Review on COMO Shambhala

Fit and fab in the city 

Venue:
When it comes to a brand synonymous with wellness expectations are definitely higher. I was eagerly anticipating checking out their largest urban flagship to date on Bideford Road for a Pilates session. At the same time explore their wide range of holistic wellness experiences and fitness programmes. Designed to reflect the flow and palette of healing water, I can feel the calm upon entering with its light and bright aesthetic. Spanning an entire floor of 9000 sq ft, the space boasts full glass windows lending to the airiness despite being right smack in the middle of the bustling city. 

The group pilates classes are kept small with 6 beautiful reformers. A thing to note they abide by the classical pilates movements so don’t expect any “trendy” sequences.

Cleanliness: 
An invigorating scent wafted throughout adding to the ambience. Clean and neat amenities greeted me from reception to rest rooms. Equipment is well maintained and every studio and room I visited was spotless. Not an easy feat to keep such a large area constantly spick and span. 

Price Point:
I’d say their Pilates classes are on the pricier side in general. With a group class in the $60-65 range and individual ones from $180-$240. It is however comparable to sessions in the vicinity. The quality of instructors do make it worth your while I feel. Comprehensive price list can be found here https://de87ve0y4m3tc.cloudfront.net/comohotels.com-2459770069/cms/pressroom/css_treatment_menu.pdf

Quality of service:
The front desk staff are polite albeit a tad impersonal. Perhaps when there’s spa services on premises one expects more warmth on arrival.  

My Pilates instructor Fhe was amazing. She was very positive and encouraging. Felt much lighter at the end of our class and not just from perspiration. She explained the classic movements and why they work. They sound minimal but exert maximum effect. I did not think I’d break a sweat or feel sore but both did happen. She also makes an effort to go around checking and correcting postures.

Overall experience (Will I recommend- yes or no):
Yes, I appreciate how much of a one stop fitness and wellness portal it is. Besides their yoga and pilates options, there’s a full fledged gymnasium as well as a gyrotonic studio. There’s also excellent recovery resources like their contrast therapy room which alternates between heat therapy in an infrared sauna then cold therapy in an ice bath. Solo or small group bookings are possible. I’ll be back to try their hyperbaric oxygen pods, the Hyperbaric Airpod™️ being a first in Singapore. You can read more on the benefits of these health tech therapies here https://www.comoshambhala.com/como-shambhala-singapore/experiences/health-tech-therapies. Pamper yourself with their popular spa treatments such as facials and massages - request one with Master Song. Thank me later!

Perhaps it’s a personal preference, though the overall vibe is rather calming there is a somewhat lack of coziness. Could be the muted colour palate or finishings that give off an almost clinical feel. However the aways-available COMO Shambhala ginger tea never fails to warm the soul.

Place reviewed: COMO Shambhala

Reviewed by: Vivienne Lombard