Trifter

TBeing a self-proclaimed spa junkie, I make it a point to visit the spa or get a relaxing massage whenever I find myself outside Metro Manila in the Philippines. Having tried a wide variety of spa treatments over the years, I find that the best one I ever had was, surprisingly, just within Makati, the central business district of Metro Manila—at The Spa, Greenbelt.

Makati City is known for being a city that is more chaotic than the biggest business districts in the world such as New York City and Tokyo, with traffic jam that seems to plague every street and avenue during the weekdays, as well as the busy atmosphere that surrounds its inhabitants.

The Spa is located in Greenbelt, a mall right at the center of this business district. What’s totally astounding, though, is how this busy city atmosphere immediately fades away the moment you step inside the spa.

The entrance to The Spa is flanked by huge Bali-inspired doors and calm running water on either side. Inside, the lights are dim as you walk down the hallway, with the same running water on both sides of your path, where several pillars line the way to the front desk. Just walking in is already a Zen experience in itself.

The staff at The Spa is very courteous; they seem to have been trained to epitomize the fact that Filipinos around the world are well-known for being hospitable, welcoming and warm. And hospitality is definitely what you’ll get in the Philippines, wherevery you go–out of the city or within.

At the desk, they hand you a menu listing of their services (there’s quite a lot!). I’ve tried several spa treatments here before, but I seem to gravitate back to getting a Honey Body Polish because of its sensational effects.

After picking out your spa treatment, they hand you keys to your locker and you are led up a staircase where an ornate Oriental antique sculpture stands at the top. You either enter the men’s section through the door on the left, or the women’s on the right.

Lockers are stocked with a robe, rubber slippers and a towel. You can opt to take a quick shower before your treatment, in the bathroom area just beside the waiting area. As the staff prepares your treatment room, you’ll then be brought to the waiting area where you are given the most delicious-tasting and soothing ginger tea you’ll ever have your entire life.

And finally, the Honey Body Polish: first, you are scrubbed down thoroughly with sea salt to get rid of dead skin cells. (Actually, this alone is already an invigorating experience as I had the chance to avail of just this Sea Salt Scrub once before) After the sea salt scrub, you’ll be lathered up with a mixture of honey and milk, which is a pretty extraordinary experience in itself as it will make you feel like royalty, being bathed in such ingredients. While drenched in milk and honey, you’ll then be wrapped in clingy saran plastic and will be left that way (like a mummy, but milky) for around 15 minutes, which is enough time for your skin to absorb the moisture and nutrients of the milk and honey.

After this, you’ll be asked to rinse off in the very Zen shower room (dim lighting, rainfall showerhead, a marble plank in the center surrounded by smooth round stones and fragrant soaps and shampoos) close by. As you shower, you’ll hear your masseuse (or scrubber?) as she prepares a warm, relaxing bath for you in the Jacuzzi (also in the same treatment room). When you step out, you’ll be surprised to see that the water is filled with rose petals. And filled with bubbles, thanks to The Spa’s aromatic shower gel (I need to get one of those!).

Since your main treatment is over, you can just simply relax in your Jacuzzi and let the water massage and calm you further.

The entire Honey Body Polish treatment takes about an hour, but the wait is well worth it (and you won’t even notice it since you’re sure to enjoy every part of it) as you’ll notice a radiance in your skin because of the nutrients it absorbed during your wrap, as well as a smoothness in its texture that is comparable to that of a baby’s, thanks to the sea salt scrub.

Most of all, the entire treatment itself inspires some sort of rejuvenation that involves your mind—you’re calmer, more relaxed and in a way, happier. And aside from physical wellness, this is vital in maintaining good health too.

Pay a visit to the Philippines and enjoy your Honey Body Polish at The Spa! You can check out The Spa’s branch listing, contact information and service menu on their website: www.thespa.com.ph