These days, wellness is a holistic effort that encompasses more than just physical fitness—luxuriant body pampering, a healthy diet and a calm, open mind count too. In a city that’s simply brimming with options, here are some one-stop spa destinations that ensure you don’t put a foot wrong.

The Green Room Café
The spa: Aramsa The Garden Spa is, is as its name suggests, nestled amid lush foliage and pretty blooms, perfect for easing you into the ultimate R&R mode. Complimenting their botanical theme, the spa uses only natural, herb-based products in their treatments, which include the oxygenating Swedish Recharge ($98-138), the stimulating Thermal Earth hot stones massage ($158) and specialized massages concentrating on tension-relieving, acupressure methods as well as quick and focused anti-stress rubs. Start the year afresh with their detox therapy package ($98), which includes exfoliation with ginger cream, a therapeutic ginger rub and a firming and contouring abdomen massage. There’s even a detox ear candling option ($58), accompanied by manual lymphatic drainage on the face and neck. If fitness is more your thing, check into their Power Moves Pilates studio, also located on the grounds.
The food: In keeping with Aramsa’s green surrounds, their in-house Green Room Café serves an exclusively vegetarian menu. There are even gluten-free versions of signature dishes such as their gado gado and baked mushroom brown rice, while other dietary requirements can be arranged personally with the service staff. Seasonal menus are also available. Check out their Afternoon Tea in the Park ($15++) set, oddly indulgent for such a health-oriented place.
Where: Aramsa The Garden Spa, Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, 6456-6556, www.aramsaspas.com.

Barracks Café
The spa: HOUSE at Dempsey is one of the most endearing one-stop lifestyle destinations in Singapore, occupied by spa and retail space Beauty Emporium, as well as the in-house Barracks Café and cozy Camp Bar. Helmed by the Spa Esprit Group which also owns Strip and Browhaus, the Beauty Emporium hosts an elaborate array of beauty-related services such as waxing, eyebrow reconstruction, facials and massages. If you’re a fan of traditional Chinese methods, try their House Proud massage ($120-180), which incorporates the age-old Tui Na technique. Or go with the Slow Flow massage ($170), which relaxes and polishes your body using wax derived from soy candles.
The food: Comfort is the main draw of HOUSE—everything you need is a mere reservation away. Barracks Café’s resident head chef Ho and consultant chef Ryan Clift of the Tippling Club have concocted an uncomplicated and health-conscious menu that includes the likes of baked brie with bread and macadamia crusted pumpkin salad. Naturally, gluten-free soups such as red pepper and tomato soup are also available.
Where: 8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7787, www.dempseyhouse.com.

More cafés in unexpected places

Alligator Pear
The spa: The 50,000 square feet of space spanning a level of the opulent Fairmont Singapore makes Willow Stream Spa one of the most luxurious wellness sanctuaries in Singapore. Falling short of nothing when it comes to pampering its clients, the spa contains exquisite relaxation lounges and treatment rooms, as well as whirlpools and steam and sauna facilities. Release fatigue and toxic particles with the Singapore Perfection treatment, which includes a stimulating dry brush massage and deep cleansing mask with neem, carrot root and sesame seed oil.
The food: Alligator Pear is known for its spa cuisine, and the customized menu caters to a variety of diets such as vegan, macrobiotic, raw and gluten-free. You can even talk to the chef about a nutrition plan for you.
Where: 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-6156, www.fairmont.com/singapore.

The Garden
The spa: When one talks about spa getaways, the name “Spa Botanica” naturally comes to mind. This 6,000 square meter facility tucked in the Sentosa Resort & Spa is truly a dream retreat, with its labyrinth of pools, extravagant treatment rooms, a novel mud pool and even a bronze bath fit for a king. While you’re here, don’t miss out on their signature treatments, which include a healthy meal designed for you by their in-house restaurant The Garden. Want to flush out toxins? Try the Spa Botanica rooibos face and body anti-aging delight ($350), a toning and hydrating treatment that uses the South African rooibos herb. The package comes with a two-course meal and fresh juice.
The food: With such pleasant tropical settings, it’s hard not to loosen up as you settle into The Garden. Its alfresco area sits by a tranquil pool and garden, and the staff are on hand to make helpful recommendations. If you don’t have any meals planned for you as part of their wellness packages, pick up the ala carte menu and try their mango smoothie with organic honey and soy milk or their sandwich options, such as the potato and paneer burger.
Where: The Garden, The Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd, 6371-1130, www.spabotanica.com.

Discover more cafés in unexpected places

A Curious Teepee
Sectioned out of this cool concept store is a mini café-bar serving gourmet coffee, juices, cocktails and salads.
#02-25, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680.

