Yunomori Onsen and Spa is the first in South-East Asia to combine an authentic Japanese hot spring experience with traditional Thai massages. Which is great, as onsen baths themselves relieve muscular tension, improve blood circulation and skin health, or so its proponents claim. There are five (surprisingly high-tech) onsen baths offered at the separate male and female onsen areas here: soda, silk, bubble, jet and cold bath. Each pool is treated with hot spring minerals imported from the Land of the Rising Sun, and their temperatures are carefully monitored at all times. But we'd recommend you start with the CO2-filled soda bath – it's set at around 38.5 to 39.5°C – and work your way up.
The entry price of $38 grants you all-day access to the onsen, steam rooms and sauna (guys, you're in luck – there are hot baths and a sauna that are exclusive to the male onsen area). Prior to entering, you're given fresh towels and a yukata of your choosing to lounge in between dips. You'll have to enjoy the onsen in your birthday suit, but if you're too shy, Yunomori offers black nylon disposable underwear. Think of it as a blurry filter – they're not completely opaque, but hey, it’s better than nothing. And be sure to shower before entering the onsen pools (with complimentary Yunomori spa products) and try to keep your hair clear of the onsen waters. So hold off on diving right in.
Pick your desired package (see below for our recommendation) and receive an electronic tag. It's got your assigned locker number on it and works as a 'credit card' to use at the Yunomori café. The café whips up simple Japanese dishes such as soba sets ($10.80) that come with potato salad and – you guessed it – an onsen egg. There's also free flow hot ginger tea and cold hojicha tea all day.
Treatment to try
Opt for the package deal: in addition to the onsen, you can enjoy a 30-minute Thai foot massage or a 60-minute full-body one ($68-$118) by a skilled masseuse. You have to fill in a form before clambering on the table to indicate any areas of concern to focus on and the desired pressure. Bells and whistles such as a hot compress or aroma oil therapy ($196-$246) can also be added to your basic package as and when you please.
For more spas, read our list of best spas in Singapore.