Nimble Knead

I am appalled at myself because:
–I worked in Tiong Bahru for half a year and didn’t know this place existed. (It’s right next to Loo’s Hainanese Curry Rice.)
–I normally pass on massages*, but lately my back and shoulders have been a bit tight so a much needed appointment was set.
I chose the 60 minute Thai Thai Aroma massage, which is a combination of gentle Thai stretching and an aroma massage. Before going in, I had to fill out the basic particulars form, where they also asked what areas to focus on and how hard you want the massage. I appreciated this because I’ve been to a few places in the past that just did whatever and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience for me.
As I’m not (yet!) used to massages, I chose a soft massage, and I felt my masseuse did just that. Although it was a bit uncomfortable when she was focusing on my back/​shoulders/​neck, I felt a lot better immediately, especially the day after.
You get a choice of ginger tea or water after your service, and I liked how I was able to enjoy their spicy ginger tea in their «backyard» lounge area at my own pace.
I did experience a little hard selling while paying, but as I was so relaxed I didn’t mind it, haha. They have some amazing promotions if you can book between 12 PM — 5 PM on weekdays. For example, you can get a 75 min full body massage + 30 min foot massage for $ 84. Considering my 60 min massage was $ 76, that’s a pretty awesome deal!
I’ve already booked my appointment for next month. Can’t wait to return.
–
*I know, WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!

When I first came across Nimble/​Knead in all its just-​edgy-​enough, I mentally filed it under the category of «imitation of the dominant spa group in Singapore,» and somewhat dismissed the place.
On a much more recent rainy Saturday afternoon, I came across it again, saw that they had some very decent first-​timer trial prices, thought «what the heck,» and gave it a go.
SPOILER: That was a good decision. I enjoyed my time at Nimble /​Knead far more than my previous experiences with the aforementioned dominant spa group.
Nimble/​Knead is fitted out with a number of shipping containers, very contemporary industrial chic. The idea behind the place being that they will transport you to anywhere your mind desires, you see. The treatment menu also reflects this, as options include Balinese, Thai, Swedish, Japanese etc massage style options.
I’d opted for the fusion Thai-​Shiatsu massage, as well as a foot massage. Both were very satisfactory; my therapist Intan was deft and checked in with me several times to see if I was fine with the pressure, wanted my face massaged or just the back of my head etc.
At the end of my session, I was eased back into reality with a drink in a cozy sitting area at the back of their premises. Rather nice touch to provide that transition zone, instead of just ushering you straight back out into the reception area… it does help prolong the post-​massage afterglow.
And as Carolyn L mentioned, it’s super awesome that they don’t practice hard sell tactics here! They asked me if I’d like to find out more about their packages, and when I indicated yes, they showed me what they offered and were totally cool with me taking time to consider. No «this offer expires at the end of the month,» no «this offer is only valid for the first 20 customers and we’ve already gone through 18 of them,» just «Sure! Take your time and let us know anytime.» Very much appreciated. Facing pushy salespeople can really snap you out of that pleasant post-​treatment haze.
My one gripe about the place is that the treatment areas aren’t soundproof, meaning that footsteps and doors opening/​closing are still somewhat audible throughout the treatment. But to me, that’s a relatively minor drawback compared to its merits.
I’ll be heading back to this one, especially since their prices are pretty reasonable.

Exploring Tiong Bahru one day, we stumbled upon Nimble/​Knead. It is housed in a nondescript short HDB apartment block. It is easily missed as pots of plants outside kind of covered the entrance. But that means it also sets the mood for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience inside, hidden from the world.
The main thing you will notice once you stepped in are the containers. Shipping containers or office containers. One of the quirk or unique feature of Nimble/​Knead, your massage takes place in a container!
You need to do the usual registration stuff, fill in your particulars and indicate your problem spots etc. Apparently this is one of the requirements by law for spa operators, more to check the patrons are above 18 or 21 years old. Annoying but needed.
I am not sure how many containers there are, but they have 8 beds available.
The room/​container I was in is smaller than the real container for ship but it is still a comfortable size.
The treatment (Balinese massage)
There was a small chair in the corner of the room and the therapist would bring in the basin to wash your feet with a basic salt scrub before the treatment starts. That was a very nice and thoughtful touch. I liked that.
The massage was good. I indicated soreness in the calves and back, so the therapist did a thorough kneading on those areas. She ran a bit overtime on the back and asked if it was ok not to do the front. I was fine with that.
After the massage, I was led to the back of the place where a cup of warm ginger tea was waiting for me. There was a small garden oasis at the back (actually just a few pots of plants with 2 sets of garden table and chairs) where you could just relax over your cup of tea. It was an enclosed area with air conditioning. Magazines and a TV set were there too.
The best thing? No pushy sales persons badgering to show you their packages or standing around, putting pressure on you to quickly get up and go.
The place is just very nice and welcoming. Being an old flat, the toilet and shower room are in two separate rooms, and the wash sink is also outside. The design is all birdcages and plants. Fairy lights lined the floor, instead of candles, adding warm light in the dimly lit place.
When I made my payment, the receptionist did ask if she could show me their packages. But it was a very brief thing, just a flash of prices on the tablet at the counter. In this instance, I would seriously consider getting a package if I live in the Tiong Bahru area. Being able to walk home after a bone-​melting massage is such a bonus! But the listed prices are also very reasonable ($ 76/​hour), making it easy on the wallet for frequent repeat visits.
I sure hope this place will be here to stay.