Yes! Send me the FREE digital editions of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines and the FREE weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines and breaking news alerts!
The spa is set among tropical gardens and bordered by a large pool at One Farrer Hotel
Spas in Singapore were allowed to reopen from 19 June and are busy. It was tricky to find an appointment within a couple of days of calling as multiple spas were fully booked and confirmed they were operating at full capacity. I’ve seen a wide range of promotions to entice visitors, so that seems to be working.
I was pleased to secure a booking at Adeva Spa Retreat at One Farrer Hotel as this local luxury spa has been on my shortlist for a while. The urban hotel is situated in one of Singapore’s heritage districts and showcases 700 pieces of original contemporary abstract art from Asia.
The spa, owned and managed by The Ultimate Group of Companies (see SB 2020 issue 4 p56), is set among lush tropical gardens and bordered by a large pool. This provides a beautiful, tranquil setting for the seven-suite spa, meditative reflexology walk and Japanese-style onsen gardens with water lounges, plunge pools and natural mineral pools.
COVID-19 restrictions & rules All hotels in Singapore must pass an SG Clean quality certification – sgclean.gov.sg – and commit to upholding good sanitation and hygiene practices to reopen. The spa website immediately displays a pop up window confirming its compliance as well as a link to new detailed procedures.
This was very reassuring and throughout my experience, the spa went above and beyond these measures. Thoughtful touches included branded hand sanitiser for use and retail, for example, while the Trace Together QR code at check-in sat alongside a sign entitled ‘We care for you – Precautions to take for COVID-19’. The clever sign, with the a in care replaced by a red love heart, reminded spa-goers of restrictions and also included a link to the official government COVID-19 webpage. Logos for the Singapore Tourism Board and SG Passion Made Possible, the current destination brand, made it clear that these departments are working together to ensure the safety of employees and guests.
Booking The telephone answered immediately when I called to book and a pleasant receptionist informed me of the first-time visitor trial pricing, which was SG$168 (US$124, €105, £95) compared to the published price of SG$388 (US$286, €241, £219). A welcome surprise! A text reminder confirmed cancellation fees would be waived if you’re not feeling well, which also gave me some peace of mind that they were mindful of everyone’s safety. Arrival / check-in
A friendly employee greeted me at the hotel and waited while I checked-in with the QR code and had my temperature checked before helpfully explaining how to reach the spa. It was a seamless experience which continued as a spa receptionist pleasantly welcomed me after I checked in using the spa’s QR code and had my temperature taken again. This was necessary as the spa runs as a separate business to the hotel, but also thorough I thought. She then directed me to a consultation room for my pre-treatment forms.
The experience As I’ve recently had surgery to remove two skin cancers on my clavicle and upper back (luckily caught early), the receptionist suggested I modified my facial to include hand and arm massages rather than the usual shoulder and décolleté massage. This was perfect and I appreciated the care and attention to detail which she then quickly relayed to my therapist who was waiting for me.
The room was nicely set up in neutral tones with faint relaxing music and a very soft, comfortable bed. I didn’t notice any pandemic information in the room, but I didn’t feel it was necessary either and it was nice to escape into a space that didn’t remind you about what was going on outside.
I chose a 90-minute 24k gold anti-ageing facial by Yellow Rose which complements other available treatments by medi-skincare range Hann and Korea’s Civasan brand. At each step during the facial, the therapist quietly stated what she was about to perform and continued on with the treatment. She remembered not to touch my recent surgery scars and to conduct the hand and arm massage, which were performed well. The products felt and smelt nice. The ambiance of the room and her delivery technique made it hard not to doze off towards the end.
The only thing which seemed to be missing was a specific eye cream that was different to the face moisturiser. I also prefer some lip balm applied at the end of a facial as I find my lips get dry from the cleaning, however that may have not been allowed due to coronavirus restrictions?
Aftercare The treatment finished abruptly with the therapist asking me to sit up to wipe off the excess product. It would have flowed better with a more gentle culmination but I felt so relaxed it didn’t seem to matter, even when she wasn’t waiting outside for me. I meandered to reception and was guided to the consultation room where a cup of water was waiting for me. I was presented with an ‘add on’ option for the gardens, pools and steam/sauna area. I politely declined and the final check-out was friendly.
Summary Adeva spa did an excellent job adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and maintaining a safe and enjoyable customer journey.
Even though all staff I saw were wearing face masks and there was obvious pandemic-related signage displayed around the venue, the spa experience was not negatively affected by these changes. I appreciated the attention to detail, from the friendly staff to the customising of my treatment which was also well executed. This was my first spa experience since lockdown and my surgery and it’s given me confidence to have even more.
What’s the score?
Ease of booking – 10
Explaining/demonstrating
new protocols – 10
Cleanliness/hygiene – 10
Social distancing measures – 10
Safety precautions
(temperature checks, PPE etc) – 10
Staff – 10
Experience/treatment – 9
Overall experience – 9.75
The Ultimate
Group of Companies
Founded in 2005, The Ultimate Group of Companies (TUGC) owns and operates seven beauty and wellness facilities in Singapore under four brands – Adeva, Spa Rael, The Ultimate and The Spa by Ultimate. The spas are situated in prime locations predominantly in the heart of Singapore’s shopping and recreational district.
