Anticipating the joy of motherhood is inseparable from preparing for the post-pregnancy period. During this delicate time, new mothers often seek environments that offer respite, recovery, and a good amount of pampering. Join us as we take a discerning look at the global landscape, unveiling the pinnacle of opulence in postnatal care — the world’s most expensive confinement centres.
In the realm of pregnancy and postpartum care, confinement is a revered Asian tradition typically spanning 30 days after childbirth. Widely practised in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea and more, it encompasses a set of rules, guidelines, and dietary practices. The overarching objective remains steadfast— to provide comprehensive support, rest and recuperation for new mothers.
Most mothers opt to spend their confinement month at home, where family or a confinement nanny is around to help them with the baby, household chores and cooking, so they can focus on recovering from the birth. Recent years, however, have seen a growing number of women opting for luxury confinement centres, which are equipped with plush rooms, nourishing meals, and 24/7 care for their infants. Imagine it as a sanctuary where healing, bonding, and the acquisition of essential parenting skills take precedence. Having nurses on call round-the-clock to help with night duty and feeds also ensures that new mums get uninterrupted sleep and don’t feel overwhelmed about tending to their newborns. Some of these centres even come with additional perks such as massages, gourmet dishes cooked by top chefs, yoga classes, and aesthetic treatments.
What do you need to consider while selecting a confinement centre?
For first-time mothers navigating the labyrinth of choices in confinement centres, the selection process demands careful consideration. If you’re a first-time mother, some of the integral factors that need to be taken into consideration would include:
Boarding services
Confinement centres offer an array of lodgings, ranging from premium bedrooms to suites, each tier accompanied by its unique set of privileges. Privacy is paramount, ensuring an exclusive postpartum sanctuary.
The professional ensemble
A dedicated support team is crucial — comprising 24/7 on-call registered nurses, midwives/confinement nannies, lactation consultants, and healthcare professionals. These experts champion your physical and emotional well-being, ensuring a seamless postpartum journey. A documented set of policies is the anchor amid the sea of postpartum choices.
Meals and classes
Modern confinement centres transcend basic sustenance, offering tailor-made meals that cater to health, nutrition, and healing. This culinary approach aims to restore vitality and form for new mothers. Apart from deciding food preferences, supplementary offerings like child hygiene products, parenting classes, wellness programmes, and spa services transform the confinement experience into a relaxing retreat.
In the midst of these considerations, inquisitiveness is an invaluable ally. Consulting with your healthcare provider and selecting a confinement centre aligned with your specific needs is imperative. Conducting thorough research, visiting facilities, and engaging in discussions with the centre’s staff is the best way to ensure a positive and fulfilling postpartum experience.
The world’s most expensive confinement centres
1. Singjoy, Singapore
Singjoy, one of Singapore’s leading postnatal care providers, commenced its services at Shangri-La Apartments in 2018. Founder Ms. Joey Zhang reflected on its success in an interview, noting, “The occupancy rate there is always full,” a testament to Singjoy’s commitment to providing exceptional services to new mothers.
Catering to approximately 15 mothers monthly at the Shangri-La branch, Singjoy ensures flexibility with five standby rooms for last-minute requests and early deliveries. Responding to escalating demand, a new branch along Havelock Road was recently inaugurated, offering one-bedroom suites priced at around SGD 19,800 for a 28-day stay, excluding tax. For the Anderson Road outlet, costs can escalate to around SGD 23,000.
Ms Zhang shared her insights about Singjoy’s evolving clientele, stating, “When we first started at Shangri-La, most of our clients were high-income families. But in recent years, we notice that there are more middle-income clients as well, which is why we opened our Havelock branch.”
Singjoy distinguishes itself not only through accommodation but also through comprehensive services. The heart of their offerings lies in healthy and sumptuous meals, expertly curated by their in-house chef with over a decade of experience in confinement meal preparation. They go beyond culinary care, with licensed nurses and an in-house team of lactation consultants, including an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, providing hands-on support for breastfeeding concerns.
Mothers under Singjoy’s care indulge in pampering services such as a daily herbal bath, foot spa, hair wash, head and shoulder massages, and postnatal massages. Options for postnatal yoga, handicraft workshops, wound care therapy, and mental health support through a panel of doctors from Speedoc further enrich the postpartum experience. In every facet, Singjoy exemplifies its dedication to nurturing the physical and emotional well-being of new mothers during this transformative period.
