The Ahh in Spa
A friend of mine recently asked me to recommend a value for money spa for her balikbayan relatives. I recommended her a spa and promised to give her a contact number. Ironically, while searching contact details of the recommended spa on the internet, I came across my own post (as hearrymione) dated May 10, 2005 (during my pre-blogging days) at Tsinoy.Com in response to a question by a forumer - "which spa would you recommend?" I was mortified when I noticed that I actually wrote that I'll be having a massage at this particular spa - and as it turns out, it was one of the WORST spas I have been too. And so I decided to update my Tsinoy post with this:
One of my guilty pleasures is having a massage, an activity which I consider to be purely hedonistic. I remember the first time I had a massage, it was done by our suking manghihilot, the night of September 4, 2001, the first day of the bar exams. It was probably one of the few instances when I had a massage when I truly needed one due to exhaustion and the need to relax. All the rest of the massage sessions, I had because I needed either some physical rest and relaxation, emotional respite or generally, a little bit of peace. After all, ideal massage rooms are generally very conducive to relaxation because they are quiet, they smell pleasant, have subdued lighting and comfortable temperature. Most of all, the pleasure of a touch is, whether we admit it or not, is a desired sensation that did not disappear as we grew up - - - the need is merely ignored and denied.
Six years since starting on the habit, I realized I have tried quite a number of spas and wellness centers. I've tried plenty enough, in fact, to be able to do a decent review and report of my quest of the ideal, perfect spa. Let me say at the onset though that finding one's ideal spa is very subjective but surely, tips and suggestions do come in handy. Personally, a massage which costs me more than P600, no matter how nice the spa is won't be on top of my list except if it was The Spa. This explains why the pricey spas in hotels and other spa resorts aren't listed here as no way will I spend more than a thousand bucks for a massage if I wanted peace of mind in the first place! :)
So here is my spa chronicles. Hope you get a tip or two where to run to if you ever need a good massage.
The Spa at the RCBC Plaza
Way back in 2003, when I was a member of The Spa at the RCBC Plaza (now known as Fitness First Plus), I used to have swedish massage at their massage center which is located at the same floor as their heated pool. I do not remember now how much it costs but it it probably around 600 plus but I had a discount as a member so I used the coupons. They have just three massage rooms, two solo rooms and a couple's room. The massage area doesn't have its own comfort room but other than that, it's one of my favorite massage places because it's the only one (as far as I know) with heated massage bed! Ang sarap talaga. And their therapists are personable and shows a ot of concern if the pressure is just right. Plus, the oils they use are aromatherapy oils with a lot to choose from. It was there where I discovered how much I like lavander. Hmn, I should get a massage there one of these days but only if they serviec non members too.
The Spa
Getting a massage at The Spa if you are not a member and do not have or use a Citibank credit card would cost you P780. That's for a massage which does not use aromatherapy scented oil and done in a common room. Still, one of my favorites is The Spa because they have well trained staff and personable too. The massage rooms are comfortably relaxing and the sheets are clean, they smell sanitary. So far, I have not encountered therapists at The Spa who are pasmado. Parang patay ang nagmamsahe sa iyo pag pasmado! A very big plus is their comforting and addicting salabat which I really enjoy sipping after a nice massage. I usually take it immediately after the massage while lounging at their comfty sofa area while reading the latest issues of trendy women's magazines. Wag lang may isang tropa ng mga nagtsitsismisan!
Orient Day Spa at Corinthian Plaza
I had the Thai Massage at Orient Day Spa when I was still working in Makati. It was actually a complimentary massage. Their facilitiis are okay, their sheets and towels are clean but I guess getting a massage by foot and all those pulling and stretching is just not my thing. Plus, I didn't like the comment of the masseuse, which she thought she made out of earshot, that I was so heavy.
Holiday Spa in Malate
This is the one inside Robinson's Place Ermita. I've been here about three times and the last time was literally the last! Good thing I discovered another spa in the area cause I tried Holiday in the firts place because I didn't know there were other better places. First of all, the ambience of Holiday Spa is quite far from other posh spas. You get the feeling that it caters to an older crowd and that feeling will be confirmed as soon as you step inside the common massage room. It smells like Omega Pain Killer. You actually have a choice between oil and efficascent oil but whichever you choose, you'd still end up smelling liniment anyway. The masseurs I've had were not all bad but the last one was terrible. Despite my request to have a soft to moderate massage, she massaged my neck area so hard natakot ako talaga na parang sinasakal na nya ako at balak patayin. I was flailing my arms in desperation. Expectedly, I suffered from a stiff neck immediately after that killer massage and had to endure that for weeks. Sob!
