SINGAPORE Changi Airport provides welcome rest and recuperation for most transit passengers.
Its long orchid-lined terminal arms radiate from the central area of restaurants, bars and shops
in a timeless atmosphere of calm. Apart from the piano lounge or free internet areas where hours can easily slip by, you can request an hours sleep or more in the hotel within the airport or watch your very own movie from a comfortable chair complete with a set of headphones and your own screen.
When I arrive from my 13-hour flight with swollen ankles and tender legs, I walk along the terminal arm marvelling at the delicate orchids, to the Fish Spa. A quiet low-lit area away from the bustle of duty free shops and waiting areas where therapists usher you in asking when your flight takes off and offering you refreshing tea. The fish spa is quite literally a large pool of water, containing fish. It is an irregular shape where people can sit on cushions privately or with others and dangle their legs and feet in the water. The tiny fish nibble away at your skin, creating a pleasant massage and the water is so relaxing.
Set just apart from the water is another area reserved for massage and treatments. I always indulge in a reflexology session, which includes massage of the legs and feet.
The Asian style is usually a firm and sometimes painful experience where reflexes are kneaded and pressed. Quite often there are sounds of ooh and arrgh as the customer leans forward in discomfort, only to be reassured with a hand pressing them back from a smiling all- knowing therapist. The therapist at this time is most probably working over the kidney area and the customer is wishing they had drunk more water and less wine. I particularly enjoy the leg massage because I know it will help my circulation and then with more walking along the terminals, help the swelling to subside. I do not always divulge that I am also a reflexologist but on this occasion I did speak to the manager, Lisa Pang, as I was so impressed with the facility. I felt soothed, pampered and gave a tip as I left. I would recommend the Fish Spa and Reflexology experience at Terminal 1,
Departure / Transit Lounge East, Singapore Changi Airport. Visit www.refreshbodyworks.com
