Trifter

In today’s modern world, fast-paced lifestyles are requiring us to put more effort into seriously taking care of our health to keep from burning out. It’s really essential to unwind and treat yourself to a relaxing evening/afternoon or even an entire weekend at the spa.

Massages improve your blood circulation, thus impacting the rest of your circulatory system, letting yourself mind relax for a few hours improves your mental faculties and fortifying skin treatments leave you with a radiant and well-rested appearance.

The Philippines offers endless choices for spas to relax, unwind, pamper and even heal yourself through various massage techniques, scrubs and other treatments using mineralswith healing properties. Also, if you have the time and budget, a spa treatment by the beach overlooking the ocean and powdery-white sand is most ideal.

Here is a list of the 10 best spas that I’ve been to so far:

1. The Spa, Makati

Considered as one of the most popular spas in Makati, The Spa gives you a sense of serenity the moment you walk into its lobby, with its whitewashed walkway flanked with Greek pillars and flowing water on the sides.

The staff at the front desk and inside the treatment rooms are very professional; trained to deal with clients from the A and B markets, as well as foreigners. The moment you enter the waiting are inside the treatment room you are served the most relaxing cup of ginger tea ever brewed.

The rooms are impressive, with just the right lighting and temperature to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Their shower rooms are marvelous too, with rainfall shower heads and smooth stones surrounding the marble flooring. The place will truly give you a very Zen experience.

The Spa offers facial treatments, massages, body scrubs, foot care treatments and paraffin services. They also offer spa packages that combine a body scrub of your choice with a 1-hour massage.

2. Mandala Spa & Villas, Boracay

This Boracay resort is located on a hilltop overlooking the island’s 4-km stretch of white sand. It offers a wide array of treatments: massages, scrubs, facials, rejuvenation rituals, wraps, watsu (a massage while immersed in warm water), water therapy and even yoga.

Mandala Spa has very curious soul connection treatments called Exhale and Reiki, which are supposed to release tension and the negative energy from your body through the help of their Reiki Master and Mandala consultant. The treatment includes a relaxing floral bath. How heavenly!

3. Nurture Spa, Tagaytay

“Wellness is an art and you are our canvas” –this is the motto of Nurture Spa, who is considered to be one of the pioneers in spa treatment centers in the Philippines.

Nurture Spa is known for its emphasis on employing indigenous techniques and healing traditions of the ancient Filipino culture. Their masseuses belong to local communities that are trained to the highest standards by internationally licensed trainers.

This haven for rejuvenation and relaxation is located in the middle of a huge garden where guests can also avail of overnight accommodations. It offers massages, scrubs, facials, body wraps, hair treatments, outdoor (by the pool or garden treatments) and indoor treatments.

4. Shangri-la, Boracay

This very unique resort on Puka Beach, an isolated spot on Boracay Island, houses their spa center in the center of a peaceful nature reserve.

Deluxe villas are available to guests who want to avail of full or half day treatments. Smaller rooms are available for hourly treatments. Shangri-la’s spa centeris detached from the entire complex to give its guests a feeling of total relaxation while being treated to massages, scrubs and other services. The spa center is located in the middle of a sanctuary where various species of plants and birds can be found.

5. Sanctuario Spa, Manila

Sanctuario Spa, located in the middle of the rustic and bustling nightlife district of Malate, Manila is also a salon and organic cafe. Adding to its uniqueness is the atmosphere inside, which is a large contrast to its busy surroundings: its bamboo walls and dim lights give it a very Zen feel and the warm hospitality of its staff are unparalleled.

Treatments are administered inside little nipa huts in the middle of a courtyard. While waiting, guests can choose to have some coffee, tea or a bite to eat at the organic cafe, also just by the courtyard.

Guests can choose from a wide array of treatments, including traditional Filipino healing techniques, massages, scrubs, face, hand, hair and foot spas as well as spa treatment packages that combine treatments of your choice.

Health and wellness has become an utmost priority among people these days, which is just right considering all the stress we take on on a day-to-day basis. Aside from exercise, balanced diets, adequate sleep and recreation, wellness treatments at spas are sure to improve your mind and body’s functions!