In Sense Wellness
If I had discovered this place earlier I woundn't even set foot inside Holiday. This heavenly place is located in front of the Court of Appeals complex along Ma. Orosa in Ermita, walking distance from Robinson's Place Padre Faura Exit. I would say, for its price (500) it's definitely one of the best. They use extra virgin coconut oil which isn't sticky and is easily absorbed by the body. The fee includes use of sauna and steam plus shower. Their massuesse aren't pasmado, well trained, personable and keeps all your body parts modestly covered during the enitre massage session unlike in some other spas na at some point (especially when you are already flat on your back) feeling mo nakabuyang yang ka. You don't feel tired after the massage. Too bad they do not have scented oils to choose from. All rooms are solo (no common rooms) which has a downside because they couldn't accommodate too many. The place is rarely full though which is a shame since it is really a nice spa. Even their manicure, pedicure and foot spa services are superb. These are done in their special section where they use subdued lighting, with soothing spa music to enjoy while propped up on a Lazy Boy! Manicure and pedicure costs only 150 each and that includes a hand or leg massage. At hindi sya parlor ambiance kasi dim lights at walang iikot ikot sa iyo. In Sense Wellness is worth visiting suggest you try it cause it's worth the trip.
Let's Face It at Prince Plaza
I also tried having a massage sa Let's Face It at Prince Plaza Makati. Mura sya at puwede na. But it's just that, puwede na but I tell you, there are other better places to have your massage. Even their masseuse are obviously not much trained for this. Stick to having facials here.
Urban Spa
I've tyried both the Chair Massage (its P500, I think) and the Express Massage (1 hour, P700) at Urban Spa at Shangri-la Mall and they're good. Pricey though, but good. Of course, the facilities are comparable to The Spa without the ginger tea of course. They do serve other types of equally relaxing teas like green tea and chamomile. If you want exclusivity and doesn't really care much for money, this is the place for you.
Blue Water Day Spa
Blue Water Day is a recent discovery. I had Tui Na (P650) a dry massage on August 5 at their Perea, Legaspi Village, Makati branch. (Incidentally, GMA was a few buildings away from Blue Water right the very moment I was having a massage!) Massage is done in individual rooms. You can opt to take a shower before and make use of their steam and sauna. The massage was also good and they also serve teas afterwards. I suppose I'll try their other massages next time as their choices are more varied that the usual swedish, shiatshu options in other spas. Tui Na is actually very relaxing and not tiring. It's worth having again.
Simple Pleasures
This place does not offer a full body massge, just a chair massage (P350) and a foot massage (P500). I've tried both services and they are excellent. Their facilities are also okay. For the chair massage, they use scented oils in small vials - not on your body but on the lining of the cushion for the face so you can smell the scent. It is basically a dry massage and they have male massuese if you are partial to hard massage. The massage is very relaxing, just like the foot massage which, though it doesn't include a pedicure, scrubs away all the rough portions of your feet. Plus, I really think the massage helps a lot in the improvement of blood in your lower extremities. Great fix after hours of shopping, really! Simple Pleasures is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3 near Pineapple, Mix and T.
Sonya's Bed and Breakfast
Yes, that's right. Aside from organic cuisine, I discovered that another well-kept secret at Sonya's Bed and Breakfast is its mini spa. I say it is mini because it seems having the spa was really not what Sonya intended her place to be. The massage center is right behind the homey cottages, near the property boundary/ravine. Me and my girl friends had swedish massage sans the aircon. First, you will have a shower at Sonya's pebble and cobblestone lined flooring, using Sonya's aromatherapy soap. I enjoyed the lavander soap so much I got a bar for myself. Also available for use are Sonya's organic shampoo (I had mint, I think) and conditioner. I was already relaxed even before the massage because of that shower. By the way, the bathroom is designed the same as the T/Bs in the dining area. The massage area is a common room but privacy is kept by way of thick curtains. I guess the downside here is having noisy people having their massage too but since we are a group of 4 and none of us are inconsiderate, noise was kept to a very comfortable level. The massage was one of the best I had since the massage room was comfortably cool (no aircon, just natural countryside coolness) and the masseuse are very very skilled. After the massage, I got to enjoy unlimited servings of warm dalandan tea with fresh mint leaves. Really blissful. I would be back more often if Sonya's isn't in Alfonso, Cavite. But if you are in Tagaytay anyway and have several hours to spare, a massage at Sonya's is one you shouldn't miss. Afterall, it's just 500 bucks. Really value for money. Tourists will surely have a field day reveling about it.