K.ki
Sample Japanese teas and cakes as you browse the quirky knick-knacks.
7 Ann Siang Hill, 6225-5541, www.thelittledromstore.com.

National Geographic Café
Enjoy a sandwich away from VivoCity’s frenzied crowds and brush up on your cartography while you’re at it.
#01-19 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9557, www.ngsingaporestore.com/cafe.html.

Pluck
This charming store stocks vintage furniture and locally designed jewelry alongside offerings of great ice cream.
31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4046, www.pluck.com.sg. [TOP]

How long have you been doing this?
It has been 18 years now and I’ve been based here for 3 years. I moved around a lot over the years. It isn’t an easy job.

When did you decide that this would be your career?
I left school when I was 12 years old and the first job I ever had was as a tailor. I had this friend who was working behind the shop and he was a locksmith. So I learned from him for about 3 years before I decided to set off on my own. It wasn’t easy because the government was strict about licensing. That’s how I started off—working from a van going from house to house, offices to offices to make a living.

What’s the biggest challenge in your profession?
Learning about the different brands of keys in the market is ever challenging. Each key has their own make and I need to make sure I am up-to-date with the latest kind of keys out there.

So what makes a good lock?
People make a common mistake when buying locks. Bigger is not always better. Some of these big locks are made from really poor materials.

What has been your most memorable experience?
When my make-shift store caught fire about 3 years ago. I came to my store one morning and saw only the remains of it all burnt and charred. Apparently a kid threw his cigarette butt and my store caught fire. I lost about $10,000. I also caught people attempting to break into the drawers of my store. I am a locksmith, of course they couldn’t steal anything.

How does one make a living from being a locksmith?
A day at a time. I make about $2,000 to as high as $3,000 a month. Enough to feed myself and my children.

Can you open just about anything?
Yes, I can. Nothing is kept locked forever.

Before & After Award—Energia Fitness Club
It’s all too easy to undo your good work in the gym by eating unhealthily afterwards. We think we’ve found the perfect solution at Energia, which has an in-house café menu designed for pre and post-workout meals. They have an impressive variety of healthy and tasty options here, including wholemeal wraps ($7.50-8), salads ($4.50) and even a bowl of hot oatmeal porridge ($2.80-4).
#04-11/12 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6226-2777.

Tai Tai Award—Sky Fitness
Sky is the only fitness center in town that provides concierge services. We’ve looked at their menu of services and, frankly, we wish we were better paid. If you’re interested and can afford it, the list includes airline and event ticket reservations, personal and Internet shopping, tailoring and shoe repair, duplication and binding (paper, not people) as well as awards and engraving services.
#16-01 HarbourFront Tower 2,
3 HarbourFront Plc., 6271-0818.

Great Guns Award—Gold’s Gym
It’s a well-known fact that bodybuilding is the best way to overachieve in life–just look at Arnie’s career trajectory. Gold’s (in California) is where he started out and you only need to walk past this specialized fitness gym to feel inspired. It’s packed with full-bodied figures; some lean, some massive, all ripped. One of the celebrities fronting the Gold’s Gym empire is Bollywood superstar Salman Khan (have you seen the shoulders on that dude?). So if getting big is your principle goal, enquire about their services, which include a no-frills 12-week bulk-up program.
86A Tanjong Pagar Rd., 3110-5888.

Hard as Nails Award—Evolve MMA
A solid bum looks good but it doesn’t win your battles for you. Jack up your internal strength with intense professional training by some of Asia’s world champions in Brazilian Jujitsu, Muay Thai, boxing and mixed martial arts. It’s also affiliated with some of the most prominent martial arts associations in the region, including Thailand’s respected Sityodtong Gym.
#01-01, 26 China St., 6536-4525; #02-22, 1 Selegie Rd., 6337-0082.

