what’s hot in the world of spa and wellness

SPA-CED OUT

Sprawling over 5,500sqm, Singapore’s Lagunita Spa (11 Laguna Golf Green, tel +65 6248-1772, www.lagunitaspa.com.sg) at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club reveals 13 spacious suites kitted out Balinese style with gurgling fountains, outdoor showers and tubs. The hideaway feel lends a distinct air of privacy, while it’s just minutes from the island’s Changi Airport and a short drive from the city centre.

The wide range of treatments (from rain showers to eye treatments to depilatory waxing) and well-trained therapists make it well worth the visit. Enjoy a round of golf, then adjourn to Lagunita for an 80-minute Sports Massage (S$130).

EAST TO WEST

Guilin is a leading centre for traditional Chinese treatments and herbal medicine. If you are serious about engaging in holistic wellness, one of the best places to try it is in a hospital. Follow in the footsteps of former world leaders, including President George Bush Senior, by visiting the Guilin Hospital of Sino-Western Medicine (Guida Road, tel +86 (0)733 582-0588) for reflexology, massage or acupuncture, then stock up on Chinese remedies made from local plants to treat your ailments back home. They will even ship it back for you.

SPA SPEAK

Ever struggled to ask your masseuse to ease off or firm up the pressure? Get your massage just right no matter where you are with this handy phonetic translation.

Language	“A little softer”	“A little stronger”
Thai Khmer Lao Japanese Mandarin	bow bow srahl chyang niss beep bo heng mosukoshi yasashiku qing yi dian	leng leng te-ngon chyang niss beep heng gua mosukoshi suyoku yong duo yi dian li

IMPERIAL MASSAGE

Many dynasties ago in China, the healing properties of natural jade stone were much documented and it was carved into cylindrical rollers for use in therapeutic body rubs. Centuries later, the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has revived the practice, incorporating it into the Imperial Jade Ritual.

Using chilled jade rollers, this two-hour signature treatment also employs acupressure and a home-made exfoliation mix of sesame seeds and rice husks. These combine with Western detoxification and nourishing elements using premium Guinot products from France. www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

WHAT IS… HERBAL COMPRESS

Used to relieve aching muscles, a herbal compress, or luk prakop, is a warm cloth poultice stuffed with aromatic herbs, oft en including lemongrass and ginger.

The luk prakop, a Thai tradition, offers relief for aching muscles and is an aromatic treat as well. It is available in most Thai spas. Try it for yourself at Bangkok’s The Oriental Spa, 48 Oriental Avenue, tel +66 (0)2 659-0444, www.mandarinoriental.com

TOP TO TOE

So many massage treatments, so little time! Try these pamperings for your head, hands and feet

Face it: Skin Inc, Singapore
Tailor-made products are formulated for you at the “bar” at Skin Inc, where baristas assess your needs and create a cocktail of skincare just for you. They also offer express one-hour facials for busy bees. The Central, Clarke Quay, Eu Tong Sen Street, #01-65, tel +65 6324-2686, www.skininc.biz

Hands on: Seven Eden at Siri Sathorn, Bangkok
It’s hard to beat a good pampering manicure for that look-and-feel-good factor. This one treats hands to a peppermint and rosemary scrub and aloe vera mask. Once the indulgent finger and palm massage is done, select your favourite nail colour. 27 Silom Soi Saladaeng 1, tel +66 (0)2 266-2345, www.sirisathorn.com/ seveneden

Feet up: Nata Spa, Phnom Penh
After a day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than a foot massage. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, a dose of reflexology by well-trained therapists at Phnom Penh’s Nata Spa is truly an indulgent treat for aching feet. 310 Sihanouk Boulevard, tel +855 (0)23 223938, www.nataspa.com.kh