When I first arrived here some five or so years ago, I naturally assumed that any spa offering round-the-clock services was probably to be avoided at all costs.

It wasn’t until a Malaysian friend, who’s lived in Singapore for years, told me that any 24-hour massage joint is very tightly regulated and that they are all thoroughly above board. I was intrigued…and being a trusting soul, I went to try one out in Upper Bukit Timah, not too far away from where I live.

This particular one, Le Spa, (I know…terrible name) has two outlets, including one just off Club Street, and all I can say is: I. Am. Sold.

For a start it’s brand spanking new. Here it is by day:

Beautifully clean inside? Yup, it even has zen black and white pebbles lining the corridors as well as some rather glitzy golden wall paper:

Good therapists? I have been back twice, each time I have had someone different, but they have both been excellent – like heat seeking missiles to stiff shoulders and back pain.

Reasonably priced? It is $60, sans package, for an hour’s massage.

The weird bit? As part of their regulations you do have to sign in, stating your name, country and IC (instantly makes me want to write ‘Mrs Smith’ but it’s is just part of their regulatory procedure).

They also change the linen on the massage beds between customers – as you’d sincerely hope but you’d be surprised how many places cut corners with this. The smell of someone else on the towel when you lay your head down is enough to make me freak out; I can’t stand it.

Here’s one of their rooms; nothing fancy but all you need:

I am one of those annoying, last minute people who don’t like to book in for a massage, but just want to go on the spur of the moment when I feel I need one. These chaps are great for people like me as they have 8 therapists working at any one time. The longest I have had to wait for a slot has been 10 minutes.

As much as I love Ikeda spa, this beats them hands down as I don’t have to book days in advance and its roughly the same price, without having to take out a dreaded package.

What else? The massage therapists seem to all be from mainland China and do not speak English. If you have a particular request, ask the lady at the desk – who does – to explain it to them for you.

So the next 24 hour massage joint that you pass…go in! You won’t get more than you bargained for but you just might get what you came for: a really good, no frills massage.

For more details on Le Spa, click here.
Their outlets are at 14 Gemmill Lane and 16A Chun Tin Road (the one I go to).

If you live near Bukit Timah, also check out the rather smart looking Tang Dynasty Spa which is next door to Le Spa and open from 10am-2am with similar prices. Their big failing? I can never get a last minute appointment.