The group politely declined a ‘right to reply’ in response to Spa Business’ review on Adeva at One Farrer.
Julie Garrow is the founder of leading research firm Intelligent Spas. Her company is supporting the industry with a 50 per cent discount on all publications during the pandemic | [email protected]
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
The spa is set among tropical gardens and bordered by a large pool at One Farrer Hotel
Spas in Singapore were allowed to reopen from 19 June and are busy. It was tricky to find an appointment within a couple of days of calling as multiple spas were fully booked and confirmed they were operating at full capacity. I’ve seen a wide range of promotions to entice visitors, so that seems to be working.
I was pleased to secure a booking at Adeva Spa Retreat at One Farrer Hotel as this local luxury spa has been on my shortlist for a while. The urban hotel is situated in one of Singapore’s heritage districts and showcases 700 pieces of original contemporary abstract art from Asia.
The spa, owned and managed by The Ultimate Group of Companies (see SB 2020 issue 4 p56), is set among lush tropical gardens and bordered by a large pool. This provides a beautiful, tranquil setting for the seven-suite spa, meditative reflexology walk and Japanese-style onsen gardens with water lounges, plunge pools and natural mineral pools.
COVID-19 restrictions & rules All hotels in Singapore must pass an SG Clean quality certification – sgclean.gov.sg – and commit to upholding good sanitation and hygiene practices to reopen. The spa website immediately displays a pop up window confirming its compliance as well as a link to new detailed procedures.
This was very reassuring and throughout my experience, the spa went above and beyond these measures. Thoughtful touches included branded hand sanitiser for use and retail, for example, while the Trace Together QR code at check-in sat alongside a sign entitled ‘We care for you – Precautions to take for COVID-19’. The clever sign, with the a in care replaced by a red love heart, reminded spa-goers of restrictions and also included a link to the official government COVID-19 webpage. Logos for the Singapore Tourism Board and SG Passion Made Possible, the current destination brand, made it clear that these departments are working together to ensure the safety of employees and guests.
Booking The telephone answered immediately when I called to book and a pleasant receptionist informed me of the first-time visitor trial pricing, which was SG$168 (US$124, €105, £95) compared to the published price of SG$388 (US$286, €241, £219). A welcome surprise! A text reminder confirmed cancellation fees would be waived if you’re not feeling well, which also gave me some peace of mind that they were mindful of everyone’s safety. Arrival / check-in
A friendly employee greeted me at the hotel and waited while I checked-in with the QR code and had my temperature checked before helpfully explaining how to reach the spa. It was a seamless experience which continued as a spa receptionist pleasantly welcomed me after I checked in using the spa’s QR code and had my temperature taken again. This was necessary as the spa runs as a separate business to the hotel, but also thorough I thought. She then directed me to a consultation room for my pre-treatment forms.
The experience As I’ve recently had surgery to remove two skin cancers on my clavicle and upper back (luckily caught early), the receptionist suggested I modified my facial to include hand and arm massages rather than the usual shoulder and décolleté massage. This was perfect and I appreciated the care and attention to detail which she then quickly relayed to my therapist who was waiting for me.
The room was nicely set up in neutral tones with faint relaxing music and a very soft, comfortable bed. I didn’t notice any pandemic information in the room, but I didn’t feel it was necessary either and it was nice to escape into a space that didn’t remind you about what was going on outside.
I chose a 90-minute 24k gold anti-ageing facial by Yellow Rose which complements other available treatments by medi-skincare range Hann and Korea’s Civasan brand. At each step during the facial, the therapist quietly stated what she was about to perform and continued on with the treatment. She remembered not to touch my recent surgery scars and to conduct the hand and arm massage, which were performed well. The products felt and smelt nice. The ambiance of the room and her delivery technique made it hard not to doze off towards the end.
The only thing which seemed to be missing was a specific eye cream that was different to the face moisturiser. I also prefer some lip balm applied at the end of a facial as I find my lips get dry from the cleaning, however that may have not been allowed due to coronavirus restrictions?
Aftercare The treatment finished abruptly with the therapist asking me to sit up to wipe off the excess product. It would have flowed better with a more gentle culmination but I felt so relaxed it didn’t seem to matter, even when she wasn’t waiting outside for me. I meandered to reception and was guided to the consultation room where a cup of water was waiting for me. I was presented with an ‘add on’ option for the gardens, pools and steam/sauna area. I politely declined and the final check-out was friendly.
Summary Adeva spa did an excellent job adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and maintaining a safe and enjoyable customer journey.
Even though all staff I saw were wearing face masks and there was obvious pandemic-related signage displayed around the venue, the spa experience was not negatively affected by these changes. I appreciated the attention to detail, from the friendly staff to the customising of my treatment which was also well executed. This was my first spa experience since lockdown and my surgery and it’s given me confidence to have even more.
