FIL Spa Intelligence (Chinese Swimming Club)

I was enticed by Her World's reader's promotion of a Gold Mask Facial Therapy at $35 (usual value of $200 ) I think, for which they also throw in a free eye or neck treatment, plus a 10min shoulder massage. I opted for both the eye and neck treatment which needs a top up of $15 so my total price is $50 . But of course for 1st timers only~

Booking - making the booking was easy as the ad came with a number to sms to, and a staff called to make an appointment after that. I made an appointment for a Friday evening 7:30pm.

Location - Apparently the appointment can only be for the Chinese Swimming Club outlet which is located at Amber Road, a relatively ulu location for me. Its not that far a walk from Parkway Parade, maybe 10-15mins? But please be warned that the club cafe doesnt allow non-members to dine there, even if you're a guest of the spa. The only other non-member option is Tung Lok Classics on the 3rd floor but that is mad expensive. For a cheaper option, eat at Marine Parade of Katong Shopping Centre if you want to eat before or after your appointment.

Service - you are ushered to a small room for a pre-treatment consultation which surprisingly doesnt involve any machines to analyze your skin condition; just based on visual impression. There you fill up a form with your particulars, any allergies etc.

Treatment - Treatment is done in a private room where you change into a standard robe. The treatment includes extraction (sometimes painful) with a steam machine. It also has a scrub, mask etc done with a machine. The eye treatment and neck treatment claims to moisturize and hydrate which worked quite well for me. Some steps include massaging with an aid of a machine to help the ingredients penetrate the skin better. The shoulder massage was average though. But I did like that my therapist, Carrie, was very gentle and detailed, including informing / warning me of the steps and that some masks etc can be quite cold.

Packages - The treatment was over in about 1hr 15mins and you're brought back to the same pre-treatment consultation room. Carrie then proceeded to 'sell' their packages but I liked that she was not at all hardselling but seem quite sincere about it in fact. She even offered to throw in 6 free eye treatment as goodwill. But at $2,250 for 30 sessions, it was too big an investment for me even though I felt a difference in my skin after that. They cut it down to half - 15 sessions for $1,125, but I still needed some (am still am) mulling over it. The installment plan doesnt incentivize me so much as its the total value is what I am considering.

But overall a much better experience than New York which hardsells you like crazy or say Touch Elite where the masseur fell asleep on me. Sad but yup, that's what is considered 'better' for me.