If I were to describe ESPA in two words, they would be huge and luxurious. And it is no surprise since ESPA is targeted at the high rollers from the regional countries and China. Located at the furthest west end of Resorts World Sentosa, this UK global spa brand truly epitomises lavish spa treatments and products. With an area of 10,000m², I would say that ESPA is probably the biggest spa in Singapore. The generous size of the spa has allowed the management to create some unique spaces for its spa guests. However, the sheer size has its own limitations as well.

Opened in the third quarter of 2012, ESPA boasts some of the best spa facilities. They include Singapore’s first authentic Turkish Hammam, Vitality pools, Forest Onsen-style pools, Rock Saunas and Crystal Steam rooms. And these are the wet facilities only.

To visualise how huge ESPA facilities look like, you can just multiple the average spa facility by at least 10 times. The Rock Sauna, which overlooks the outdoor vitality pool, is so big that a platoon of army boys can fit into the sauna. Unlike the other steam rooms, ESPA has three huge amethyst geodes in its Crystal Steam room. And the hot vitality pool puts many condominium pools to shame.

Most of the wet facilities are separated for men and women. However, the Turkish Hammam is shared and used only during treatments. The other shared wet facility is the Forest Onsen-style pools. I personally cannot comprehend the design and layout of the onsen pools. The holding area for spa guests waiting to start their treatments overlooks the onsen pools. I find it very weird that guests can look at other guests relaxing in the onsen pools. This is the least private area and despite my numerous visits to ESPA, I’ve only used the onsen pools once.

Housed in a separate extension of the huge compound are two sleep zones for male and female guests respectively. Spa guests can rest their tired bodies in “pods” that look like first class suites in renowned airlines. There is also a shared relaxation lounge located in another building that allows spa guests to relax by a man-made pond. The gym is housed in another building. There is also an excellent restaurant, Tangerine, located within its compound.

I’ve tried several treatments over the last one year and the one that I’m most impressed with has to be the Indulgence Hammam Ritual. It’s similar to a Turkish bath but add a few more notches in the opulent department. The therapist starts off by giving you a good body scrub followed by a full body foam massage, a mad body mask and finishes the experience with a hair treatment. All these using the exquisite ESPA products. The 60-minute experience leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.

As for the other massage treatments, I was not particularly overwhelmed by them. This is because other high-end spas are offering similar treatments – basically customise the treatments to meet your needs.

Like I’ve mentioned earlier, the sheer size has its strengths and limitations. With the vast space, ESPA has created many unique areas for guests to relax. But the whole place lacks the cozy feeling that one would like in a spa. Also guests need to walk out from one building to another to enjoy the wet and dry facilities. To me, this is the biggest drawback.

On the whole, I get the feeling that ESPA is very specifically targeted at the East Asia clientele where these guests perceive huge as luxurious and exclusive. For me, I still prefer spas that are cosy yet do not compromise on privacy.

ESPA
8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island
Singapore 098269