If The Kids Are An Issue

Amore Fitness
There’s no such thing as a good excuse for skipping the gym these days. If you simply can’t leave the kids at home, consider Amore Living, the more holistic arm of Amore Fitness. Here, you can “park” the kids at the Kid-Fit Club, which provides activities such as board games, arts and crafts, fun exercise, reading, movies and even Nintendo Wii games for children aged four and above. Spend the day at their in-house spa, go for a quick jog on the treadmill or take a dip in the pool while the little rascals work up a sweat in a separate room—now that’s what we call getting the best of both worlds. 
Stats: 16,000 square feet of space with a studio for yoga, Pilates and Stretchfit classes, a cardio studio, an elevated outdoor pool, a spa and a kids’ gym. 
Equipment: The gym itself is small and houses approximately 10 treadmills and three cross trainers per outlet, all by Technogym. 
Amenities: Drinking area (hardly a lounge since you have to drink-and-go here to make way for the snaking queue) and showers with steam bath facilities.
Classes: Over 30 different types of classes including blitz and fusion dance, cardiovascular and toning, Pilates, yoga, MTV dance and aerobics. Aqua classes are also held at the pool five times a week.
Price: $165 per month for unlimited access to all their outlets; additional $60-120 per personal training session. Complimentary one-day trial and body composition analysis available. 
Outlets: #05-18 Tampines 1, 10 Tampines Central 1, 6789-8822; #06-01 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd., 6781-1822. 
Overall: 3/5
The cramped changing rooms and narrow lockers (you have to hang your clothes and leave your shoes outside) leave much to be desired but if you get frustrated you can always trot off to the boutique spa to calm down.

If You Work Late Nights

California Fitness 
Let’s face it—there are times when it is practically impossible to squeeze in a workout during the day no matter how well you plan your schedule. And these days, work and other pressing engagements can easily eat into your weekend. What to do, then? One of the pioneer mega gyms in Singapore California Fitness remains open until midnight on most days and also has outlets in strategic parts of town so you can work up a healthy sweat even when you knock off late from work.
Stats: Four outlets spanning about 12,000 square feet each, with cycling and group exercise studios, Mind Body studios and free weights areas. Those looking to squeeze in a quick, 30-minute session of intense Muay Thai-inspired exercise can enter the Kick-Fit zones.
Equipment: Lots of cardio (treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes), strength and resistance equipment, mostly from Technogym. 
Amenities: Ample showers, full-sized lockers, steam and sauna facilities, Jacuzzi and internet kiosks.
Classes: A regular variety of classes such as Zumba Fitness, yoga, BodyPump, BodyCombat and Latina Flava, as well as Jackie Chan Signature classes.
Price: Membership starts from $49 per month. A Platinum membership (price upon application) allows you access to all their four clubs. Personal training starts from $75 per session. Complimentary seven-day passes available.
Outlets: 4/F Bugis Junction Towers, 230 Victoria St., 6337-2577; Orchard Bldg., 1 Grange Rd., 6834-2100; 14/F Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Plc., 6534-0900; 3/F Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd., 6250-2345.
Overall: 4/5
This one’s been around for a long time so you can be sure they know what they’re doing.

PREVIOUS / FIRST

If You Value Your Privacy

The Gym at Orchard 
We imagine this new kid on the block will appeal to two types of people—self-conscious types who shy away from bigger gyms and celebrities. Unlike its more intimidating competitors, The Gym at Orchard allows you to exercise away from prying eyes. “Some people, like celebrities, prefer to work out where it’s not too crowded no matter what time of the day it is. The Gym at Orchard is the perfect place for that,” says director and personal trainer Adrian Tan. 
Stats: 4,500 square feet of floor space with dedicated free weights and kickboxing zones. 
Equipment: 5 treadmills, 3 exercise bikes, 4 elliptical trainers and 2 steppers; all from Life Fitness. 
Amenities: Built-in entertainment system, four showers, 56 full-length and mini lockers.
Classes: None. 
Price: $125.10/month with a minimum commitment of 12 months; additional $800 for 10 personal training sessions. Join by Jan 31 and save $450 (one month free, 2 complimentary personal training sessions plus 10 percent off monthly fees). 
Outlet: 4/F Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Rd., 6235-5687. 
Overall: 3/5
There’s nothing to break the monotony of your workout here but, if you’re into exercising in isolation, you probably won’t want classes anyway. You can always engage the help of a personal trainer (they have five).

