Shuang Spa

My partner and I flew into Singapore this morning from Athens. This was an 11 hour flight PLUS a 5 hr layover in Istanbul so we were really looking forward to a good massage after we had checked into our hotel. It can be hard enough to find a really good massage in your own city, let alone in a foreign one, especially in a place like Singapore with its rich mix of different races and cultures, many of whom consider a good regular massage is essential to their physical and mental wellbeing. Many of the places they frequent employ excellent skilled professionals, but some do not. Also the level of refinement may be less than might be expected. At the other end of the spectrum are the fancy schmancy luxe spas, often located in 5+ star hotels. Both are usually very expensive and they deliver in terms of luxury & privileges and highly trained therapists but for me that is not what I’m personally looking for. I’m seeking highly skilled therapists, working in clean, secure premises, with reasonable prices. It is a bonus if something of the local culture is incorporated into the package. I also am reassured by appropriate training and experience and a street address that is easy to find. The sixty four thousand dollar question is how to find one. It seems like a simple task but it is becoming increasingly difficult to find authentic reviews and the actual experience is far from what has been promised. Sound familiar? Well worry not! I stumbled across Shuang Spa and it proved to be a gem. It is situated on the edge of Chinatown in a pleasant street, in a pleasant building. It is well signed, so easy to locate. Open the clearly marked door and you are there. All the massage team is male. One of them greets you, seats you and provides you with a thirst quenching drink. You need to provide ID on your first visit and for foreigners this will be a passport. This is standard practice in Singapore and just like checking into a hotel. Singaporeans also have to provide verifiable ID. Next step is to complete a brief health questionnaire and then you proceed to your private treatment room. Full private bathroom facilities are available if you need them, including an ensuite shower directly linked to your treatment room. You strip off and your masseur returns and the magic begins. There is a menu of treatments on offer - we chose a 30 minute body scrub followed by a 60 minute aromatic oil massage with a shower in between. From the first contact you know you are in good hands and it only gets better. My masseur was completely tuned into providing the appropriate speed and intensity and whether I was comfortable on the table and with the whole process in general. So frequently I have felt a bit like a slab of meat, while the massage is conducted in a lacklustre and disinterested manner. Not here! As the scrub and subsequent massage develop, things only get better. The whole experience is transformative and you leave feeling ready to face whatever awaits you. I would award 7 stars if I could - I highly recommend this remarkable little spa for locals, expats and visitors alike. Check out the website and make a booking. You won’t regret it. We will be back!

Overall a satisfying experience. Our masseurs were Nic and Jacob, both gave wonderful massages and both left a good impression to us. Would definitely recommend them.

The massage was very relaxing. The room is very cozy and calming, and have a shower area. Nice to get a massage here after a very busy day/week. Good job!