CEO of S$45 million Jurong East spa says he's ‘still confident’ despite criticisms, official opening moved to before May: ST

House+ Bubble, reportedly Singapore's largest 24-hour spa, has pushed its official opening from mid-March to an unconfirmed date before May.

Located at Perennial Business City in Jurong East, the S$45 million Chinese spa complex soft-launched on Feb. 21 and is currently in the first phase of its rollout.

Phase two will nearly double its footprint to approximately 100,000 sq ft, the equivalent of about seven-and-a-half Olympic swimming pools.

Temporary closure of pools

For now, however, the spa temporarily suspended access to its bathing pools from Mar. 3 as part of "internal facility adjustments".

According to the operator, this follows a comprehensive review of the spa's facilities, adding that it is still in the midst of refining spatial details and operational arrangements.

The spa's debut also drew mixed reviews online, with patrons raising concerns over hygiene and service quality.

One reviewer noted piping problems during a Feb. 27 visit and found that one of three steam baths was out of service.

The spa's management has since responded publicly to many of the reviews, pledging to address the issues raised.

CEO remains confident

Despite the rocky start, chief executive Hou Zelong remains upbeat.

"Though we have received criticism, we humbly accept it and will improve," he told The Straits Times.

He added: "We still have many supporters; we just have to sort ourselves out."

Even as it works through its early challenges, House+ Bubble's operator is already scouting new locations, confident that demand could sustain one or two additional outposts.

In its current half-open state, the spa draws around 300 customers a day, at least 60 per cent of whom are Singaporean.

Hou said he expects the business to break even within four years.

Though Singapore's wellness scene continues to grow, with at least 10 recovery-focused venues opening over the last two years, Hou is unfazed.

"We're not just a bathhouse or spa. We have attractions for many different groups. It is a comprehensive leisure complex," he told ST.

Hou added that it has also become clear that a faithful reproduction of the Chinese model will not translate seamlessly to the local market.

With this in mind, the spa will soon scrap its membership scheme in favour of a simpler bundled system, he said.

Currently, memberships start at S$500 and grant preferential rates on add-ons such as restaurant buffets and treatments.

The new approach will bundle access and eliminate unpopular add-on costs, aiming to deliver focused value to customers.

Facilities

The spa's existing facilities include hot spring pools, steam rooms, and massage services.

The women's area features a salt therapy room lined with Himalayan crystal salt, while the men's area offers a mugwort herbal room.

According to Hou, further additions are in the pipeline.

A VIP KTV room the size of a small apartment and a teppanyaki grill to complement an expanded buffet menu are expected to open soon.

Phase two will also introduce kid-friendly zones, ice baths, mixed-gender pools, and a storm bath designed to simulate squall and lightning.

Top photos from House+ Bubble