Chic Wellness Retreats In Singapore To Put Your Body In Recovery And Rest Mode
Move over, gruelling HIIT workouts and relentless bootcamps.
These days, the buzz in wellness is shifting from the intensity of muscle burn to the importance of recovery. Instead of grappling with FOMO over not scheduling enough intense sweat sessions, the latest luxe wellness clubs present a refreshing alternative – JOMO, or the joy of missing out. (This concept has also emerged as a key takeaway from some of the creatives we spoke to recently who are now embracing the fitness trend.)
The latest wave of wellness clubs, such as Rekoop in Singapore’s CBD and the upcoming Hideaway in trendy New Bahru, focuses on taking a much-needed time out with cutting-edge recovery treatments like high-tech ice baths, cryotherapy chambers, and oxygen pods. They join a niche group of existing spaces like Sphere and Trapeze Rec. Club, which also offer various recovery options including infrared saunas and sensory deprivation float pools.
Oxygen therapy is one of the hottest trends in wellness right now, and places like Rekoop offer it in cutting-edge settings.
Targeted at wellness enthusiasts who value balance and mental well-being as much as physical strength, these aesthetically designed retreats offer a refuge from the daily grind.
“Singaporeans are well-educated and have a sophisticated understanding of wellness, often engaging in exercise, healthy eating, and other lifestyle treatments. However, the aspect of recovery has been missing to achieve optimal performance,” says Diana Kraemer, co-founder and wellness director of Rekoop, which features soothing interiors designed by the design firm Elliot James Interiors.
Another wellness sanctuary to look forward to is Hideaway, which is the second wellness concept by Grant Wee, who also founded the holistic wellness space Trapeze Rec. Club. While TRC offers several facets that cater to rest and recovery, including mental health therapy and contrast therapy facilities, Hideaway will focus entirely on restorative health. Design plays an important role at this establishment too – it is designed by Ken Yuktasevi of Parable Studio.
Experience a boost with oxygen therapy at Como Shambhala's Hyperbaric Airpod, which is said to enhance sleep, mental clarity, and overall energy and stamina.
“We are taking a design-forward approach in the space, intentionally creating a tranquil oasis that is unlike any other massage spot in Singapore,” says Wee. “Gen Z, with their finger always on the pulse of what's next, are embracing these innovative spaces where cutting-edge technology meets holistic health. It's all about finding that zen in the chaos of daily life and giving your body the ultimate TLC it deserves.”
Here are four new wellness studios in Singapore where R&R takes centre stage.
REKOOP
Rekoop's calming pastel tones and curved interior details create a serene, cocoon-like retreat.
Where: 18 Robinson Road, Level 4
What it’s about: Billed as a social wellness club, Rekoop is co-founded by former professional athlete Diana Kraemer. It aims to enhance social interactions through a roster of talks and workshops by holistic health experts and fosters networking by allowing members to sign in guests.
Outfitted with some of the most cutting-edge technologies, Rekoop restores balance and provides a much-needed energetic boost to type A individuals who seek performance excellence and focus. These technologies include AirPod oxygen therapy to accelerate healing; lymphatic drainage devices to debloat and detox; red light facial and body therapy to boost radiance; and a chillingly cold Cryotherapy chamber at -87 degrees Celsius, said to aid muscle recovery and boost energy levels and mental clarity.
While it operates on a membership basis, with members receiving a certain number of inclusive treatments and guest passes depending on their tier, Rekoop also accepts a la carte bookings.
Step into the Cryotherapy Chamber for instant radiance.
Aesthetic: Designed by Elliot Barratt of Elliot James Interiors, the calming space in comforting pastel hues incorporates plenty of curved features, from walls and lighting to furnishings, to evoke a sense of being enveloped in a tranquil cocoon.
Must try: No matter which treatment you choose, make sure to round off your Rekoop experience with a three-minute session in their state-of-the-art Cryotherapy chamber, which resembles a very futuristic freezer. Yes, it is mind-numbingly cold, perhaps even more so than an ice plunge, but you can hop around and even belt out your favourite song to pass the time. The result – immediate glowing skin and a boost to mental acuity – is worth it.
HIDEAWAY
Hideaway will feature a Bathhouse with private and semi-private infrared saunas and cold plunge tubs.
