 EACH time my girlfriends compare how shiok their spa, facial, and massage sessions have been, I would never have anything to contribute to the conversation. To me, facials are a torture and I can never relax whenever I go through these supposedly pampering treatments.
Needless to say, I avoided massages because my skin crawls whenever someone touches my neck, and a light squeeze on my shoulder is extremely ticklish to me. But after much convincing from friends, and thinking that I’ll never know unless I try, I decided to set up an appointment for a full body massage.
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| Get kneaded and pressed in a full body massage |
Situated at the top floor of Paragon, The Wellness Lounge is a perfect stopover for tired shoppers in Orchard Road. Although I didn’t have the luxury of shopping before the massage, my muscles were tense from a long day at the office, and I was very ready to be pampered.
The Wellness Lounge’s décor is very clean, calm, and basic, much like a cross between a clinic and a Zen resort. I was led to a warm, dim-lit private room with a simple bed and a paper g-string on it. My masseuse, Ziza, left me to strip down to it and lie face down on the bed before she came in again to proceed with the massage.
 Ziza began by stretching my limbs, and asked if I wanted soft, medium, or hard pressure. I explained that I have frequent lower back problems so she advised that I go hard on that area and medium on the rest. She then began with hard confident strokes on my back, and then moved up to my shoulders and arms. I was immediately put at ease with her professionalism, and found myself almost enjoying the session.
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Enjoy your massage in a soothing private room |
The only uncomfortable part was when Ziza started moving her hands over my sensitive spots. She did warn that I would feel ticklish since it’s my first massage, and told me not to be afraid to let her know if I felt uncomfortable. Without realising it, my shoulder muscles started to tense up and Ziza had to remind me to relax. I was also glad that Ziza used all her strength to knead my body. It made it less ticklish overall, although I had to stifle my giggles when she massaged my hips.
Many of my massage-going pals did mention that most massage rooms are air-conditioned, which is off-putting since you have to be butt naked. The good people at The Wellness Lounge have kindly addressed this concern, and installed heaven-sent heat blankets on their beds. Being snug and warm while having your body massaged – is what I would really call shiok.
Ziza has been with The Wellness Lounge since it opened in 2004, and her experience clearly showed in the way she squeezed and knead her way around my tired body. Ziza’s massage techniques made her hands felt like machines on my back, as she repeatedly massaged my pressure points.
Throughout the massage, Ziza spared me the torture of forced conversations unlike some hairdressers (don’t you just hate it when you’re trying to relax and read a  magazine and they keep on yakking and interrogating you about your personal life?). She also didn’t suggest embarrassing services like a tummy flattening session, or a facial,leaving me to enjoy her massage session with comfortable silence.
After my full body massage (yup, all the way from the top of my head to the fingertips and toes), my body was still in a state of involuntary relaxation, and I remained drowsy and sleepy through the evening. My very first massage experience was enlightening, and I would not hesitate to sign up for other massages – only if they have heat blankets on the beds. |
| The Wellness Lounge’s unique décor |
About The Wellness Lounge
The Wellness Lounge is a premier aesthetic and wellness centre providing face, body and wellness treatments. Equipped with the latest in aesthetic technology and serviced by professional care consultants, its superb location provides the finest Medi-spa and lifestyle experience for its distinguished clientele.
A Wellness Signature Touch promotion is available for all 88DB Lifestyle readers. Enjoy a 60mins Wellness Signature Touch Massage at $60* (Price subject to prevailing GST, U.P. $128). This promotion is for new customer only, and would last till 31st July 2008. Call 6887 1299 to make an appointment.
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