On a sweltering morning in Singapore, I sought refuge from the heat and humidity in a taxi that whisked me away from the city center to Sentosa Island. Instead of heading to the thrilling theme parks, my destination was an oasis of tranquility: Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore, a five-star haven nestled amidst 30 acres of tropical rainforest that slopes gently towards a postcard-perfect beach and the azure waters of the South China Sea.
Tucked along a curved wall adorned with shimmering silver sculptures of fish, the entrance to Auriga Spa evokes an underwater tranquility that permeates the entire space. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing glass of fruit- or herb-infused water and escorted to spacious gender-separated changing rooms, where they are encouraged to arrive early to indulge in the impressive facilities that include a vitality pool with invigorating jets, a herbal steam room, and an ice fountain for cooling down.
Inspired by the constellation of the same name in the northern hemisphere, Auriga Spa follows a philosophy that revolves around the cycles of the moon. The four signature treatments—New, Full, Waxing, and Waning—offer benefits that correspond to the properties of each celestial phase, promising to invigorate, nourish, balance, or cleanse. While this may appear somewhat esoteric, it is grounded in the expertise of the therapists, many of whom have been with the resort since its inception.
Each of the nine treatment suites features a private outdoor garden for relaxation after your treatment. However, if you’re like me, you’ll want to return to the spa facilities for a final dip in the vitality pool and an aromatherapy shower. It’s a tropical paradise, both inside and out.
Capella Singapore is a hotel of two distinct halves. As you approach the restored 1880s colonial building that serves as the resort’s main hub, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a glamorous country club of old. However, once you walk through the colonnaded porch, you’ll be greeted by striking views of the jungle and sea, framed by the flowing steel colossus that houses the majority of the guest rooms. Designed by Sir Norman Foster for the resort’s opening in 2009, it’s an architectural marvel.
The interiors, overseen by Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim, exude an air of artful elegance, while the extensive grounds are dotted with villas and even two manor houses available for hire. Rumor has it that Taylor Swift stayed here during her performances in the city earlier this year. Capella Singapore stands apart from other hotels in Singapore by offering unparalleled breathing room. Despite being at full capacity during my visit, the atmosphere was serene and uncrowded, with guests惬意地 picking up iced tea at the café or heading down to the pool, complimentary Aesop sunscreen in hand. It’s no wonder that the hotel and spa are popular with both savvy Singaporean staycationers and international visitors.
The history of the original colonial building is rich. The reception area was once the officers’ mess of the British Royal Artillery stationed in Singapore. After falling into disrepair, it was acquired by the Capella hotel group as their first property. Its most remarkable claim to fame is that it was here, in 2018, that President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held their infamous peace summit, a fact commemorated by a floor plaque near the main building.
Auriga Spa offers a range of packages that extend up to four hours, but I opted for a more modest (well, relatively) two-hour Balot Ng Aruga Healing Experience, inspired by traditional Javanese rituals. In a tastefully decorated treatment room, I was exfoliated from head to toe with a lulur scrub before being enveloped in a velvety tanaka powder body mask and wrapped in banana leaves. A hair treatment completed the experience, and as the sounds of tropical rain filled the air, I felt utterly relaxed. Once unwrapped and showered, I lay on a massage table covered with a plush sheet for an hour-long massage tailored to my specific needs, using fragrant organic oils. As a seasoned spa enthusiast, I can confidently say that it was one of the most relaxing treatments I have ever experienced.
Singapore is a global leader in sustainable urban planning, and its top hotels are no exception. Capella Singapore employs eco-friendly practices such as rainwater harvesting for its extensive gardens, solar panels on the residences to reduce energy consumption, and the use of refillable glass bottles and zero plastic bags throughout the property.
In addition to the spa, guests can unwind by one of the outdoor pools, each offering a different ambiance. If you’re seeking tranquility and a respite from children, the adults-only pool is the perfect place to continue your serene spa journey in the open air.
Appointments at Auriga Spa can be booked by both hotel guests and non-guests. 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
