The Spa at New World Saigon Hotel understands their customer base. The know the high-tension businessmen and women that stroll through their doors on the 2nd floor of the 5-star hotel feel a bit like Atlas sometimes, holding the world on their shoulders as they run from task to task with little time to unwind.
City Pass sent a few of our wound-up, red-eyed content writers to sample some of The Spa’s signature services and assess the environment, skills, products and overall experience.
More than anything, it’s the masseuse’s attitude that makes The Spa somewhat different from its competitors. While the spas we’ve recently assessed ranged in skill, technique and products, the masseuses were usually silent.
This may be preferable in some cases. But having a masseuse who knows how to calm you down, make you comfortable and even make you laugh with a bit of soft chatter can elevate a good massage to an excellent one. Obviously, this is a personal preference.
Each masseuse inquires whether the lighting, music, aroma and ambiance are well suited. They shape the space to match your own vision of unperturbed peace. English skills are more developed than in most spas around the city, and the masseuses dutifully ask if everything is to your liking.
We were surprised how much this increased our enjoyment of the services. Even small talk, or an occasional inquiry can make the difference in a spa environment.
Four massage rooms for men and six for women line the hallways. Each is a cozy abode, low lit and intimate.
Skills vary from masseuse to masseuse. Some may be able take on thick-skinned guests while others have a gentler touch. We recommend you state your preferences at the start so that you are matched with an appropriate masseuse. Otherwise, you might be under or overwhelmed by the strength of the massage.
The older staff has been trained by Thai masseuses from Thann, their featured product provider.
We found the skills to be up to standard, but not overly technical in terms of technique. They are more than proficient with their product use, however, and are well versed in an effective combination of oils, creams, scrubs, toners and masks.
The Spa uses high-end Thann products, along with natural ingredients such as turmeric and rice bran. All work well, and the difference afterwards is noticeable. Our aromatic massage and facial left us with a soft, radiating glow, while the body scrub resulted in smoother, suppler skin.
We experienced the Refreshment Spa Package (a purifying facial and aromatic massage) and a signature body scrub. Before beginning treatment, we were ushered to the locker room to change and have a brief session in the steam and sauna rooms to open our pores.
Our masseuses then met us at the door and led us to our low-lit, intimate rooms.
Refreshment Spa Package (120 minutes VND 2.1 million per person):
Signature Skincare Treatment (50 minutes VND 900,000 per person):