What’s the score?
Ease of booking – 10
Explaining/demonstrating
new protocols – 10
Cleanliness/hygiene – 10
Social distancing measures – 10
Safety precautions
(temperature checks, PPE etc) – 10
Staff – 10
Experience/treatment – 9
Overall experience – 9.75
The Ultimate
Group of Companies
Founded in 2005, The Ultimate Group of Companies (TUGC) owns and operates seven beauty and wellness facilities in Singapore under four brands – Adeva, Spa Rael, The Ultimate and The Spa by Ultimate. The spas are situated in prime locations predominantly in the heart of Singapore’s shopping and recreational district.
The group politely declined a ‘right to reply’ in response to Spa Business’ review on Adeva at One Farrer.
Julie Garrow is the founder of leading research firm Intelligent Spas. Her company is supporting the industry with a 50 per cent discount on all publications during the pandemic | [email protected]
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2020 issue 4
Editor's letter: Nurturing mental health
It’s time for spas re-evaluate their mental wellness approach to help governments and society to tackle the escalating mental health crisis says Katie Barnes
Spa people: Dr Narinthorn Surasinthon
RAKxa Jai, a cutting-edge medi-wellness spa, has opened in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital and Minor Hotels in Bangkok. Spa Business talks to its COO
Spa people: Isabelle Duchesneau
The executive director of Québec's Le Monastère Augustines explains why its priority of serving caretakers is more relevant today than ever
Spa people: Michael Banissy
The world's largest study on touch uncovers the role it plays in our health and wellbeing. Spa Business talks to the lead researcher
Interview: Krip Rojanastien
Chiva-Som’s CEO talks to Spa Business magazine about guiding the destination spa through COVID-19 and its first contract management project in Qatar
Ask an expert: Corridors of power
What will it take to make politicians realise the value of spas? Spa Business magazine asks those in government and others who’ve made inroads
Promotion: Artofcryo: Cold Calling
Artofcryo.com aims to offer the best whole-body cryotherapy chambers as well as a complete, reliable and effective solution for operators and results for guests
Promotion: ISPA: Lead, inform, inspire
Lead, Inform, Inspire. It’s been quite a year for ISPA, with its firm commitment to supporting members through the pandemic, as president, Lynne McNees explains
Interview: Mark Hennebry
Ensana’s chair tells Spa Business magazine about its landmark development, Buxton Crescent, one of the only genuine spa hotels in the UK
Promotion: Lemi: Creating the dream team
This year leading Italian supplier Lemi launched three new spa solutions, and ventured into the creation of signature treatments for the first time. General manager Matteo Brusaferri explains why he sees this as the way forward to help spas maximise their investment
Interview: Luisa Anderson
A Longevity Garden and inner healing room are just two of the extra special features at the new Healing Village Spa at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali, says its regional spa director
Promotion: Biologique Recherche
Skincare specialist, Biologique Recherche, is using its knowledge of chronobiology to create new approaches to skincare which yield powerful results
Event review: Global Wellness Summit 2020
This year’s Global Wellness Summit saw two US surgeon generals, leading spa stakeholders and wellness professionals look towards the role they have to play following the global pandemic. Spa Business magazine gives its highlights
Research: Matter of minds
A new study is the first to define and put a value on the global mental wellness industry – estimating it to be worth US$121bn. But what does this mean for spas?
Sponsored briefing: Starpool: Cargo-tecture
During lockdown, Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool, was inspired to create a whole new category of product, based on recycled containers. The result is the new i.con spa brand, which fuses luxury, wellness, recycling and design
Software: All booked up
Spa software suppliers take a look at 'big data' to reveal the booking trends they’ve seen since spas have reopened
Promotion: Voya: supporting spa partners
Jessica Anhold, Voya’s head of global sales and marketing, talks community in a time of crisis and how the company is supporting its spa partners
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) has published a non-regulatory global industry
framework designed to ensure the retreat market offers responsible experiences.
A new survey of UK and international spa practitioners shows that stress, burnout and
wellbeing concerns have caused one in three respondents to consider leaving the industry.
The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity
guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's
physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing
sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.
Anna Bjurstam has left her role as Wellness Pioneer at Six Senses Hotels and Resorts and
launched a new wellness, longevity and “consciousness consultancy” called Wahayla.
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has opened today (10 July) in the Northwest of England
with a
1,715sq m Fairmont Spa that has been designed using a ‘Wellness without Walls’
concept.
Wellness hotels generating less than US$1 million (€932,700, £785,200) – or 10 per cent of
total revenue from wellness and leisure – recorded the strongest RevPAR and TRevPAR growth
in 2025 across categories when compared with 2024, according to the latest Wellness Real
Estate Report by RLA Global, produced in partnership with P and L benchmarking firm HotStats.
Lefay Resorts, the portfolio of two luxury wellness properties in Italy, has added emotional
dance classes and group cold plunge sessions in response to market demand for social
connection.
