The way I see it, is that everyone has their specialty. Some people might be good at cooking, some at DIY, well, I’m good at going to spas. Creaking neck? I know the place that will fix you. Ready for some reflexology? Check out my list. So when I tell you that a spa is good, trust me that it’s good – and the new Qi Mantra in Wheelock Place, is seriously good.

While I normally steer clear of the chain spas preferring my friendly local salon, as a huge and loyal fan of Strip (who are part of the Qi Mantra chain), I was intrigued to try it out. I arrived nice and early for my appointment (that’s another thing about me; I’m punctual to the second). I was immediately pleased that rather than let me sit there and twiddle my thumbs, the helpful receptionist took the time to talk me through my treatments and answer my army of questions. It’s all part of being a journalist!

First up, the massage. I was put in the very capable hands of the lovely Ivy. She asked what areas I wanted to concentrate on (always shoulders and lower back for me) to make sure I got the most out of the appointment. Having just spent the past couple of hours frantically typing away at my laptop, my shoulders were totally locked. Ivy managed to soothe them back into shape and even get rid of a stubborn knot that had been there so long, I was about to name it. While I like a good, firm massage, gals more easy to bruise might want to ask her to take it a bit easy – she is one tough lady!

After an hour of knot-releasing bliss, a cup of herbal tea, and a nice giggle with Ivy, I was off to my facial, the Good Vibes Facial. This is one for the techies out there, as this treatment uses radio frequency energy to reach deep into the sub-dermal layers of the skin. It helps to tighten, brighten and battle wrinkles all while getting rid of any water retention – sounds good doesn’t it. So, after a deep cleanse, quick round of extractions it was onto the machines. Now while having a machine used in a facial might sound painful, it honestly isn’t. It’s a bit like having a lukewarm soft pebble rubbed over your face for a few minutes – quite nice really! Doing one side at a time, Hazel showed me the immediate difference after doing one side and I’ve got to admit, even I was impressed. My lines looked smoother, my face less puffy and even those bags that seemed imbedded under my eyes looked a bit better. While the machine part only lasts a few minutes, there’s a blissful and soothing facemask, head massage and deep toning to follow.

So, nearly two and a half hours later, I practically floated out of Qi Mantra. De-knotted and de-puffed, I will definitely be back. Oh and if you fancy a trip, do ask for Ivy and Hazel – you’ll be in the best hands.

The Signature Massage is $98 for 60 minutes and Good Vibes Facial $268 for 90 minutes

Qi Mantra, Wheelock place, 03-19, 501 Orchard Road, +65 6737 3463. www.qimantra.com