reviews before they even get published on the website. The system can track information about the reviewer, such as their location, any scathing reviews that are a breach of their guidelines, plagiarised content, or unusual patterns. This acts as the first line of defence from fake reviews and is trusted by TripAdvisor users everywhere.
2. Facebook Reviews
Trustability: Medium
Recently there has been a lot of talk about the reliability of the ratings and reviews on Facebook. In the past, Facebook had taken an aggressive stance against fake Facebook accounts, which companies use to leave fake reviews. More recently, Facebook has removed 16,000 groups that were trading fake reviews on its platform. Our advice would be not to rule out Facebook reviews completely when considering spas in Singapore. Instead, be careful when scrolling through them and use your gut instinct to distinguish the real from the fake. Especially when you see your friends’ reviews on Facebook (which the platform will show right at the top), you know that you can trust it.
3. Google Reviews
Trustability: Low
The fact is, more and more people turning to Google for reviews. In 2014, reviews on their platform had increased by 80%, followed by 114% in the following year. In 2016, they spiked by 278% and have continued to rise since. With this in mind, you’re likely to find more reviews about the massage parlours you’re considering on Google than on TripAdvisor. That being said, Google has had a history with fake reviews and reported reviews don’t always get taken down. They claim that they have no tolerance for fake reviews on their platform and will remove them when someone flagged them, but they honestly do a mediocre job of filtering fake reviews from authentic ones.
Weighted Review Average (WRA)
With these trustability metrics in mind, we will apply a weighted trustability factor to the average review rating on all 3 review sites to rank the top massage parlours in Singapore.
Tripadvisor Review's Trustability Weight = 0.50
Facebook Review's Trustability Weight = 0.35
Google Review's Trustability Weight = 0.15
For example,
Spa A
Tripadvisor Review Rating = 4.0/5
Facebook Review Rating = 3.0/5
Google Review Rating = 2.0/5
Weighted Review Average (WRA) = (4.0 x 0.50) + (3.0 x 0.35) + (2.0 x 0.15) = 3.35/5
Spa B
Tripadvisor Review Rating = 2.0/5
Facebook Review Rating = 3.0/5
Google Review Rating = 4.0/5
Weighted Review Average (WRA) = (2.0 x 0.50) + (3.0 x 0.35) + (4.0 x 0.15) = 2.65/5
Based on the example above, Spa A and Spa B have the same average review rating from the 3 platforms. However, Spa A has a higher WRA rating than Spa B because the former has a better rating on TripAdvisor than the latter.
UPDATED: A few readers told us that the WRA should also consider the number of reviews. For example, it would be wrong to say that Spa A with one 5 score review is better than Spa B with one hundred 4.5 scores.
So we made some changes to our WRA algorithm to calculate review ratings based on multiple reviews (using both review score and quantity). The math is a bit too technical to explain here but check it out here if you are a math guru.
1. Ikeda Spa
Click above to view the most recent reviews
Nestled among the lush greenery that decorates Bukit Timah, Ikeda Spa offers a quaint sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of town. The zen-inspired interiors and personalised spa services transform the spa into a Japanese-inspired home away from home for urbanites.
If you’re looking for some tranquillity, this is the perfect place for you. Try the signature 60-minute Ganbanyoku Detox Massage (voted best detox massage in Singapore), a unique massage performed on the Ganbanyoku hot stone bed.
The infrared wave from the bed will penetrate deeply into your tired body, accompanied by the healing essential oils for the ultimate rejuvenation. Think of it as a massage and sauna at the same time!
2. Natureland Holland Village
Natureland Holland Village, one of 9 outlets, provides various types of rejuvenating massages and foot reflexology. Located conveniently next to many bars, you won’t need to travel far to get your foot reflex experience after dinner and drinks.
3. Healing Touch Spa Alexandra
Healing Touch is another reputable value-for-your-money spa in Singapore. A variety of massages are offered, including the standard Deep Tissue Massage and Shiatsu Massage, as well as the unique Bojin Orthopaedic Massage.
4. The Thai Spa
Head to The Thai Spa for an authentic Thai massage. Apart from a solid massage, this place also provides other services such as hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage and 4 hand massage (the ultimate stress reliever)
5. Remede Spa
Located at St Regis, Remede Spa is filled with Finnish saunas, eucalyptus-scented steam rooms and ice fountains. An ice fountain is often used in European bathing practices where it releases smooth ice chips into the water to cool the body.
6. Yunomori Onsen and Spa
This sprawling onsen and spa, located on the second floor of Kallang Wave Mall, offer both Japanese and Thai treatment and a whole range of gender-specific baths, including cold baths, silk baths, and hot baths.
