Spa Botanica

Thanks to a kind friend, I had the chance to pamper myself and mom at Spa Botanica last Saturday.

As it was my first time there, I wasn't sure what to expect. Didn't know what facilities they have (except that they have a pool). When I made the booking two days ahead, the receptionists that I spoke to wasn't friendly. They weren't helpful in suggesting the kind of massages or therapies based on my needs and simply pointed me to the website -_-" so I was quite apprehensive about going actually. Was thinking that the staff there would be equally snobbish, so wasn't expecting much.

Thankfully we were pleasantly surprised as the staff that we met that day were all polite, helpful & friendly. They set us at ease and the environment & ambience definitely helped. We were asked to change into their robes and shortly after, mom was whisked away for her massage. I didn't wait that long before I was led to the second storey for my deep-tissue massage. Got to say it was painful and after a while I had to ask the masseur to go easy :P But it was a good massage nonetheless as I told her about my stiff right shoulder, which I somehow pulled something on Thur during my morning bodypump. It was sore and I was having problems with the whole range of shoulder movements. Though it was much better by Sat, but bet the massage would help to release some of the tightness that I've been experiencing. She said its the usual work hazard for many of us, hours in front of the PC. Definite cause for stiff shoulders.

The hour passed quickly and in no time I was done. Mom and I just relaxed and enjoyed the tea. The pool was actually very nice and inviting, too bad I didn't have my swim suit with me. Its a short pool but deep. The depth ranges from 1m to 2m ...

As the massages cost less than the value of the vouchers that I had, there was a balance of < $30. Previously over the phone the unfriendly recep did not offer any suggestions on what I could use the balance on, and simply said that I could only use the vouchers for treatments and nothing else, so I was resigned to the fact that I would be forfeiting the balance. So I was again pleasantly surprised during payment when the staff told me about my balance and asked whether I would like to shop at their shop and pick up something which could be used to offset the balance. So mom and I walked around the small shop but there weren't anything that we particularly wanted to buy. I don't like aromatherapy so the oils were definitely not something I would get. The rest of the products for the skin were way too expensive. We finally decided to just get their cleanser and while the staff was working on the cash register, I found this beaded hand pouch which I thought was nice and though pricey, it was only slightly above the balance that we had left. So decided to get the pouch instead. Was waiting for the staff to tell me the difference I had to pay (which was just a few bucks) but she just said it would be complimentary. Nice :) She was also a doll in helping to check on when the coach would arrive to bring us out to vivocity.

It was a very nice experience and mom truly enjoyed it. Its her first time in such a nice spa and she totally enjoyed herself. Am glad that I could bring her along and pamper her for once.