Singapore’s wellness scene has taken a chilly turn, with many establishments incorporating contrast therapy into their recovery routines. Favoured by ancient Romans and Egyptians, as well as modern-day athletes, the practice involves alternating between cold- and hot-water baths. It is believed to help reduce blood pressure, alleviate muscle soreness, and preserve cognitive function.
Located in One Raffles Link in the Marina Bay Business District, Shelter is a 3,000-sq-ft oasis offering contrast therapy. Designed by The ReFormd Group, which operates more than 20 Anytime Fitness and BFT gyms in Singapore, the facility promotes wellness as a habit, which immediately put me at ease.
Throughout Shelter’s pared-back interiors, wood and greenery soften concrete, glass bricks diffuse daylight into pools, and cove lighting blurs room transitions. With three cold plunge pools, a dry sauna, and a warm magnesium salt pool, it focuses on contrast therapy. Additionally, a compression therapy lounge equipped with Normatec systems provides targeted recovery for tired legs and muscles.
A poster on the wall recommends spending five to 15 minutes in the sauna/warm salt pool and one to five minutes in the cold plunge pool. Repeat for two to three rounds. “Starting in the sauna or warm magnesium pool raises your core temperature, improves blood flow, and eases muscle tension. The cold plunge then awakens blood circulation, eases inflammation, and floods the body with endorphins,” says Marketing Manager Darryl Tan.
The traditional dry sauna accommodates up to 20 guests. A prominent neon sign inside reads “a place for your head”, highlighting its ability to clear the mind and promote mindfulness. Operating at 70 to 90 deg C, the sauna enhances cardiovascular health and improves blood circulation.
I hesitated, however, when it was time to take the cold plunge. A prickly numbness spread through my lower limbs as my feet dipped into the seven to 10 deg C waters. As I was gently reminded to pay attention to my breathing by the staff, I submerged slowly up to my shoulders and then quickly bailed!
Then a quick soak in the salt bath at 35 to 40 deg C provided much-needed relief. Additionally, it lowers cortisol levels while soothing tense muscles. The subsequent cold plunges I attempted (five to seven, and three to five deg C, respectively) were less traumatic.
By the third round, my body had adjusted, and I felt an electric current-like sensation flowing through me. Additionally, my mind felt sharper, but my body was deeply relaxed.
With its carefully curated partnership with Aesop, Shelter also enhances the post-recovery ritual. Geranium Leaf and Resurrection products from the Australian brand make showers a luxurious experience.
Even the smallest details matter when elevating an experience here. Guests use
a heavy-weight cotton towel decorated with a tulip motif designed by local tattoo artist Maxine Ng. It also appears on staff uniforms and merchandise.
