Le Spa at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

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!

The Mandarine Reflexology and Spa at The Bellevue Manila

On our first night at The Bellevue Manila, our itinerary includes a pampering one-hour massage at the Mandarine Reflexology and Spa. 

The spa is located at the third floor of the Tower Wing where the pool and the poolside bar are also located. We were welcomed by warm interiors in shades of red, yellow and black. 

While waiting for our room to be ready, we were served two cups of tea. The tea was not too hot nor cold, just enough to awaken our senses before a rejuvenating retreat.

After awhile, we were led to our room, a couple's room that is. It is spacious enough to fit two beds and a small bed for my toddler (where she stayed the whole time playing her Dad's cellphone). There was also a huge flat television, so my daughter indulged in Nickelodeon for the time being.

Clean robes, shorts and towels are provided, and the sheets and pillows are all sanitary.  The room smells like a fusion of green tea and peppermint, which I both love. I asked the therapist to dim the lights so that I can take a nap while I'm having a massage.

The one-hour massage started with a few kneading to prepare the muscles to a more relaxing experience later on. I commend the therapist for using just enough pressure (I like it hard on my back and medium on the rest). She also placed a warm herbal pillow on my back which is so relaxing! I swear after that I wanna look for that herbal pillow and buy it for myself. We were, however, not able to see the shower rooms and the jacuzzi at the Mandarine Spa. I guess that's not part of the treatment. It would've been nice to stay in the jacuzzi for a few minutes before indulging in a pampering massage.

 

After our rejuvenating massage at the Mandarine Spa, we checked out the poolside and we were so amazed by the kois swimming in a little pond there. They are so big and vibrant!

The poolside also offers a nice view of the city's skyscrapers. Its vibrant lights complete the mood.

The poolside bar offers drinks, cocktails and snacks while you indulge in the Olympic-sized pool, or your toddlers enjoy in the kiddie pool adjacent to it. Good music and a smoothie will definitely make your day at the poolside!

Overall, our spa experience was a blast. So, if you happen to be in the south, why not pass by the Mandarine Spa at The Bellevue Manila.

--------------------------------------------------------------

The Bellevue Manila

North Bridgeway, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, 

Alabang, Muntinlupa City

For more inquiries, please contact 7718181 or email tbmnl@thebellevue.com

Special thanks to Mr. Ryan Chan and Ms. Jehn Domingo for this wonderful staycation

A Filipino-inspired holistic experience at the Amuma Spa

Maribago Bluewater prides itself  for offering Filipino-inspired holistic treatments in their very own Amuma  Spa. Amuma is a Visayan term that means "to pamper". True to its name, Amuma Spa is a haven for rejuvenation. Our blissful Amuma Spa journey started from our very own Amuma Spa Suite (see related story here). The suite is just a few steps away from the Amuma Spa main hall and its very own swimming pool.

We were asked to choose from four variants of massages oils: VCO, Ilang-Ilang, Lemon Grass and Green Tea. If I can only choose all, believe me, I will. I chose Lemon Grass for my hubby and VCO for me. 

We were then led to the Filipiniana-inspired shower room. The lockers were made of native materials. To complete the Filipiniana feel of the shower room, I was given a sarong instead of a robe which I shall wear after a refreshing bath.

The shower room is complete with bath amenities like lotion, cotton, Q-tips, shampoo, conditioner and soap. 

The shower rooms are clean and well-maintained. Kudos to Amuma Spa!

After a refreshing shower, we were led to the couple's room. This hallway is our gateway to a well-deserved spa indulgence, after working hard for many months! Should I say, this is the gateway to heaven? 

The couple's room is spacious. It has its own jacuzzi, steam bath, comfort room and a veranda.

We first indulged in Hingut-an, a head and shoulder massage that de-stressed us after our long journey from Sumilon Bluewater. The massage was followed by suob, a Filipino version of the steam bath. Suob has been used by various Filipino ethnic groups to drive away elements of illnesses. A concoction of warm water, herbs, salt and flowers were placed in a basin where we were asked to put our feet on, letting the therapeutic mixture vaporize inside a large thick cloth that envelops the body. The healthy steam increases blood circulation, fat metabolism and detoxification. It nourishes the skin and makes it supple. The muscle fibers soften which makes this a worthwhile treatment before a massage. 

That was just the beginning.

After the suob, we proceeded with our much awaited Amuma Hilot massage. It is Amuma Spa's signature rendition of the traditional Filipino hilot massage, a fusion of hilot techniques from across the Philippines. Uniquely Filipino, this therapy induces relaxation and promotes healing. Warm fresh banana fronds are used to loosen tense muscles. This is the Filipiniana version of the famous hot stone and ventosa massage. I love the warmth of the banana leaves placed on my back. It softened my stiff muscles. A relaxing pillow was also placed on my eyes. It is like a cold compress. I wonder where I can get one? It helps diminish puffiness in the eye area.

The massage lasted for an hour. The therapist then enjoined us to use the steam bath. 

Recharged, we then headed to the lounge area to indulge on a cup of ginger ale. It is definitely one of the most relaxing spa experience we had.

Amuma Spa also has a spa boutique at the ground floor of the spa pavilion. It offers a wide variety of homemade soaps, oils and a lot more.

 I forgot to grab some coconut soap and massage oils before we checked out the next day. I  am sure these coconut soaps are a good alternative to Akisha's oatmeal soap (the one she uses to alleviate her skin asthma). 

When we went out of Amuma Spa, it was already dark outside. The spa pavilion looks so beautiful at night.

Amuma Spa also has an alfresco spa pavilion by the poolside. It is also near the outdoor sauna and jacuzzi.

The outdoor spa pavilion gives you a chance to enjoy a massage while indulging in fresh air. 

You can also have Thai massage here on one of their floor mattresses. 

Amuma Spa is truly a sanctuary of Filipino-inspired holistic indulgences. So the next time you will visit Cebu, try to allot a day to relax after having a beach-and-sun adventure.

A Spa-cial Affair at Maribago Bluewater

After another 3-hour drive from Sumilon Bluewater, and after a day of adventure and island living, we headed to our next destination, Maribago Bluewater for a relaxing spa vacation. Yes, you read it right, a SPA vacation! 

Maribago Bluewater is located in Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. From the airport, it is about 5-10 minutes ride. 

 

Please click here to continue.

 

Visit my travel blog at http://matetreyes.blogspot.com