Address: 1 Anderson Road, Shangri-La Apartments, 554 Havelock Road, LK Residences, S169639
Phone number: +65 8889 1958
You can visit their website here.
2. Saint Bella, Singapore
The postpartum journey, a tapestry of recovery and parenthood adjustments, found a nurturing ally in Hangzhou-based maternity care company Saint Bella. Rooted in cultural practices that advocate rest and bonding for new mothers, Saint Bella extended its affluent-friendly maternity services to Singapore with the launch of Bella Villa at the esteemed Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. The brand’s astronomic success across the Southeast Asian region has prompted a potential IPO in 2024, reported Bloomberg.
Established in 2017, Saint Bella seeks to empower women during the transformative postpartum phase. With collaborations spanning prestigious hotels like Waldorf Astoria and Mandarin Oriental, Saint Bella’s venture into Capella Hotel brings forth an opulent retreat for new mothers. Of course, having a daily budget of between SGD 2,400 to SGD 6,000 per night does have its own perks. For a 56-day Classic package — which is also the lowest tier available — customers need to shell out a whopping SGD 132,800. Those willing to splurge can opt for the Queen B 56-day package, which is priced at a cool SGD 328,800 and includes accommodation in the lavish, 524sqm Capella Manor three-bedroom suite.
The latter is equipped with Sealy Posturepedic mattresses dressed in luxurious Rivolta Carmignani linens, a private terrace, private swimming pool, and 24-hour nursing care services provided by trained professionals. Each suite in Bella Villa’s packages is tailored to cater to the unique needs of both mother and child.
Beyond conventional maternity care, the facility offers child development programs that include early infant education training and milestone-focused therapies. The brand’s emphasis on holistic care extends to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being, featuring one-on-one consultations, routine breast care, and postpartum mental health evaluations.
Workshops focusing on stress reduction and creativity enhancement enrich the confinement experience. From personalised craft activities to Full Month Celebrations and newborn photography sessions, Saint Bella rightfully captures the essence of this transformative period. Culinary offerings, curated by nutritionists and prepared by Capella Singapore’s executive chef Eric Neo, cater to varying postpartum recovery phases.
Address: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
Phone number: 0571-8217639
You can visit their website here.
3. KAI Suites, Singapore
KAI Suites offers an unparalleled sanctuary for mothers and newborns in the heart of Singapore, delivering comprehensive care in a luxurious hotel setting. Situated conveniently near prominent hospitals, hotels, and shopping centres, KAI offers 18 meticulously designed private suites. Each suite is adorned with opulent Egyptian cotton linens, a Bosch refrigerator, and a contemporary bathroom featuring a Japanese-style wooden bucket for the indulgence of daily warm herbal baths. Prices start from SGD 12,000 and can even go up to SGD 29,000 for a 28-day confinement period.
The suite’s extensive services include round-the-clock expert care for both mothers and newborns, led by a qualified and experienced care team. New mothers can indulge in signature KAI cuisine with six daily meals, rejuvenate with spa and wellness amenities, and enjoy essential baby provisions. The facility also provides accommodation for spouses, complimentary parking, daily in-house-prepared herbal baths, and more.
From nurseries with individual baby monitoring to a private lounge for parents, every detail is meticulously crafted. Expectant parents typically secure their reservation six to eight weeks before the estimated delivery, and upon leaving the hospital, a guest relations officer and a nurse will meet them at the exit, put them in a limo, and escort them to their suites to get settled. The shared areas facilitate connections among guests, creating a supportive community within this exquisite haven.
The experience at KAI is enriched by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, including a TCM practitioner, specialised TCM-based food programmes, and postnatal treatments like lactation massages and bengkung belly binding. Culinary advisor David Yip, in collaboration with a team of experienced chefs, has curated over 600 recipes for contemporary postnatal cuisine, combining diverse cultural traditions. Each week follows a unique dietary plan, aligning with TCM principles of healing, detoxification, restoration, and nourishment.
Address: 26 Dunearn Rd, Singapore 309423
Phone number: +65 8877-0222
You can visit their website here.