If You Like Variety

True Fitness
True Fitness utilizes the widest range of fitness products in Singapore, boasting treadmills, exercise bikes, cross trainers and resistance equipment from Life Fitness, Star Trac, Technogym and Nautilus. Looking for a fitness regime that goes beyond running on the treadmill and lifting weights? Sign up for Agility Circuit Training (ACT), a program designed in-house for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of cardiovascular, resistance and agility training without having to work out on a machine. 
Stats: Each of the six gym outlets has about 18,500 square feet of space including hot yoga, spinning, aerobics, Kinesis and Pilates Reformer studios, as well as free weights and low-impact exercise areas. 
Equipment: Over 30 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio equipment (like the ones mentioned above) equipped with integrated TVs and iPod links per outlet.
Amenities: Live DJ and plenty of lockers and showers in all outlets. Branches also include a members’ relaxation lounge, VIP Black Card lounge with Osim massage chairs and steam and sauna facilities.
Classes: More than 300 classes a week including Zumba (a new class inspired by Latin dance), yoga (up to 17 types), spinning (up to 4 types), Les Mills group exercise classes (BodyPump, BodyCombat and BodyJam) and martial arts inspired classes like Wing Chun and Muay Thai. 
Price: From $109 per month for a basic membership with options for access to all fitness clubs or all of True’s outlets including yoga centers; VIP Black Card membership (price available upon application) gives access to regional centers across five different countries; personal training from $80 per session. Seven-day trial passes available.
Outlets: #07-00 Chevron House, 30 Raffles Plc., 6438-3000; #B1-26 China Square Central, 18 Cross St., 6438-3833; #03-14 Great World City Mall, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6235-9622; #07-15/17 Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Rd., 6348-9200; #07-001 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6820-9000; #03-10/11 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6278-3000. 
Overall: 3/5
This one’s got everything you need to break a serious sweat but the peak-hour crowds can be quite a turn-off. Some of the outlets also seem a bit dingy (old carpeting, dustballs, low lighting)—not ideal if you’re OCD about this sort of thing (although they are upgrading the locker rooms from mid-February onwards).

NEXT: Amore Fitness & California Fitness / PREVIOUS

One thing this city doesn’t lack is top-notch gym facilities. Membership packages aren’t cheap, though, so before you make good on your New Year resolution and sign up, better make sure you pick the right one for you.

If You Want Everything Prepared For You

Pure Fitness
Housed in the stately Knightsbridge building, Pure Fitness is as close as it gets to exercising in the comfort of your own home. Designed with the busy executive in mind, this gym comes equipped with everthing you could possibly need, right down to complimentary sportswear. It’s perfect for anyone who hates having to plan ahead or lugging kit around with them all day. Most of the fitness equipment boasts built-in entertainment systems with cable channels and there’s even an impressive DVD collection you can borrow from. Top all that with iMac computer stations, pleasant walnut paneling and a small kitchenette and you’ll probably want to move in.
Stats: 15,000 square feet of space stretched across one floor with spinning and kickboxing studios plus a free weights zone.
Equipment: 15 percent consists of cardio equipment such as exercise bikes and treadmills. The rest are resistance equipment with a big focus on free weights. All equipment from Life Fitness. Cardio machines are equipped with an iPod-compatible DVD entertainment system.
Amenities: Over 20 rainforest showers, over 180 full-length lockers with hangers per changing room, steam bath and sauna facilities, stylish and well-stocked vanity tables with wood and marble finish.
Classes: Up to 11 sessions a day; including Pilates, BodyPump, BodyAttack, BodyCombat, kickboxing, dynamic dance, Muay Thai, yoga, TRX, pole dancing, cardio sculpt, Hip Hop and Latino jam.
Price: $129-209 per month for basic membership at Pure Fitness Knightsbridge. Special price packages available for Pure Yoga, Pure Fitness & Pure Yoga SG as well as All Asia Pure Yoga & Pure Fitness (including Hong Kong outlets). Personal training fees available upon application.
Outlets: So far, just the one (3/F Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6100-3813).
Overall: 4/5

For a relatively small space, Pure Fitness sure packs a punch.

LEARN ABOUT GYM PRICING

DON'T LIKE THE GYM?

If You Like Exercising Outdoors

Fitness First

When it comes to alfresco workouts, a lot of us usually turn to sports or, when desperate, take turns using the fitness stations in public parks. We like how Fitness First’s Capitol Tower and UOB Center outlets provide gym equipment as well as cycling and free weights facilities outdoors so you can surround yourself with a refreshing garden landscape as you exercise. Even better is the heated infinity pool at their One George Street outlet, which provides a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Stats: There are nine outlets altogether, all equipped with cycling and Mind & Body Studios as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
Equipment: All equipment from Technogym, furnished with a built-in entertainment system.
Amenities: VCD collection, juice bar, members’ lounge, steam and sauna facilities, computer stations and complimentary workout attire available.
Classes: Yoga, Pilates, dance (Latino Jam, Groove & Jazz and Hip Hop) as well as Les Mills courses in BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyBalance and BodyStep at The Cathay outlet, which focuses on group exercise.
Price: From $155 per month for a Premier four-month membership. Personal training fees upon application. Complimentary 3-day trial available. Members get to bring a friend for free on weekends.
Outlets: #B1-36 AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 3, 6483-5775; #08-13 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6737-7889; #04-05 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6732-4111; #23-11 & #24-00 Connexis (North Tower), 1 Fusionopolis Way, 6438-4484); #09-01 Capital Tower, 6536-5595; #02-38 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6339-7555; #05-01 One George Street, 1 George St., 6538-7666; #06-00 UOB Centre, 1 Raffles Plc., 65434-4333; #08-01 One Raffles Quay (North Tower), 1 Raffles Quay, 6327-5550.
Overall: 5/5
Luxurious views. State-of-the-art equipment. Numerous outlets distributed island-wide. Variety of group exercise classes. What more could you ask for?

