Pure indulgence

With days of my singlehood drawing near, I have been taking this opportunity to indulge myself in simple luxuries like spa treatments. On Saturday, I woke up bright and early, excited to meet the gals for our spa treatment at Spa Botanica. It was my first time there after hearing repeated good reviews. Upon arrival, we were greeted with lush greenery and tropical garden setting. We were shown to the locker and changing area shortly after our arrival. After changing into the robe, I was led into a nice and cozy treatment room. I chose the 1 hour traditional aromatherapy massage. I was given a few choices of massage oil and without much hesitation, I went for my favourite lavender oil. The scent has this calm and soothing effect and coupled with firm massaging, it can send one to dreamland in no time.

I requested for the therapist to place more emphasis on my shoulder and back and indeed she probably spent more than half of the time on it. The massaging was unlike those I experienced before. Instead of firm and smooth kneading, it was kind of vigorous and brutally hard. Initially it felt relaxing as it helped to release the tense and relieve the aches. But after a while, I felt slightly uncomfortable. I wondered if my one hour was up as she did not go on to massage my front. After my back, she went on only to my head and neck.

After the session, we sat by the lounge for our tea. Feeling hungry, we proceeded to grab a quick bite at The Garden, which takes pride in 'conscious dining'. We had salad, freshly squeezed juices and chicken noodle soup. While eating, we shared on our girly stuff like facial treatments and grooming services, things that we seldom got to share with our men around :P

At the mud pool, we applied soft mud onto our bodies and left it on for about 15 minutes or so before washing off. 'Enemy' and I nearly got into a mud wrestle and we actually had fun smacking mud onto each other :P We took a while for the washing as we were greedy and applied too thick a layer! We gave the swimming pool a miss as Candie had to leave early to attend a wedding dinner. So we soaked ourselves in the jacuzzi before calling it a day at Spa Botanica.

This is my ratings for Spa Botanica:
- Ambience: 8/10
- Facilities: 9/10
- Food: 7/10
- Choice/Variety of treatments: 8.5/10

- Cost/Value for money: 7/10
- Therapist: 5/10 (I woke up with sore and aching shoulders)

I think the whole experience would have been better if I have gotten myself a better therapist. Nonetheless, the place is a great retreat for city dwellers seeking solace and solitude. There is enough private space and it is truly a holistic spa experience that encompasses both the indoor and spacious outdoor facilities, complemented by the menu of healthy and organic food served in The Garden.

After spa was dinner at Coasties, which is a beach bar at Siloso beach. We had tasty pizzas, grilled chicken wings and fries. I concluded that sinful food always tastes the best. With the sun setting at the background, there isn't any better place for dinner than here. With a full stomach, we decided to take a stroll to the other end of the beach for Ben & Jerry's. As we were nearing, we witnessed the lights going off! Poor Lynn as she had been craving and asking for the ice cream the minute we met. In order to fulfill her craving (as well as ours), we drove out to Vivo City for our much awaited ice cream spread. This is the definitely the sweetest way to end our gals day out. Thanks gals for your great company!