Latest news with #SingaporeSPCA
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Straits Times
Global Design: Soak in Iceland's bathing culture
REYKJAVIK – Iceland's most famous thermal hot spring is undoubtedly Blue Lagoon, known for its milky blue waters. But Iceland's bathing culture goes beyond this hot spot, with more than 100 hot springs and heated pools dotted around the country. Icelanders have been soaking in hot springs for almost 1,000 years – and they are still at it today. Even the tiniest towns have a sundlaug (swimming pool in Icelandic) with all the works: hot tubs, cold plunges, saunas and waterslides, at entry fees as low as 1,000 Icelandic krona (S$10.46). In fact, Iceland's bathing culture has been nominated for Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which, if successful, is set to be awarded in December. While Icelanders have their favourite watering holes, there are also dedicated facilities which attract travellers keen to experience outdoor bathing. The best known of these is the Blue Lagoon, which became famed for its therapeutic waters in the 1980s. Located 45 minutes by car from Reykjavik city centre, it attracts over a million visitors a year. If you have visited an onsen in Japan , you will find the pre-bath routine familiar: Scrub down until you are squeaky clean before even thinking about dipping your toes in the water. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling: White House World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? Singapore 5 foreigners charged over scheme to deliberately get arrested in S'pore to sell sex drugs here Asia Appointment of Malaysia's new chief justice eases controversy over vacant top judge seats for now Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Singapore SPCA appoints Walter Leong as new executive director World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business Granddaughter of late Indonesian tycoon pays $25 million for Singapore bungalow But, unlike onsens, swimsuits are a must – no naked lounging here – as the pools are not segregated by gender. When I casually ask if I can go without a bathing suit, I am greeted with an aghast 'no, no, no' from an Icelander. However, they are not shy about nudity in the shower and dressing areas. The rules regarding food and drink are a little less strict. While food is not allowed, you can enjoy a cold beverage, including beer and cocktails, while you luxuriate in the warm water. Cold drinking water is free for when you feel dehydrated. You can refuel with soup, sandwiches and snacks at the end, after you get dressed and exit the pools. The greatest pleasure of the Icelandic bath experience is the delicious contrast between hot and cold, especially if you brave the sub-zero winter. Imagine gazing out on an all-white landscape, your body submerged in balmy waters while snowflakes land on your face. Steam rooms and saunas further heat up the body, while cold mist rooms and icy plunge pools provide an invigorating shock to the system. I am too chicken to dip more than a toe into the cold pools, but I witness brave souls taking the plunge and emerging looking almost victorious. Taking a selfie of your blissed-out face is also not frowned upon. In fact, you will spot many bathers with their phones in rented waterproof casing, casually snapping photos of themselves half-naked against the gorgeous scenery. Compared with onsen waters, which can go up to 42 deg C, Icelandic springs are a few degrees cooler – which means longer, more luxurious lounging. As a huge fan of simmering myself until I turn into a prune, I take the chance while on a recent driving holiday around Iceland to soak my travel-weary bones at three very different baths – from the utilitarian to the luxurious. Myvatn Nature Baths Myvatn Nature Baths is filled with mineral-rich geothermal water. PHOTO: MYVATN NATURE BATHS/FACEBOOK After hiking around a volcano for two hours, we pull up at Myvatn Nature Baths (7,400 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) in the north with sore calves and zero expectations – and, after a good soak, float out in a state of bliss. Surrounded by the stunning Lake Myvatn, this man-made lagoon is rich in minerals and boasts the same milky blue water as Blue Lagoon. It attracts far fewer tourists due to its remote location, though a busload of them were dropped off while we were there. The water at Myvatn Nature Baths contains more sulphur than other thermal springs. PHOTO: MYVATN NATURE BATHS/FACEBOOK There is the characteristic stink of rotten eggs in the air, as the water here contains more sulphur than other thermal springs. The mineral is said to be beneficial for skin, due to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties. This is the only place where we are advised to remove jewellery, which may turn black due to a chemical reaction with the water. Though the utilitarian facilities are a little tired – a new building is due to be ready in 2026 – the steamy spring is exactly what we need to rejuvenate us. We drink in the peaceful views over the lake, as well as a well-deserved icy adult beverage. Vok Baths The Icelandic blend of nature and modernity is seen in the interiors of Vok Baths, with warm wood, smooth concrete and geometric shapes. PHOTO: VOK BATHS/FACEBOOK The day before we arrive at Vok Baths (7,490 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) in the eastern part of Iceland, we just about wreck our knees on a four-hour hike up and down a glacier. A steaming hot bath is the perfect remedy. From the outside, all that can be seen is a grass-covered roof which merges seamlessly