NEXT: The Gym at Orchard & True Fitness

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Price Isn’t Right
All the major gym chains are cagey when it comes to sharing the price you’ll actually pay, as opposed to the rack rate (typically much higher). True Fitness are probably the worst offenders, insisting you sit down for a lengthy “consultation” and bamboozling you with promotional offers, waived fees and ultimately a price that can be as low as 50% of rack rate. But they all do it. A plea for transparency: Cut it out, guys.[TOP]

Go (boot) Camping

Team Fitness Guru’s Fun Fitness Bootcamp
Want the sort of intensity you get from a personal training session but work beter with group motivation? Try attending an intensive 60-minute session with the certified instructors of Team Fitness Guru, who will incorporate various creative exercises into a program designed to help you reduce weight and tension while upping your endurance and strength levels. Sessions are conducted outdoors and cost $29.90 each. Packages are also available. Log on to www.fitnessbootcamp.sg for more information.[TOP]

VERTEBRAE floor lamp
Price upon application from Vanilla Home
The subtle, hand-painted accents of burnished silver will lend a touch of class to any space.

Brave New World Lamp (see main pic)
by Moooi, $6,785 from Space
It looks complicated but this Meccano inspired oakwood piece is simply genius.

ROSSO 24-Arms Chandelier
Price upon application from Vanilla Home
Made of hand-blown glass and furnished with 24x10-watt halogen bulbs, this red chandelier is one hell of a stunner.

Rabbit lamp
by Moooi, $990 from Space
Usher in the year of the rabbit with this cute polyester piece.

Vintage table lamp
$300 from Like That One
Someone’s trash can indeed be another’s treasure. Take home this unusual piece discovered by owner Belle’s mother in the US, which is made up of a lacquered steel base and toile shade.

FILLSTA table lamp,
$39 from Ikea
This festive looking contraption made from polycarbonate plastic adds color to any room.

How long have you been in this line of work?
I’ve been working in this current assignment for five years now, but overall I’ve been doing this for 32 years. If I am not wrong, my first assignment was at a condominium in West Coast in 1979 which has been en bloc. That was a long time ago but I still thoroughly enjoy my job.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like to interact with people because it is through interaction that I get to know them and their concerns about the premises. It makes me feel useful and needed as I will do my best to help them. It is different when you are working at a residential area compared to the industrial ones.

What’s the difference?
The type of security needed in a residential area requires an officer to be familiar with the residents. We need to build rapport with the residents so that, in return, they will trust us. Families like to be assured that their homes are taken care of. In an industrial area, we rarely interact with the workers in the building because they come and leave from work and we briefly interact with the delivery people. However, an industrial area requires a different kind of security with all its hazardous machinery and equipments. So knowledge of fire and even bomb safety is a must.

How can I become a security officer?
There are many security companies in Singapore. Approach one and they will send you for a course which will teach you about fire, bombs and other safety precautions. You need a good sense of alertness and be ready to react when needed. That’s why you don’t see me with a radio or anything like that because I need to react fast if anything happens. Good public relation skills are important to build the trust with the people around you, including your colleagues. This makes the job much easier. But for me the most important thing to become a security officer is courage.

Why courage?
When you least expect it, you will come face to face with real danger and you will need courage to react fast. There was this incident during my duty at a warehouse in Senoko industrial estate back in 1992. A car sped into the premises and was targeting a delivery truck carrying valuables. I saw the whole thing and ran towards the vehicle in the hope of foiling their attempt. Unfortunately they were too fast and got away with a handful of the goods. However, I managed to note down the license plate and made a police report soon after. They were caught a couple of days later.

Good job! Is there anything you dislike about your work?
I love the job very much but if there’s anything I really dislike is the nightshift, especially in industrial areas. It can be scary at times but I have no choice; I still have to do it. I remember on this particular night duty at Jurong or Tuas when I came face to face with the supernatural. I was doing my usual patrolling around the compound when I heard someone calling my name. The next thing I know, my head was thrown against a glass panel and I was bleeding profusely. I was admitted to the hospital and received a few stitches and I tendered my resignation the very next day. I’ve also seen weird things like flying white cloth and fireballs that appear and disappear during the night.