4. MyQueen, Singapore
MyQueen at Oasia Resort Sentosa stands as a beacon of support for new mothers, understanding the multifaceted challenges they encounter post-delivery. Their postpartum care goes beyond conventional practices, emphasising not only on physical recovery but also mental and emotional well-being. Nestled in the tranquil greenery of Sentosa, their care centre provides an idyllic setting for mothers to unwind and revitalise. Based on a Lianhe Zaobao news report, this oasis offers packages starting from SGD 17,000 and upward.
The commitment to comprehensive care is evident in MyQueen’s team, led by experienced leaders like Dr Tan, who is the Chief Editor for Pregnancy SG and Medical Director of the O&G The Women’s Medical Specialist in the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. The bilingual care team ensures effective communication, fostering a supportive environment for both mothers and babies. Recognising the importance of lactation, scheduled lactation consultations are integral to their services, providing tailored guidance at crucial times.
Complimentary activities and workshops, including yoga, soap making, tote bag painting, and more, enrich the overall experience.
The exemplary round-the-clock care, postnatal massages, and thoughtful amenities like complimentary transfers from the hospital to home contribute to making MyQueen a sanctuary for new mothers seeking holistic postpartum care.
Address: 23 Beach View, Palawan Ridge, Sentosa Island Singapore 098679
Phone number: +65 8028 8186
You can visit their website here.
5. Kimporo Postnatal Rejuvenation Centre, Kuala Lumpur
In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Kimporo Postnatal Rejuvenation Centre stands as a hallmark of unrivalled benefits, setting itself apart as one of the most expensive confinement centres in the region. With a dedicated team of breastfeeding and confinement specialists, midwives, and nurses, Kimporo ensures not just the well-being of the newborn but the complete rejuvenation of the new mother in a luxurious and secure environment.
The elegantly designed rooms at Kimporo provide a serene and welcoming atmosphere, akin to a 5-star hotel. Fitted with a Getha bed, a complete mini-bar, and a TV, the rooms offer a tranquil escape from the hustle of motherhood. Dads enjoy complimentary stays and access to the centre’s platinum gym, whereas children below five are also welcomed to join their parents, making it a family-centric experience.
Kimporo offers four types of suites, each designed for various preferences, with the VIP option being the most exclusive. Package prices range from around RM 15,000 to RM 50,000.
The brand’s commitment to meticulous care extends to newborn essentials, from diapers to organic toiletries, ensuring a hassle-free stay. The spacious baby room, equipped with CCTV monitors, UVC virus buster, and air purifiers, guarantees a safe and nurturing environment.
A standout feature is Kimporo’s inclusive package, covering all confinement meals meticulously crafted to encourage healthy lactation and maternal recuperation. Dining options range from the room to the centre’s dining area, and for an elevated experience, there’s also an in-house restaurant called Ketuhar.
Beyond the luxurious amenities, they offer a plethora of engaging activities and educational courses. From yoga for mummies to baby care workshops, parenting classes, and more, the centre ensures an enriching stay. Highlighting their breastfeeding-friendly approach, Kimporo provides hands-on consultancy by experienced breastfeeding specialists, fostering a strong bond between mother and child. The package also includes a complimentary 120-minute postnatal massage.
As a parting gift, each mother receives four units of Getha latex pillows. At Kimporo, every detail is meticulously curated to make the postpartum journey not just restful but truly indulgent.
Address: Level 6, 7 & 8, No. 30A, Menara Ruyi, Lorong Kapar, Jalan 2/87G, Off, Jln Syed Putra, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Phone number: 60322763052 | 0193307866
You can visit their website here.
6. Little Precious Postnatal Care, Kuala Lumpur
Little Precious Postnatal Care, located in KL Eco City, Kuala Lumpur, epitomises a distinctive fusion of traditional Chinese confinement practices and expert medical care. Operating across an expansive 20,000 square feet area, their British-designed, five-star hotel-like luxurious suites proffer an unparalleled environment for the revitalisation of new mothers and the nurturing of newborns.
Their high-quality team of service personnel diligently executes a thorough operational process, delivering attentive and thoughtful services to guests. In a compact and tranquil environment, Little Precious provides a full range of housekeeping services, specially prepared meals, laundry, room cleaning, and butler services for a seamless confinement experience.
