Due to our cancelled Calaguas trip, I had decided to have a "me" time at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Last week, I had just won a gift certificate for a one-hour signature massage at Le Spa (yes, call me lucky!) and I thought this is the perfect time to use it.
I arrived at Le Spa thirty minutes before my appointment. Warm interiors with a modern feel welcomed me into the spacious lounge. I was then asked if I want to use the wet area, and of course, who am I to say no! The lady at the reception led me to the wet area, gave me a robe and taught me how to encode my pin number onto the high-tech locker.
Tip: Go to Le Spa an hour before your schedule if you want to make the most out of your stay at the wet area. This way, you can indulge in soothing Jacuzzi, or pampering steam/sauna.
I quickly changed into my robe, had a shower and drank a glass of cold water. Afterwards, I went straight to the steam bath.
 |
| Take your pick: steam or sauna? |
I was the only one inside the steam room so I indulged in the relaxing warm room for about 10 minutes. I sniffed the warm steam, as if I am doing some kind of breathing exercises during a Bikram class. For me, this is the best steam bath I've ever had. Just the right steam. Not suffocating. The doors were easy to open. Just push it outwards! I remember there was a time whenI was in another spa and the steam was too intense that I couldn't breathe anymore. And worst, when I was trying to open the door, it wouldn't open! Only to find out that it's a sliding door that needs a forceful sideward pull to open! Good thing I didn't pass out!
 |
| Steam |
After that soothing steam bath, I took a plunge into the warm Jacuzzi. It was so relaxing! I indulged for another 10 minutes. The water was warm, not hot. The pressure is enough to softly knead your aching muscles. Best of all, it can comfortably fit a group of five to seven people, perfect if you're throwing a bridal shower, or a girl's day out.
 |
| Jacuzzi |
Afterwards, I had my last stop at the sauna. I brought a glass of water inside as I knew it can be dizzying sometimes due to the dry, hot air inside. While I was lying down in this inviting sauna, I couldn't help but miss hot flow yoga. I wish I can get back to practice soon.
 |
| Sauna |
At 4:00 pm, I was already in the lounge, waiting for my therapist to lead me to my room. But before I continue my story, let me share with you some photos of one of Le Spa's breathtaking rooms, which I got the chance to see last week during the Spiral press launch.
The room at the second floor of Le Spa has its own bath tub and steam bath. If you are a couple and wants to spend some time together while watching the famed Manila sunset, then better book this treatment room at around 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
There's also a private veranda where you can chill out before or after your treatment. In their spa menu, there's what they call:
“Duo” Couple’s Romantic Ritual
Indulge in a 3-hour use of a romantic couple’s suite with a
choice of a 90-minute Marrakech Sweetness or Filipino Pride massage for two;
includes a bottle sparkling wine, decadent pralines and a sensuous bath ritual.
Priced at Php 6,000
Imagine watching the sunset while indulging in sparkling wine and pralines after your massage. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, then stay overnight with:
Jardin D’ Eden
A 3-hour World’s best or Local favorite Massage for couples
and overnight accommodation at Sofitel with breakfast for two.
Price at Php 12,800
It would have been nice to share this romantic rejuvenating experience with your loved one. I want to do this on Valentine's Day or our next anniversary! =)
Enough for daydreaming and let's get back to reality. The therapist led me to my single room at the second floor. From its windows, I can see the large pool and the Manila Bay, of course. The minute we entered the room, she asked me what music do I prefer. Among the choices (classical, jazz, nature, ethnic), I chose nature, and I must say I love it. The music resembles the soothing waves of the sea and the refreshing air that envelopes the trees. It reminded me of my massage experience at the
payag-payag in Bluewater Sumilon (click
here), where I fell asleep to the natural sound of the breeze and waves.
 |
| Foot wash |
The therapist gave me a foot wash, with some sea salt from the Dead Sea as sanitizer. This one alone was relaxing. The foot wash lasted for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, she started on my one-hour signature massage. When I asked what oil do they use, she said it's sweet almond oil. The scent was very mild for my liking, as I am used to lemongrass, green tea or virgin coconut oils.
 |
| Single room |
The massage was fantastic with the right pressure especially on my back. She put a hot towel afterwards which I really like. Again, I fell asleep. And after awhile, I woke up when I heard the sound of a bamboo rainmaker, which she said they usually use to mark the end of the massage. Cool!
 |
| The rainmaker that they use to mark the end of the treatment |
When the massage was over, she offered me some organic Da.u.de mango tea which I also like! It's naturally sweet due to the natural flavors of mango, but I bet there's no sweetener added on it. Yum!
I went out of the room relaxed and recharged. How I wish I can go back soon. It was really one of my best spa experiences in the Philippines!
