Singapore-based wellness entrepreneurs, Calvin Ng and Grant Wee, open up about their favourite ways to look and feel amazing every day. By Sasha Gonzales
As the founders of wellness spaces, Calvin Ng, who established Senze Boutique Spa 20 years ago, and Grant Wee, who launched Hideaway this September, know a few things about looking and feeling their best. We ask them what makes their wellness businesses stand out, why self-care is important to them, and how they find balance and joy in their life.
Grant Wee, Founder and Managing Partner, The Trapeze Group
The Trapeze Group launched Hideaway this September at New Bahru. The wellness sanctuary, a tranquil and beautiful, design-forward space, focuses on “the connection within” and features a massage and bathhouse concept for healing and recovery.
Grant explains that, at the treatment level, the Hideaway philosophy blends timeless healing practices like guasha and tuina with modern recovery solutions, like hot and cold therapy with saunas and cold plunges, to heal both mind and body.
“Our goal with Hideaway is to bridge the gap between mass-market massage chains and luxury spas, providing an upscale experience for guests seeking an elevated option in between,” says Grant.
A unique approach to healing and recovery
What makes Hideaway special is its dual focus on massage and bathhouse sessions. While these can be enjoyed separately on different occasions, they can also be done together for a fulfilling healing and recovery experience.
“Infrared saunas improve circulation and detoxify the immune system, while a cold plunge promotes circulation and raises dopamine – a contrast of hot and cold brings many physical and mental wellbeing benefits,” Grant points out.
“Following this with a massage helps release any remaining muscle tension, promoting a deeper sense of relaxation and comfort.”
Hideaway’s location is also a big draw, he adds. “Being a part of a creative cluster at New Bahru has given us exciting opportunities to collaborate with our neighbours, allowing us to offer unique wellness programming for our guests that goes beyond the typical spa experience.”
“For instance, we offer workshops for guided cold plunge sessions, led by a breathwork coach. This is a great option for first-timers looking to pick up cold plunging in a supportive class format, as well as for seasoned pros to deepen their practice.”
Self-care is about balance
Grant nurtures his mind and body through everyday practices, both in connection with others and individually at his own pace.
He likes to unwind by eating and having fun nights out with friends, getting a massage, playing golf, going for sauna and cold plunge sessions, and hiking at MacRitchie.
He also enjoys staying active with three strength-training sessions a week, and by swimming and cycling, which he says have a meditative effect.
“As for grooming, I’m pretty low-maintenance,” he says, adding that he favours multi-tasking skincare products. He keeps his skin looking healthy with microneedling sessions and facials by a dermatologist.
Understated refinement
A peek into Grant’s wardrobe reveals labels like Nicholas Daley, Thom Browne, AMI, Kitsune, and Prada. He appreciates good tailoring, saying that if something fits well it makes the wearer feel confident. He also loves Buck Mason’s basic tees for comfort and linen pieces on hot days.
Grant values a good watch. His father (Wee Ee Cheong, the CEO of United Overseas Bank) got him his first one, a Rolex Daytona, which he still wears to this day.
“Since then, I’ve gone on to collect more watches, especially vintage ones,” he shares.
“I have a vintage [Rolex] Submariner from the ’70s that has the most beautiful patina on its bezel, originally black but now faded to a light blue. Vintage watches tell a story of who loved the watch before you, the design philosophy of that era and how much it’s evolved, and I think that’s pretty special.”
Grant recently started wearing jewellery too, like Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra bracelets.
“When I’m wearing something basic – like a black T-shirt and linen pants – I like to ‘zhush’ it up with accessories,” he says.
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Calvin Ng, co-founder of Senze Boutique Spa (previously Senze Salus), the world’s first SK-II Boutique Spa
It started in 1999, when Calvin was working at Procter & Gamble (P&G) on the SK-II business. He noticed that while SK-II customers loved their products, they also desired long-term facial care that small facial cabins in department stores couldn’t provide.
After leaving P&G in 2003, Calvin, together his wife and business partner, Buraya, secured exclusive rights to establish a facial spa for SK-II; the pair launched the world’s first SK-II Boutique Spa the following year.
Senze Boutique Spa, as it is now known, is the only authorised operator in Singapore, and possibly the world, offering facial care services that use products from the Japanese skincare brand.
Senze Boutique Spa: For lovers of SK-II
The spa is dedicated to personalised care. For instance, its signature Senzational bed features goose down feathers, soft linens and heated pads, a setup that helps customers de-stress so that they can fully enjoy their treatments.
“Additionally, we are likely the only spa in Singapore that uses 100% pure distilled quality water for facial care – this ensures the skin is not exposed to impurities like chlorine or minerals that could interfere with the effectiveness of the products, allowing customers to experience the purest form of care,” Calvin notes.
Customers also love the spa’s advanced treatments that tackle deeper skin concerns, and the private hair care suite introduced in collaboration with Hair Soul.
Beyond skin deep
To Calvin, skin wellness isn’t just about using special products and receiving certain treatments; it is a holistic concept that encompasses lifestyle choices, diet and stress management.
He also believes that caring for his skin is an investment in his physical wellbeing and long-term skin health. Of course, SK-II has been his go-to skincare brand for more than 20 years. He moisturises with the LXP Perfecting Essence and SkinPower Advanced Cream, applies Atmosphere UV Cream to protect his skin from the sun, and relaxes with the Treatment Mask. The spa’s new Regen-Bright treatment, with ingredients like Tranexamic Acid, Idebenone, and Vitamin C, helps with pigmentation and age spots.
To unwind after a long day, Calvin takes brisk walks in the evenings with his wife. The walks allow them to clear their heads, discuss future plans, and connect with each other.
Simple tastes
When it comes to his wardrobe, Calvin prioritises comfort over trends. “I’m not a fashion chaser, and I’m not into collecting watches or fine jewellery. In fact, I don’t even wear a wristwatch; my phone does the job of telling the time for me,” he shares.
“For me, it’s all about collecting experiences and memories rather than material things. When I do buy something, I focus on quality and choose items that serve my needs and wants.”
That said, Calvin has two passions that he loves to indulge – the first, long road trips, such as to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and the second, fine wines and cognac, especially those from France.
“With the road trips, it’s not just about the destination; the journey alone is a huge joy for me, and when it comes to wines and cognacs, I simply love discovering new flavours,” he says.
