I recently visited Green Apple Spa @ Siglap for a 60 minute full body massage treatment. The following are my observations and findings about my experience.
a. CaseTrust Accreditation
Upon walking into the establishment, the first thing that was immediately noticeable was the CaseTrust Accreditation for Spa and Wellness Businesses certificate prominently displayed on the reception desk.
The spa indeed meets the requirements of CAT 1 license condition. It operates on the ground floor of an apartment building along Upper East Coast Road, and the establishment has a floor area of at least 100m2. The receptionist as well as massage therapists seemed to be foreign nationals, which is aligned with the conditions required to obtain accreditation from CaseTrust.
b. Sales and Marketing
Prior to the visit, I have heard of Green Apple Spa via word-of-mouth. It is pretty well-known for its promotion pricing at late hours, from midnight to 4am at its North Bridge Road outlet. I searched for Green Apple Spa Singapore online and the first few search results that popped up were their website and their Facebook page, followed by review sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp. It was noted that their Facebook page was not updated since 2018.
While the spa has minimal online presence, there was sufficient information provided for potential customers to make an informed decision on whether or not to visit the spa, e.g. opening hours, address, price list, explanations on treatments etc. Other ongoing promotions were also listed on their website, such as a Day Promo offering the same treatment I did with a discount of SGD10, and other treatments at lower price points. Such promotions could help drive foot traffic to the spa. The reviews provided by customers on the aforementioned review sites also allow a look into the services provided by the spa.
At the spa itself, there were hardly any brochures or any marketing collateral in print format, apart from a banner at the shopfront showcasing promotion prices for foot and body massage treatments. There was also the menu of services on the reception desk, which is similar to the one found on their website. Even when furnishing me with the details of the treatment I was about to enjoy, the receptionist mentioned that all information needed could be found on their website, and that I could call in if I have any enquiries. She did however give me an option of upgrading the massage oil to either a rose or lavender-scented aromatherapy oil for an additional $15, which I declined.
c. Spa Reservation and Reception Experience
Before calling in to make a reservation, I browsed through their website to see what kinds of treatments and services that they offered. While I was on the line with the spa receptionist, I asked about the various treatments and promotions. The receptionist was very professional and had the answers to all my questions. She efficiently confirmed my reservation for the 60 minute Chinese Tui Na Massage which she strongly recommended for me because I mentioned that I had some body aches.
Upon arrival, the receptionist swiftly attended to me and assisted me in checking in for my appointment. I noticed that next to the reception desk was a counter providing an array of refreshments for customers. The check in process was simple and straightforward, using a tablet device. Within a couple of minutes, I was checked in and led to my treatment room.
However, I noticed that there was only one sofa that could sit only 3 people at the waiting area, which may be insufficient for guests during peak hours. I recommend that they add a few more chairs or couches where more people can sit and enjoy their refreshments.
d. Spa Therapist and Spa Treatment
After being led to my treatment room, the therapists gave me a few minutes in privacy to change into the disposable undergarment that was provided for the massage. Before entering again, the therapist respectfully knocked on the door gently to check if I was ready before coming in to start the treatment. I then laid down on the massage bed while the therapist dimmed the lights in the room, and the treatment commenced. The therapist constantly ensured that she was applying a comfortable amount of pressure and was even very observant. She noticed that I just got a tattoo on my elbow and that it was still healing, and avoided massaging or rubbing the area. She was very professional and ensured that I was comfortable throughout the entire treatment. When the massage ended, she gracefully offered a cup of tea or coffee, and waited for me outside with the coffee.
Overall, I enjoyed the treatment and it was a pleasurable experience. However, I feel that the experience could have been elevated if there was some relaxing music played in the treatment room.
e. Spa Design, Ambience and Maintenance
The spa is very well designed in terms of the layout of the place. When you enter, the reception desk is right in front of you, and right on the left is the reception area with a fish tank, sofa and a refreshments bar. The treatment rooms are located behind the reception desk, and there is a nice and peaceful corridor with warm lights. The corridor provides ample space for guests to walk to and fro the front of the spa to the treatment rooms. There are multiple treatment rooms, consisting of both individual and couple rooms. Inside each massage room there is a shelf where you can place your belongings and hang up your clothes. Moreover, there is even a shower where you can wash up after the treatment as some treatments require the use of various massage oils. In addition, the air conditioning in the spa is at a very comfortable level.
The ambience of the Spa was very peaceful and warm, and the aroma of essential oils were very nice. I noticed a few air purifiers in the spa as well. There was slow and peaceful music playing at the reception area which was very calming. Overall, the spa possessed a very calm and peaceful ambience.
All-inclusive, the spa was well maintained in terms of cleanliness, user friendliness and comfort. However, there is a big fish tank at the reception area that only contained one fish. It made the tank look rather dull and boring. I recommend that they continue to keep alive the fish tank and add more fishes and plants to make it more lively, which will in turn result in a nice and delightful feeling.
f. Reflection
The main consideration as a customer to get a membership with the spa is the membership privileges. As a member of Green Apple Spa, one would get to enjoy member prices which are discounted. This is the main privilege that one would receive. However, the spa has to ensure it maintains its quality of products and services. Furthermore, the spa needs to be constantly improving.
In conclusion, my experience with Green Apple Spa @ Siglap was a good one, and I would return to try out the other treatments offered.
Jethro's SPA Experience 