After a jam-packed few days in Singapore, a soothing spa treatment was exactly what I needed on a free Friday afternoon. Even the light drizzle couldn’t dampen my spirits as I made my way to the St. Gregory Spa at Pan Pacific Singapore for the aptly titled Lady’s Jetsetter Ritual.

I practically skipped through the hotel lobby, eager to find the spa and start unwinding. After navigating the large lobby, I headed to the fourth floor, where I immediately found myself all turned around, not realizing I had to go outside and cross the rooftop pool deck to find the spa.

St. Gregory Spa has thrived in Singapore for almost 15 years; its home at the Pan Pacific hotel is its first in the country. Other locations can be found in Japan and Malaysia. This particular outpost emits an earthy but contemporary feel, with natural design elements and garden-themed treatment room names.

It is quite easy to let go of stresses in the soothing St. Gregory’s environment. The design element continues through its eight treatment rooms, separated into male and female wings, with two couples’ rooms. Relaxation rooms call to the elements for inspiration; I caught a glimpse of them but was disappointed I didn’t have a chance to partake in their namesake activity.

My 150-minute Jetsetter Ritual was the epitome of indulgence. The package includes the St. Gregory Instant Radiance Expert facial and the Aromatic Body Bliss massage, with a healthy refreshment following the experience.

Once I found my way to the spa, I settled in, chatting with the spa manager while I enjoyed a raspberry-vanilla iced tea. Before 5 p.m., the spa serves iced tea in two flavors; the other choice is black currant. After 5 p.m., hot chamomile or peppermint teas are served.

The staff introduced me to the spa’s signature products; they explained in detail the lotions, oils and moisturizers that would be used during each of my treatments. The facial employs Thalion products from France, completely marine-based and designed to improve hydration and elasticity. The massage features Elemis products, as do most of the spa treatments.

My massage therapist came to find me almost immediately after I finished changing. One tiny complaint — and complaint may not even be the appropriate word — was the order of the treatment and the timing. I fancy myself more a massage person than a facial fan, so I would have preferred the facial first for 60 minutes and the massage as the finishing touch for 75 minutes. Alas, it was the reverse.

The massage was so peaceful, I don’t recall much from the actual treatment. The Well-Being Massage is one of the spa’s signatures and combines techniques from 10 different massage cultures. The therapist started by lightly brushing my body, believed to allow for maximum absorption of the massage oils. Once the brushing was over, the therapist used a combination of strokes on each area, including Thai, shiatsu and deep-tissue techniques.

The Instant Radiance Expert facial is another spa signature treatment and was, ultimately, equally as relaxing as the massage — not to mention that my skin felt truly phenomenal afterwards. At 75 minutes long, it is a comprehensive facial, complete with the sometimes-painful extractions. The therapist was quick, thankfully, so the uncomfortable part didn’t last long.

I’ve only had a few facials in my life, so I am not entirely sure of the standard operating procedure, but my favorite part of this facial was a first for me. The therapist applied a heavy, thick mask to my face, which she left to settle for several minutes. Then, in one fluid motion, she peeled the mask off. The mask had begun to make me feel claustrophobic; it was weighty as it solidified on my face. When she pulled it off, I experienced a sense of refreshment like never before. I felt light and rejuvenated.

Whenever a spa treatment ends, I experience a feeling of resignation. Having reached the pinnacle of relaxation, I am usually disappointed to see it wrap up. Honestly, I could spend days reclining on a massage table. My experience at St. Gregory was no different. I breathed a heavy sigh as the therapist signaled the end of the experience. The reality of my nearly 24-hour journey back to the United States the following day hit me, as did the irony of my Jetsetter treatment.

Actually, my experiece was not completely over. Also included in the package is a healthy refreshment, served at Brunch, an alfresco dining area on the pool deck. I was surprised to feel my stomach growl as I sat down in an oversized cushioned chair, opting for lounge seating as opposed to formal table seating — it seemed more harmonious with my current mood. My healthy refreshment — a chicken sandwich with sprouts and other greens, accompanied by fruit — arrived shortly after I settled in. It was a tasty and satisfying treat, a refreshing exclamation point to the afternoon.

Dark clouds were beginning to settle above, indicating the drizzle was set to move in again soon. I gathered my belongings and headed out of the Pan Pacific. I was determined to travel back to my hotel by foot. After all, I had yet to see Singapore’s Merlion statue in person, and it was along my route. Now that I was rejuvenated, I was ready to fill up the rest of my schedule, in true jetsetter style. Carpe diem.

St. Gregory Spa
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Blvd.
Marina Square, Singapore 039595
tel 65 6336 8111