Boracay
Syempre, masarap magpamasahe sa Boracay! Mura pa! Kaya lang masyadong malagkit yung coconut oil na ginagamit ng mga manang. And you might not be too comfotable if you are conscious and wouldn't want to be seen semi naked by the beach. That's the down side, I guess. But you can have it in your hotel room, I think. Still, getting a massage while lying on the cool sand, your body being touched by the sea breeze is truly a one of a kind experience. Last time I was there, the massage cost P250.
Others
There used to be an Aromatherapy Massage Center in Greenbelt, in that building where Netopia and Max's used to be but it's been demolished now. I also tried Aromatherapy Center in Mega Mall. The atmosphere feels like its a cheap sauna. Imagine, for the sauna, I was asked to sit on a monoblock chair and a plastic cover was placed through my head - that's their makeshift steam. In Mega Mall naman, the towels and the sheets were really terrible. Smells like they weren't properly laundered and they were itchy! Needless to say I won't ever get back there. I don't remember how much exactly it costs but it wasn't too cheap which actually aggravates it.
I also used to have a massage sa Slimmer's World Pan Pacific. Their service is okay though if I weren't a lifetime member, it would have been 600 plus which is quite pricey considering they don't have steam and sauna which other people prefer. Massage is done in individual rooms which are comfty and relaxing enough. Sometimes the aircon gets too cold but they can adjust the temperature anyway. They don't use scented oil though but they allow you to use whatever oil you bring. It's just too bad that here is where I had an experience of being massaged by someone who is pasmado. Hate ko talaga yung pasmado yung kamay nung massuese! Grabe, torture! Parang patay yung humahawak sa iyo.
Another pasmado experience is at Metrowalk Spa. The massage costs P500 which is actually a good price considering their facilities and plus, the massage is done in individual cubicles. Problem really is they couldn't control the temperature so I ended up half frozen by the end of the massage such that I caught a cold. Hay! Would like to return though but the last time I checked it was on renovation.
I also tried Excelsior His & Hers Spa in Connecticut Greenhills. Massage is P450 and done in common rooms. Service and facilities are good enough but I guess it's quite out of the way because its not in a mall.
The Verdict
I think In Sense, Blue Water Day Spa and The Spa in Greenbelt top my list. On the bottom of my list is Aromatherapy Center.
One of my guilty pleasures is having a massage, an activity which I consider to be purely hedonistic. I remember the first time I had a massage, it was done by our suking manghihilot, the night of September 4, 2001, the first day of the bar exams. It was probably one of the few instances when I had a massage when I truly needed one due to exhaustion and the need to relax. All the rest of the massage sessions, I had because I needed either some physical rest and relaxation, emotional respite or generally, a little bit of peace. After all, ideal massage rooms are generally very conducive to relaxation because they are quiet, they smell pleasant, have subdued lighting and comfortable temperature. Most of all, the pleasure of a touch is, whether we admit it or not, is a desired sensation that did not disappear as we grew up - - - the need is merely ignored and denied.
Six years since starting on the habit, I realized I have tried quite a number of spas and wellness centers. I've tried plenty enough, in fact, to be able to do a decent review and report of my quest of the ideal, perfect spa. Let me say at the onset though that finding one's ideal spa is very subjective but surely, tips and suggestions do come in handy. Personally, a massage which costs me more than P600, no matter how nice the spa is won't be on top of my list except if it was The Spa. This explains why the pricey spas in hotels and other spa resorts aren't listed here as no way will I spend more than a thousand bucks for a massage if I wanted peace of mind in the first place! :)
So here is my spa chronicles. Hope you get a tip or two where to run to if you ever need a good massage.
The Spa at the RCBC Plaza
Way back in 2003, when I was a member of The Spa at the RCBC Plaza (now known as Fitness First Plus), I used to have swedish massage at their massage center which is located at the same floor as their heated pool. I do not remember now how much it costs but it it probably around 600 plus but I had a discount as a member so I used the coupons. They have just three massage rooms, two solo rooms and a couple's room. The massage area doesn't have its own comfort room but other than that, it's one of my favorite massage places because it's the only one (as far as I know) with heated massage bed! Ang sarap talaga. And their therapists are personable and shows a ot of concern if the pressure is just right. Plus, the oils they use are aromatherapy oils with a lot to choose from. It was there where I discovered how much I like lavander. Hmn, I should get a massage there one of these days but only if they serviec non members too.