The team of obstetricians, paediatricians, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and lactation consultants guides mothers with care. Physiotherapists evaluate and recommend treatments for a quick recovery, addressing issues like restoring visceral organs, rehabilitating diastasis recti, and providing relief for upper and lower back pain.
Little Precious makes postnatal confinement enjoyable and educational, organising activities such as baby care workshops, parenting classes, and postnatal exercises. The dietary plan includes Chinese herbal soups known for enhancing the immune system and enriching blood nutrients.
Their service includes professional care during hospital visits, and with a nurse-to-baby ratio of 1:2, professional nurses provide round-the-clock care for infants. From feeding and growth monitoring to sterilisation and umbilical cord care, Little Precious prioritises the well-being of both mother and baby, offering a unique and comforting postnatal experience in a luxurious setting at RM 28,000 and above.
Address: Levels 6, 7, 8 & 9, Boutique Office 3 (B03D), Menara 3A, KL Eco City, Jalan Bangsar, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Phone number: 03-2859 1133 | 017-981 6733 | 017-302 7933
You can visit their website here.
7. LYC Mother & Child Centre, Kuala Lumpur
LYC Mother & Child Centre is led by dedicated healthcare professionals committed to providing a harmonious blend of modern and traditional postnatal care. With a focus on the recovery of mothers and the well-being of newborns, they offer an array of services.
Their 24-hour nursery care, staffed by qualified nurses, ensures constant attention to newborns. The innovative 1-to-1 Baby Surveillance System, equipped with CCTV cameras, grants parents real-time access, fostering peace of mind. LYC’s commitment to health is exemplified by their certified menu, providing five nutritious meals daily. Security is paramount, restricting access to registered visitors and implementing top-tier safety measures.
The centre prioritises recovery and wellness through the renowned Tanamera postnatal ritual, drawing from Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and Malay herbal traditions. LYC Mother & Child Centre promotes hygiene with temperature screenings, mask requirements, and footwear changes for visitors. Weekly doctor visits and a range of activities contribute to holistic care. The centre offers various private room options, each furnished for comfort and convenience.
Providing essentials like cotton clothing and baby diapers, along with amenities like warm herbal baths, LYC ensures a hassle-free stay. The estimated cost, ranging from RM18,000 to RM48,000 per month, reflects their commitment to comprehensive and personalised care for both mothers and babies. LYC Mother & Child Centre operates several outlets in Malaysia.
Address: TTDI Centre: Level 2, Podium Block Plaza VADS, 1, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur | Puchong Centre: B-12 & B13, Block B, Dataran Puchong, Jalan PU 7/1A,, Taman Puchong Utama, 47140 Puchong, Selangor | Bukit Jalil Centre: Unit 2-02-01, Ho Hup Tower (Tower 2), Plaza Bukit Jalil, No. 1, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000, Kuala Lumpur | Johor Bahru Centre: Level 2, Avenue M, No. 16, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Phone number: +603 7733 9222|+603 8066 3992|+603 5033 2787| +607 207 0298
You can visit their website here.
8. Heritage Central, Seoul
Heritage Central is renowned for delivering top-notch specialised postnatal care, prioritising both infant health and maternal recovery. Their exclusive postnatal care features opulent facilities, dedicated specialists, and structured programmes. The centre’s prestige is accentuated by its popularity among high-profile celebrities like Go Soyoung and Jeon Jihyeon. The entire building is dedicated to maintaining high sanitation standards, permitting only certified nurses into the infant rooms.
Heritage’s singular focus on newborn care makes it a preferred choice for mothers concerned about their infants’ well-being. With a nurse assigned to a maximum of two babies, the care is personalised, extending crucial assistance in breastfeeding and other postpartum processes. The centre offers accommodation in Premier or Heritage Suites, which are steeply priced at KRW 15 million and KRW 25 million (approx USD 11,600 and USD 19,350) for a 13 night stay. But these come with luxurious hotel-type facilities, amenities, and nutritious meal plans, and even include cleaning and laundry services.
Every room, equipped with a living room and bedroom, ensures optimal comfort in a hygienic environment for both mothers and babies. Amenities encompass a Medela breast pump, footrest for breastfeeding, perineal cushion, teapot, cushion for breastfeeding, and towels. Heritage even has a ‘Pongdang Pongdang’ special baby spa programme for newborns and mothers.
