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So, you think you have great sex? Well, Ella Sherman wants to help you take it to the next level, or at the very least, rekindle the fire in your relationships. Think explains...

My first impression of Oohtique was that it had a certain girly vibe to it. I don't know whether it was the Cervixque champagne flute I was given or the chocolate fountain with banana bits that gave it away, but the equally tasty CEO Ella Sherman did enlighten me: "Men don't like to see women empowering themselves." She said, smiling as I clumsily fumbled with the bar menu in their 'Oohlounge' The place was immaculately upholstered, almost velvety.

"Oohtique parties" and corporate events are held in this space frequently. They are "like Tupperware parties, but more exciting." Ella explained, "Boat Quay is a good starting place for a night out and since we have a lot of clients that work in the CBD, I thought it was a great place to have our home."

Indeed, prior to the boutique opening on July 2006, Oohtique was a webstore / parties business. In fact, I recalled an Oohtique booth at the Sembawang festival back in February when I was doing a review for Soft.com.sg. It doesn't pique one that such a business is gaining visibility rather rapidly. Rather surprisingly, while Oohtique's concept may seem rather outlandish for conservative Singapore with an understandably foreign clientele, the patrons of the boutique are mainly locals with an even split down the genders.

Perhaps we are as bad as the Japanese in respect to sexual frustration. (And hiding it). According to the Singapore Department of Statistics our divorce rate has doubled over the last decade and as of 2003, every ten marriages registered in Singapore almost 3 ended in divorce. The Durex 2005 survey revealed that Singaporeans only have an average of seven sexual partners in their lifetimes. Depressing, huh? Oohtique to the rescue.

Ella showed me around the approximately 600 sq. foot establishment- Oohlounge aside, the central part of Oohtique was indistinguishable from any normal boutique with racks of rather sexy clothing... even a men's underwear section which I was promptly plonked in front of. "There's something for everyone" Ella was smiling again. Thankfully, I wasn't the only guy in the boutique at this stage as a group of 30-somethings walked in with their hands chastely in their pockets.

I found myself tricked into walking inside their Private (M18) section, aptly named the 'Hot Room'. "Are you over 18?" the girls all joked as the last ounces of my masculinity began to ebb. The repertoire in this area was truly impressive: Adult toys, games, books (including "the Idiots guide to Amazing Sex"), Costumes, 'Mood food' and Penis pasta, Chocolate nipples, Chocolate body paint. Notably, they included items from German toy brand 'Fun factory', a new range from Durex Toys launched just last month and Swedish Lelo as well.

The costumes, ranging from uniforms (French maid, nurse) to full Fetish wear boasted the prestigious British Insinuate logo. Although inexperienced customers would be overwhelmed by the sheer range of items available, I was recommended a few simple items that could be used to please my partner (past, present, future or otherwise) - a mini clitorial stimulator (Pleaser S$59) or an easy to use vibrator (Jelly Delight S$89). For the aspiring masseuse try 'Bathroom rub' massage oil (S$11.90).

"Products can help couples jazz things up. A wife should be seen more as an object of desire than just a breeding animal." Said Ella, "Women, in turn, got to make more effort in the bedroom. Don't be surprised if he gets it from elsewhere."

It might seem strange to some that Oohtique positions itself to be providing a public service. By encouraging wholesome relationships and 'Hot monogamy' - their slogan has been 'Don't look elsewhere, spice it up' and 'helping couples stay connected'. "A good physical connection is an important ingredient to a successful relationship." Ella noted, "In Singapore the focus is on reproducing through marriage... but not on sexual pleasure with your partner." Having a mother who is a family planning doctor, Ella has certainly come a long way with the message of sexual connectivity.

Not too long ago, Oohtique met some criticism that it was seen as risque: SDU was quoted by Ella as stating that she was 'putting the cart before the horse'. Not unusual following Lee Hsien Loong's words on Population following National Day Rally 2006. "Majority of people cannot stick to it (abstinence before marriage)." Ella was getting rather inspired, "its just unworkable. Its great if you can educate them."

And, educating them she is truly doing; a series of free seminars take place every week at Oohtique such as the recent "Enjoy sex more! For Ladies", "Hot monogamy - intro for couples" and ahem, "Boost your sex drive for women". Useful for either gender, I say. The talks are conducted by in-house guru Claire Miranda, formerly a DJ and magazine writer in America and the Philippines. Dr John Gray, bestselling author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus will be a celebrity romance and relationships consultant in the months to come.

"We like to do all this with a sense of humour too" Ella added cheekily, showing me a collection of funny shaped dildos, a Penis shaped egg Fryer, a candy cock ring and finally a penis shaped 'soap on a rope'. Unfortunately customs didn't get the idea when her shipment of biscuit boobies was halted. Chill out dudes, its confectionery.

Before I left, Ella left me these wise words, "Sex should be wonderful. But sometimes practice makes perfect. You must explore yourself and your partner, particularly if you are in a long term relationship."