The Spa
Getting a massage at The Spa if you are not a member and do not have or use a Citibank credit card would cost you P780. That's for a massage which does not use aromatherapy scented oil and done in a common room. Still, one of my favorites is The Spa because they have well trained staff and personable too. The massage rooms are comfortably relaxing and the sheets are clean, they smell sanitary. So far, I have not encountered therapists at The Spa who are pasmado. Parang patay ang nagmamsahe sa iyo pag pasmado! A very big plus is their comforting and addicting salabat which I really enjoy sipping after a nice massage. I usually take it immediately after the massage while lounging at their comfty sofa area while reading the latest issues of trendy women's magazines. Wag lang may isang tropa ng mga nagtsitsismisan!
Orient Day Spa at Corinthian Plaza
I had the Thai Massage at Orient Day Spa when I was still working in Makati. It was actually a complimentary massage. Their facilitiis are okay, their sheets and towels are clean but I guess getting a massage by foot and all those pulling and stretching is just not my thing. Plus, I didn't like the comment of the masseuse, which she thought she made out of earshot, that I was so heavy.
Holiday Spa in Malate
This is the one inside Robinson's Place Ermita. I've been here about three times and the last time was literally the last! Good thing I discovered another spa in the area cause I tried Holiday in the firts place because I didn't know there were other better places. First of all, the ambience of Holiday Spa is quite far from other posh spas. You get the feeling that it caters to an older crowd and that feeling will be confirmed as soon as you step inside the common massage room. It smells like Omega Pain Killer. You actually have a choice between oil and efficascent oil but whichever you choose, you'd still end up smelling liniment anyway. The masseurs I've had were not all bad but the last one was terrible. Despite my request to have a soft to moderate massage, she massaged my neck area so hard natakot ako talaga na parang sinasakal na nya ako at balak patayin. I was flailing my arms in desperation. Expectedly, I suffered from a stiff neck immediately after that killer massage and had to endure that for weeks. Sob!
In Sense Wellness
If I had discovered this place earlier I woundn't even set foot inside Holiday. This heavenly place is located in front of the Court of Appeals complex along Ma. Orosa in Ermita, walking distance from Robinson's Place Padre Faura Exit. I would say, for its price (500) it's definitely one of the best. They use extra virgin coconut oil which isn't sticky and is easily absorbed by the body. The fee includes use of sauna and steam plus shower. Their massuesse aren't pasmado, well trained, personable and keeps all your body parts modestly covered during the enitre massage session unlike in some other spas na at some point (especially when you are already flat on your back) feeling mo nakabuyang yang ka. You don't feel tired after the massage. Too bad they do not have scented oils to choose from. All rooms are solo (no common rooms) which has a downside because they couldn't accommodate too many. The place is rarely full though which is a shame since it is really a nice spa. Even their manicure, pedicure and foot spa services are superb. These are done in their special section where they use subdued lighting, with soothing spa music to enjoy while propped up on a Lazy Boy! Manicure and pedicure costs only 150 each and that includes a hand or leg massage. At hindi sya parlor ambiance kasi dim lights at walang iikot ikot sa iyo. In Sense Wellness is worth visiting suggest you try it cause it's worth the trip.
Let's Face It at Prince Plaza
I also tried having a massage sa Let's Face It at Prince Plaza Makati. Mura sya at puwede na. But it's just that, puwede na but I tell you, there are other better places to have your massage. Even their masseuse are obviously not much trained for this. Stick to having facials here.
Urban Spa
I've tyried both the Chair Massage (its P500, I think) and the Express Massage (1 hour, P700) at Urban Spa at Shangri-la Mall and they're good. Pricey though, but good. Of course, the facilities are comparable to The Spa without the ginger tea of course. They do serve other types of equally relaxing teas like green tea and chamomile. If you want exclusivity and doesn't really care much for money, this is the place for you.
Blue Water Day Spa
Blue Water Day is a recent discovery. I had Tui Na (P650) a dry massage on August 5 at their Perea, Legaspi Village, Makati branch. (Incidentally, GMA was a few buildings away from Blue Water right the very moment I was having a massage!) Massage is done in individual rooms. You can opt to take a shower before and make use of their steam and sauna. The massage was also good and they also serve teas afterwards. I suppose I'll try their other massages next time as their choices are more varied that the usual swedish, shiatshu options in other spas. Tui Na is actually very relaxing and not tiring. It's worth having again.