7. Adeva Spa
Discover a curated range of services, from luxurious massages to premium facials. Renowned for its awards, this spa uses top-tier ingredients, promising a rejuvenating experience.
8. Auriga Spa
Located at St Regis, Remede Spa is filled with Finnish saunas, eucalyptus-scented steam rooms and ice fountains. An ice fountain is often used in European bathing practices where it releases smooth ice chips into the water to cool the body.
9. Elements Wellness Centrepoint
At Elements Wellness, services range from facials and massages to TCM wellness treatments and chiropractics. Relax with the extensive list of facial and body treatments using TCM wellness methods – and don’t forget to check out the quartz healing lounge and private jacuzzi room, too.
10. Chi, The Spa
Inspired by Shangri-La’s philosophy of individual peace and good well-being, Chi is about authentic Qi-reviving healing methods. What gets top marks is the Signature Chinese Blend Massage, which blends uplifting traditional Asian massage with therapeutic techniques.
11. Banyan Tree Spa
This spa on the 55th floor of Marina Bay Sands offers a range of holistic treatments that target your whole body. These include oriental-inspired water gardens, warm-hued private suites and a range of spa services.
12. Sofitel Spa
This Sentosa spa at Sofitel Singapore has a swimming pool, a floating pool, a cascading waterfall, and a mineral-rich mud bath. For those who want to get away from it all, there’s even a serene meditation labyrinth.
13. La Source Spa
Nestled in a quiet corner in the heart of the Orchard Road district, La Source Spa is a tranquil and luxurious urban retreat that offers a full suite of premium face, body and hair services to meet the needs of the most discerning clientele.
14. G.Spa
This 24-hour spa might be the perfect place to unwind after a long day of pampering. Stay all day (and night), and enjoy unlimited services, including hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms and massage treatments. You can fuel up with unlimited meals from the cafe menu.
15. Willow Stream Spa
Willow Stream Spa creates treatments and experiences that reflect local needs and culture. The spa offers 23 luxurious treatment rooms, including a couple suite with a private Jacuzzi. You can find comfort and rejuvenation in the beautiful relaxation lounges, whirlpools and hot/cool plunge pools.
16. Damai Spa
At first glance, the decor of Damai Spa resembles Grand Hyatt’s hotel rooms, but look closer, and you’ll notice stone walls and plants with a “garden retreat” vibe. The spa offers various treatments, including massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps and manicures.
17. Nimble/Knead
This place is designed to be a pampering spot. It is devoid of the usual Zen look. There are steel container walls, raw wood and concrete floors with quirky decor. It has the usual spa offerings like body massages, foot reflexology, body masks and scrubs.
18. Tang Dynasty Wellness Spa
A Chinese-style spa, Tang Dynasty Wellness Spa offers massage add-ons where customers can use lavender oil or ginger oil for 10 dollars. Some treatments you can pick from including the Oriental Body Massage or Foot Reflexology. It’s located near Bugis, so you could easily zip past for a quick spa session afterwards.
19. Fullerton Spa
Located on the mezzanine floor of Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Fullerton Spa is marked with a spacious and well-lighted entrance overlooking the hotel’s exterior infinity pool and the downtown skyline beyond. It features five single suites and two couple suites, each equipped with a shower and luxury amenities designed to meet the needs of individuals and pairs.
20. Spa-1 Wellness Center
At Spa-1, you can expect various saunas, including a Finnish Sauna, a Himalayan Salt Sauna, and a Cassia Seed Sauna. There’s also a Cold Pool available for those who prefer to chill out.
21. Spa Esprit Great World
Spa Esprit’s treatments are creative and punny! They include options such as Triple Algae-rithm, Classic Scrub-A-Dub and Super Vibrator. Clients can also take home their own personalised products like a face mask or apothecary jar after the treatment.
22. Estheva Spa
Estheva Spa uses pure chocolate as its star ingredient, which is known for its aroma and endorphin-producing properties. But nothing compares to the experience of receiving a chocolate massage in Singapore.
Do you find this massage ranking useful? Leave us a comment below.
One last thing, You should know that if the massage parlour or spa has no review on one of the platforms, we will evenly distribute the weight used to calculate WRA to the two other platforms. This will skew the data slightly (up to 0.02). Should we remove them from the ranking table or leave them in for completeness sake?
If there are any massage places that we miss out on, please let us know to include them in our next update.
Credits: Images are taken from each company’s official websites/social media.