Where: New Bahru, 46 Kim Yam Road, #05-07 Big Block (opens end August)
What it’s about: The second wellness-themed retreat by Grant Wee, who also founded Trapeze Rec. Club (TRC), Hideaway focuses on modern, healing massage treatments that blend contemporary techniques with traditional healing practices like gua sha, shiatsu, and tui na.
Its massage treatments, designed specifically to provide relief to the modern client, include the Hand & Arm massage to target wrist and forearm stiffness caused by phone and computer use. The Meridian massage combines traditional techniques to apply pressure to acupressure points, releasing blocked energy.
Inspired by founder Wee’s affinity for cold plunge immersions, Hideaway will feature a Bathhouse with private and semi-private infrared saunas and cold plunge tubs to facilitate contrast therapy—exposing the body alternately to hot and cold environments. This is said to boost dopamine and energy levels and aid in muscle recovery.
But there’s more to these clubs than just their futuristic therapies – they are also redefining luxury and aesthetic appeal.
Hideaway is the sister wellness spot to Trapeze Rec. Club on Tanjong Pagar Road.
Aesthetic: Hideaway is designed by Ken Yuktasevi, founding partner of Parable Studio, who has also designed other wellness spaces including TRC and Sphere. The design of Hideaway exudes tranquillity with low, warm lighting and earth-toned interiors.
Must try: Sports recovery massages are often underrated among non-professional athletes but can work wonders at soothing muscle soreness and boosting performance. The full menu of massages at Hideaway has yet to be announced, but with Wee, a fitness enthusiast and strong proponent of massages, at the helm, expect treatments targeted at post-exercise recovery.
COMO SHAMBHALA
Como Shambhala's new digs at Como Orchard.
Where: Como Orchard, 28 Bideford Road, Level 4
What it’s about: The grand dame of holistic wellness in Singapore receives a swanky and well-deserved upgrade at its new premises at Como Orchard. It started in 1997 as a yoga studio and has since evolved into a multifaceted space that not only incorporates a gym but also offers yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonic lessons, along with a comprehensive range of holistic offerings for pre- and post-training purposes.
The new location features a red-light therapy warm-up and recovery room said to enhance circulation and reduce inflammation, as well as an AirPod wellness device for an infusion of oxygen. As is the trend these days, there are also contrast therapy rooms with infrared saunas for heat and cold therapy, including ice baths featuring Brass Monkey ice baths—the only equipment that produces real ice sheets, ensuring a very chilly plunge.
Como Shambhala's Red Light Therapy Room with a Watt bike.
At the same time, Como Shambhala has teamed up with the Strength Clinic Academy for physiotherapy services to assist with injury prevention, pain management, rehabilitation, and sport readiness. Its other holistic wellness programmes include facial treatments featuring skincare formulated by Singapore-based dermatologist Dr Priya Sen, meditation sessions, and of course – the unparalleled Como Shambhala massages.
Aesthetic: This calm, contemporary space is designed by Milan-based designer and architect Paola Navone of OTTO Studio to evoke the flow and palette of water, with chic tiles and terrazzo in serene hues of turquoise and blue.
You'll be nestled amidst serene chic tiles and terrazzo in soothing hues of turquoise and blue when you take your ice baths at Como Shambhala.
Must try: A private physiotherapy session, where you can receive personalised treatment for specific body issues, is an ideal complement to the various wellness modalities like ice plunges and oxygen pods.
ARCTIC FITNESS
Arctic Fitness is another local spot where you can enjoy an ice bath for recovery.
Where: 22 Martin Road, #05-01
What it’s about: A one-stop shop where fitness enthusiasts can combine their high-intensity workouts with their wellness routines. This space is a collaboration between three establishments – BE. Studios, Sphere, and Rapid Physiocare – so it naturally offers a full range of facilities, including a gym, a reformer Pilates studio, a physiotherapy area, and a recovery zone featuring Swedish hot saunas and ice baths.
Complementing these facilities are a regular series of workshops and events focusing on mental wellbeing, personal development, and social interactions.
Reformers available for your Pilates class at Arctic Fitness.
Aesthetic: Designed by interior design studio Thexton Smith Interiors, the functional and minimalist space features unique accents like curved lighting in the gym that mirrors Arctic Fitness’s logo, while the recovery area softens the mood with blush tones.
Must try: Arctic Fitness offers a day pass, which includes full access to the cold plunge, hot sauna, gym, as well as Pilates and fitness classes. Consider this your fast track to a one-day wellness retreat, right in the heart of Singapore.