Singapore offers multicultural-inspired spa treatments and more

Kenny Santana ,  Contributor ,  Singapore   |  Sun, 07/05/2009 11:29 AM  |  Potpourri

A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian, European and Singaporean cultures has provided the inspiration for some of the city's attractions. Museum exhibitions, fusion cuisine and art events have all been familiar with the multicultural theme for many years. And now the ever-growing list also includes spa treatments.

Located in the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the newly refurbished Damai (meaning peace in Malay and Indonesian) offers the country's multicultural philosophy in the comfort of a spa bed. Victoria Childs, the spa manager, says: "One of the Hyatt's core values is to include influences from the local culture in our treatments.

We are incredibly lucky that Singapore has such a diverse population and that we are able to find inspiration from Indian, Chinese, Malay and European cultures. Our treatments are set into these categories in our menu."

Starting with the oil blend used in the treatments, guests can choose between Chinese-inspired, to Indian, Malay and European-scented oil. The mixture of mandarin, ginger and lavender in the Chinese blend is believed to improve circulation, while the Malay combination of lemongrass, lavender and cinnamon creates a warm feeling that encourages healing.

Damai therapists also recommend the distinctive scent of the Indian-inspired oil. Consisting of cedar wood, grapefruit, and jasmine, it is designed to detoxify and uplift the spirit. For an energizing immunity boost, the European blend of peppermint, lime and mandarin should do the job.

From the spa menu, guests can easily spot the cultural specialties that have inspired Damai's wide array of treatments. From a detoxifying Malay urut (massage) to a Swedish massage for stress relief, Indian Ayurveda for purification and Chinese Qi for balance. You name it. Damai has it all.

In an interview with The Jakarta Post, Childs revealed that the Chinese-inspired Orchid massage is a favorite among guests.

"This treatment is the most popular as it focuses on areas where people hold stress, secondly the pressure point massage enables therapists to concentrate on releasing tension from the muscles," Childs said.

The spa's signature treatment kicks off with a footbath in warm water mixed with lime and sea salt that stimulates tired feet and relaxes the entire body. For the next 90-minute the massage concentrates on the back, neck, legs, scalp and face to restore balance in the body. It is then completed by a hydrating Orchid mist specially made by the spa visionary June Jacobs for Damai.

As well as an Orchid massage, loyal visitors love to indulge in one of Damai's packages. Including 3-hours of pampering, guests will enjoy the mix-and-match of a massage, facial, scalp massage and body mask.

Berdua-dua or the "Relax Together Retreat" for instance, is a decadent choice for couples. Specifically created for those looking for, yes, a retreat in the city, the package treats a couple to a shared orchid bath and an hour massage of their choice in an individually designed couple suite.

To create the retreat mood, the couple suite has an open skylight with a glass-window design. A private stone bathtub is located in the corner of a petite pool garden with a cascading water feature that adds serene ambience. Designed by Super Potato from Japan, the interior of all Damai's 11 treatment rooms feature stonewalls from Chiang Mai, not to mention the mud and hay walls.

Damai's amenities will give techies something to talk about. The bed, from Living Earth Crafts has a 4.5-inch memory foam mattress and is extremely comfortable. It also has three movable sections, which mean the therapist is able to adjust the bed in many different ways - in the head, lower back and back of the knee regions.

The spa's intention to bring the best technology is also applied to its fitness section. New to Singapore, the wellness USB-like key holds workout programs created by the trainer that enable guests to track sessions and compare month to month how they are doing. The key is used in every machine and can instruct guests on how much weight to lift and how many repetitions to do.

Another highlight of the Damai Spa is the artfully designed hallway. Taken from Hyatt Pure's concept of Sanitas per Aquas, Latin for "Healing by Water", the corridor emits a soft-blue light, emulating a wave that washes over you as you walk through.

Super Potato's ability to combine inspiring design with comfort, creativity, and functionality make Damai stand out from the word go. Add impeccable service, a touch of local culture and the most up-to-date technology available, Damai spa is like the chic haven you dream about. Luckily, you don't have to wait any longer.

Damai spa
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Phone: +65 6738 1234

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