Nestled in the lush greenery of Bishan Park, Aramsa – The Garden Spa offers a serene escape from Singapore’s urban intensity. Established in 2005, it has long been celebrated for blending the therapeutic benefits of nature with luxurious wellness practices. Following its recent revamp last year, the spa now boasts a refreshed elegance that harmonises seamlessly with its verdant surroundings. Intrigued by its reputation and the promise of its signature Garden Harmony treatment, I decided to indulge myself in an afternoon of bliss.
Arrival and First Impressions
Photo © Aramsa
Stepping into Aramsa, one gets instantly transported to a world far removed from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. The spa’s design seamlessly blends with the surrounding foliage, creating an atmosphere where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur. A verdant walkway leads guests through lush gardens from the reception area to the treatment room, where the gentle murmur of water features and the subtle fragrance of essential oils set the tone for the restorative journey ahead.
Photo © Katherine Goh | Asia 361
Aramsa boasts 17 uniquely designed treatment rooms, each featuring private outdoor courtyards that bring the garden ambience into the therapeutic space. These courtyards often include outdoor showers and hydrotherapy baths set against a lush jungle backdrop, enhancing the immersive experience. The spa also offers a lounge area where guests can unwind pre- or post-treatment, enjoying house-brewed ginger tea and light refreshments. For those inclined towards holistic wellness, the adjoining yoga studio provides classes amidst verdant views, further promoting relaxation and well-being.
The Garden Harmony Experience
Photo © Aramsa – The Garden Spa
My therapist for the day was Claudine, a poised and skilled professional who immediately put me at ease with her friendly demeanour. I had opted to try the Garden Harmony package because it sounded unique. It is a treatment that brings together different therapy techniques inspired by Singapore’s diverse ethnic groups and includes a Malay Thermal Boreh Exfoliation, a Chinese Manaka-inspired therapy, an Aramsa Touch body massage and an Indian head massage.
I was told by Claudine that the Garden Harmony Treatment is one of the most popular treatments among Aramsa’s customers. The treatment commenced with a soothing foot bath, followed by a body exfoliation, using a scrub made by Aramsa in-house using ingredients such as ginger, clove, turmeric, rice powder and nutmeg. The exfoliation process was invigorating, as Claudine worked to slough away dead skin cells, leaving my skin feeling smooth and refreshed. There was a slight tingling sensation on my skin. I initially thought that scrub included mint but upon asking Claudine, I found out that the tingle was most likely due to the presence of pepper in the scrub. After the scrub, I stepped out of the room into an open-air shower to wash away the scrub remnants off my body.
Aramsa makes their own scrub for the Malay Thermal Boreh Exfoliation. Photo © Katherine Goh | Asia 361
Following the scrub was the Chinese manaka-inspired therapy, which turned out to be interesting. Claudine used a wooden hammer to gently tap parts of my body starting from the soles of my feet. Apparently, this oriental treatment improves the blood circulation and energy in the body, as well as helps to relieve tensed muscles.
A full-body massage ensued, utilising Aramsa’s signature oil blend—a harmonious concoction of sunflower oil, lavender, geranium, lime, and palmarosa. Claudine’s expertise became evident from the moment she began the treatment. Her touch was firm yet not painful, a delicate balance that many therapists often struggle to achieve. She attentively tailored the pressure to my preference, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the session. In fact, I drifted off to sleep during the treatment, a testament to just how soothing the session was.
I awoke from my slumber during the Indian head massage. Having regular bouts of chronic migraine, I was certainly looking forward to this part of the treatment. With its origins from Ayurveda, an Indian head massage focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders through circular massage strokes to improve hair and scalp condition. Claudine’s skilled hands worked their magic to knead away tension and knots. The finale was a transformative experience that left me floating in a state of deep relaxation.
Photo © Katherine Goh
The Garden Harmony package is available at Aramsa – The Garden Spa for S$388 for single and S$698 for couple. To make your reservation, visit the website of Aramsa – The Garden Spa.
Aramsa – The Garden Spa is located at 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2, Singapore 569932.