into the landscape, and discreet glass doors which lead to the lobby. This Icelandic blend of nature and modernity is seen in the interiors as well, with warm wood, smooth concrete and geometric shapes being a large part of the minimalist design. Wood planks surround its three floating pools of varying temperatures up to 41 deg C, where bathers – both local and tourist – mingle while taking in the panoramic views over Lake Urrioavatn, arguably even more stunning than Lake Myvatn. Vok Baths has three floating pools, where bathers mingle while taking in the panoramic views. PHOTO: VOK BATHS/FACEBOOK When it gets too hot, we nip into the rain mist tunnel, where it is a refreshing 10 deg C. But I draw the line at submerging my entire body in the lake, where the water temperature goes down from 18 deg C in summer to 0 deg C in winter. Sky Lagoon Possibly the most luxe hot spring – with an admission price to match – Sky Lagoon (from 15,990 Icelandic krona for one adult; ) is also the most accessible from capital Reykjavik, just 10 minutes away by car, making it the most tourist-friendly of the three hot springs we visit. Seemingly carved out of rugged black rocks, the man-made pool is sleek yet simple, once again embodying the Icelandic design ethos that embraces nature. Seemingly carved out of rugged black rocks, Sky Lagoon boasts stunning sauna facilities and a rain mist room. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK Do not skip the meditative seven-step ritual, which starts with soaking in the natural warmth of the geothermal water, followed by an invigorating cold plunge into a 5 deg C pool. Next is the most impressive sauna I have ever sizzled in, with a huge pane of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the water. Sky Lagoon's sauna has a huge pane of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the water. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK On a good day, you can admire the cone-shaped Keilir mountain, a 700,000-year-old glacier and even the Northern Lights, while the heat opens every pore on the body. Cool down after that with the minus 5 deg C rain mist – an almost religious experience, with sleek bodies standing silently under the fine drizzle, faces turned to the sky. After a sauna session at Sky Lagoon, guests can cool down with a minus 5 deg C rain mist. PHOTO: SKY LAGOON ICELAND/FACEBOOK Following that, I slough off a layer of dead skin with a salt scrub before entering the dark, womb-like steam room to once again embrace the heat. The final step is a shot of an Icelandic elixir, made with tart crowberries from the lava fields. I emerge from this sanctuary relaxed and radiant. And the lingering sniffles I have been nursing for days are miraculously gone.
Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wiegman says team's resilience was the difference in chaotic game
MANCHESTER, England - An exhausted looking Sarina Wiegman said Thursday's wild finish made England's 3-2 comeback victory over Sweden in their Euro 2025 quarter-final the most chaotic game she had ever been involved in, and the coach praised her team's remarkable resilience. Late goals by Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang sent the game to extra time, and then eventually an astonishing penalty shootout featuring 14 shots. "The adrenalin is still flowing, I can't remember anything like this," Wiegman said. "The team just fighting to get back in the game, that's the quality that's so strong in this team, they're together, fighting back, sticking together and just showing so much resilience." Wiegman subbed on Agyemang, Beth Mead and Esme Morgan in the 70th minute, and then Chloe Kelly shortly after, and the attacking intensity instantly picked up. "That really helped at that moment," Wiegman said. The penalty shootout featured more misses than makes, which she said was intense to watch. "You miss so many penalties, that I was really concerned, but then (Sweden) missed again, that needed a little bit of luck," Wiegman said. "And then of course, they then miss and it is the most horrible way to end. But it made it for us maybe even more exciting." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling, White House says World Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. What is it? Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore Asia Malaysia's King appoints Wan Ahmad Farid as new Chief Justice Singapore SPCA appoints Walter Leong as new executive director World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Opinion Is your child getting drawn to drugs? Don't look away and don't give up Business Granddaughter of late Indonesian tycoon pays $25 million for Singapore bungalow The coach heaped praise on Bronze, who fired home England's deciding penalty despite limping on a sore right hamstring. "Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind, I have never, ever seen, seen this before in my life, and I'm very lucky person that I've worked with so many incredible people, incredible football players," Wiegman said. "But what she does and her mentality ... what defines you is that resilience, that fight. I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair." One negative on the night was captain Leah Williamson limping off with an ankle injury. Wiegman said she will be assessed on Friday. "I don't know what it is right now. She couldn't stay on the pitch so we had to take her off," the coach said. Asked about other potential injuries, the coach summed up her squad as "Really tired. People are really tired." England next face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Geneva. REUTERS