This place does not offer a full body massge, just a chair massage (P350) and a foot massage (P500). I've tried both services and they are excellent. Their facilities are also okay. For the chair massage, they use scented oils in small vials - not on your body but on the lining of the cushion for the face so you can smell the scent. It is basically a dry massage and they have male massuese if you are partial to hard massage. The massage is very relaxing, just like the foot massage which, though it doesn't include a pedicure, scrubs away all the rough portions of your feet. Plus, I really think the massage helps a lot in the improvement of blood in your lower extremities. Great fix after hours of shopping, really! Simple Pleasures is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 3 near Pineapple, Mix and T.
Sonya's Bed and Breakfast
Yes, that's right. Aside from organic cuisine, I discovered that another well-kept secret at Sonya's Bed and Breakfast is its mini spa. I say it is mini because it seems having the spa was really not what Sonya intended her place to be. The massage center is right behind the homey cottages, near the property boundary/ravine. Me and my girl friends had swedish massage sans the aircon. First, you will have a shower at Sonya's pebble and cobblestone lined flooring, using Sonya's aromatherapy soap. I enjoyed the lavander soap so much I got a bar for myself. Also available for use are Sonya's organic shampoo (I had mint, I think) and conditioner. I was already relaxed even before the massage because of that shower. By the way, the bathroom is designed the same as the T/Bs in the dining area. The massage area is a common room but privacy is kept by way of thick curtains. I guess the downside here is having noisy people having their massage too but since we are a group of 4 and none of us are inconsiderate, noise was kept to a very comfortable level. The massage was one of the best I had since the massage room was comfortably cool (no aircon, just natural countryside coolness) and the masseuse are very very skilled. After the massage, I got to enjoy unlimited servings of warm dalandan tea with fresh mint leaves. Really blissful. I would be back more often if Sonya's isn't in Alfonso, Cavite. But if you are in Tagaytay anyway and have several hours to spare, a massage at Sonya's is one you shouldn't miss. Afterall, it's just 500 bucks. Really value for money. Tourists will surely have a field day reveling about it.
Boracay
Syempre, masarap magpamasahe sa Boracay! Mura pa! Kaya lang masyadong malagkit yung coconut oil na ginagamit ng mga manang. And you might not be too comfotable if you are conscious and wouldn't want to be seen semi naked by the beach. That's the down side, I guess. But you can have it in your hotel room, I think. Still, getting a massage while lying on the cool sand, your body being touched by the sea breeze is truly a one of a kind experience. Last time I was there, the massage cost P250.
Others
There used to be an Aromatherapy Massage Center in Greenbelt, in that building where Netopia and Max's used to be but it's been demolished now. I also tried Aromatherapy Center in Mega Mall. The atmosphere feels like its a cheap sauna. Imagine, for the sauna, I was asked to sit on a monoblock chair and a plastic cover was placed through my head - that's their makeshift steam. In Mega Mall naman, the towels and the sheets were really terrible. Smells like they weren't properly laundered and they were itchy! Needless to say I won't ever get back there. I don't remember how much exactly it costs but it wasn't too cheap which actually aggravates it.
I also used to have a massage sa Slimmer's World Pan Pacific. Their service is okay though if I weren't a lifetime member, it would have been 600 plus which is quite pricey considering they don't have steam and sauna which other people prefer. Massage is done in individual rooms which are comfty and relaxing enough. Sometimes the aircon gets too cold but they can adjust the temperature anyway. They don't use scented oil though but they allow you to use whatever oil you bring. It's just too bad that here is where I had an experience of being massaged by someone who is pasmado. Hate ko talaga yung pasmado yung kamay nung massuese! Grabe, torture! Parang patay yung humahawak sa iyo.
Another pasmado experience is at Metrowalk Spa. The massage costs P500 which is actually a good price considering their facilities and plus, the massage is done in individual cubicles. Problem really is they couldn't control the temperature so I ended up half frozen by the end of the massage such that I caught a cold. Hay! Would like to return though but the last time I checked it was on renovation.
I also tried Excelsior His & Hers Spa in Connecticut Greenhills. Massage is P450 and done in common rooms. Service and facilities are good enough but I guess it's quite out of the way because its not in a mall.
The Verdict
I think In Sense, Blue Water Day Spa and The Spa in Greenbelt top my list. On the bottom of my list is Aromatherapy Center.
Labels: Spa
posted by wernicke @ 11:58:00 PM
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1 Comments:
I am assured, what is it was already discussed.
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