The mother’s facilities include aesthetic and medical skin/body care like stretch mark treatments and edema (swollen legs and ankles) care, head spa, therapy programmes, baby care, breast massages, and personalised diet plans with the assistance of a nutritionist. Newborns benefit from meticulous medical attention through paediatric screenings, a baby spa, a personalised photo album. Family-friendly facilities like a café and exclusive pickup service by Benz Limousine adds to the grandeur of this exclusive confinement centre.
Address: 635, Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Phone Number: 02 518-2433~6
You can visit their website here.
8. Boram Postnatal Retreat, New York
Boram Postnatal Retreat, named after co-founder Boram Nam, addresses the demand for luxury postnatal care in America with its luxury confinement brand. Boram, which opened on Mother’s Day in 2022, embodies the meaning of its Korean name, signifying “a fruit of one’s labour.” The hospitality entrepreneur spotted a niche in the market for a five-star haven in the US that pampers women who’ve just had a baby, Nam revealed to Business Insider.
The retreat, situated on the ninth floor of the opulent Langham Hotel in Manhattan, accommodates 16 mums at a time. With a focus on hands-on guidance, a dedicated staff, including a former NICU nurse educator, assists mothers round the clock in essential tasks like breastfeeding, diaper changing, and swaddling. While medical care isn’t provided, the retreat offers full-body massages, gourmet meals, upscale baby products, and group classes, creating a holistic experience.
Guests enjoy nourishing traditional Korean dishes, including seaweed broth, known for aiding blood replenishment. With an array of services, including the indulgence of a steak fillet, a room at Boram costs between USD 1,300 and USD 1,800 a night, positioning it as an exquisite and sought-after destination for postnatal rejuvenation.
Address: 119 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone number: +1 917-905-8411
You can visit their website here.
10. Epworth Freemasons x Park Hyatt, Melbourne
Epworth Freemasons collaborates seamlessly with Park Hyatt Melbourne, ensuring optimal care for both mother and baby. Families meeting stringent eligibility criteria can transition from hospital to the luxurious confines of the 5-star hotel, conveniently located on the CBD’s edge and minutes from postnatal wards at Victoria Parade or Albert Street.
A comprehensive service includes the provision of a baby capsule in their escort vehicle, making the transfer hassle-free. With 24-hour availability, experienced midwives provide continuous support, complemented by ongoing oversight from the obstetrician. Surrounded by historic landmarks and Victorian architecture, Park Hyatt Melbourne offers the city’s most spacious guestrooms and suites, embodying Art Décor elegance for mothers to enjoy luxuriously.
Guests wake up to panoramic views of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Melbourne’s CBD skyline, with meals tailored to accommodate feeding requirements. The hotel’s facilities, including its in-house Radii restaurant, Park Club Health and Day Spa, enhance the postnatal experience at this esteemed collaboration.
Address: 109 Albert St, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia | 320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
Phone Number: +61 3 9483 3833 |+61 3 9418 8188
You can visit their website here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the Korean postpartum service?
Sanhujori represents the Korean approach to postpartum care, a culturally distinctive form of postnatal well-being. This practice encompasses the consumption of nutritious foods, engaging in exercises, and employing body-warming techniques. The sanhujori period conventionally extends from one week to about one month.
– How much does Yue Sao (confinement nanny) cost?
This cost depends on the nanny chosen, the work required as well as the duration of her services. If one is seeking a confinement centre, this can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars per night to a few thousand.
– How much does Momley Loft in Singapore cost?
Prices start at SGD 988++ for couples and young families with a minimum stay period of 3 days and 2 nights; SGD 10,888++ with a minimum duration of 14 days; and up to SGD 18,888++ for 28 days.
– How much do Chinese confinement nannies cost in the US?
The average pay for a Chinese postpartum nanny in the US ranges between USD 250 and USD 350 daily for 26 days. The Confinement nannies typically command higher salaries during festive periods like Chinese New Year or when caring for multiple infants, such as twins or triplets.
(Main and Featured Image: Kimporo Postnatal Rejuvenation Centre, Little Precious Postnatal Care )
This article was first published in PrestigeOnline Malaysia.
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