Swap the usual spa clichés for an all-new pampering experience. Here are 6 concept spas to check out. 

Nimble/Knead

Designed around the unlikely concept of shipping containers (the idea is to transport you to the ends of the world), this pampering spot forgoes the usual Zen look for a raw, industrial aesthetic, replete with steel container walls, raw wooden boxes and concrete floors with quirky decals of birds, cages and nature. It has the usual spa offerings like massages (from $69), foot reflexology ($42 for 60 minutes), body masks ($59 for 45 minutes) scrubs ($59 for 45 minutes) and bath therapy ($55 for 30 minutes).

The Luxe House

This indulgent high-end spa looks to stand out with a flashy interior design and an unusual range of foot-focused treatments. The design is modern art gallery meets dimly lit cocktail bar. The interiors are dark, textured and opulent—think high-backed plush armchairs, hanging orchids, glittering chandeliers and gathered velvet curtains; it’s almost like stepping into the home of European royalty. Signature treatments include the 60-minute traditional acupressure foot massage ($118) and the 80-minute intensive rejuvenation foot therapy ($188), which includes a hot stone treatment for your legs and back and cupping on your feet.

g.spa

Once inside, you’ll find a quiet, subdued and frankly huge spa. The decor is Roman amphitheater meets Vegas casino—think sandstone columns, mosaic pools, beach cabana juice huts and indoor plastic palm trees. The lighting is dark, the voices are hushed and the mood is chilled and quiet (which makes it very easy to lose track of time and just how long you've spent there). What makes g.spa different is their stay-all-day spa entry ($148), which comes with free-flow food and (non-alcoholic) drinks, a 60-minute massage and full use of the facilities.

Ikeda Spa Prestige

Ikeda Spa makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a whole other country. In this case it’s Japan, and the ryokan-style treatment rooms are inspired by the four seasons and equipped with iPads so regulars can switch up the music. The star of the show is their onsen-style bath filled with steaming hot, mineral-laden water against a backlit screen showing wintery scenery so you can imagine you’re at a hot spring resort in the middle of December. If it’s your first Ikeda Spa experience, try the Geisha Organic Facial ($240 for 90 minutes), which uses all-organic Chidoriya products and UV-sanitized nightingale droppings to smoothen and lighten skin. 

Beaute by Kew

This ladies-only "beauty bar" focuses on organic treatments and products. They're the local stockist for cult brands like Black Chicken Remedies from Australia and Canada's Yum Gourmet Skincare. Facials start at $90 for a 60-min Organic Deep Pore Cleansing Facial, and go up to $260 for a anti-wrinkle Cucumber Apple Mint Engergizing RF Facial and $650 for their top-end Factional Skin Resurfacing Treatment Facial. 

Masego

Enter a safari-themed spa that’s spacious and airy with lots of wooden furnishings and paintings of animals. This is one spa that takes their jungle theme very seriously, and we're talking about massages in actual canopy tents. Treatments on offer include their signature Tropical Abyss deep-tissue massage ($118 for 60 minutes), Amazon milk bath ($48 for 30 minutes) and a herbal awakening boreh wrap that uses Indonesian herbs and spices ($108 for 60 minutes). Bonus: They stay open till 1am.

Advertisement

Leave a Comment