SEVEN WELLNESS HAVENS FOR WANDERING SOULS
Words by Ela Bendaña
For adventurous individuals, sanctuaries for restoration are major necessities. Explore Philippines lists seven wellness spots in the Philippines worth considering.
Mogambo Springs
Unlike the usual resort setup, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa boasts colonialplantation architecture highlighted with spacious suites near man-made saltwater lagoons, waterways, and fitness and health facilities. It also holds venues for leisure activities like a children’s center, private karaoke rooms, gym and games room, as well as the seafront for watersports. Located just 40 minutes away from Mactan International Airport, the spa serves as an instant provider of relaxation before kicking off to an actual exploration.
With world-class amenities covering 11 hectares of land in Mactan, Cebu, it’s no wonder Plantation Bay Resort and Spa stands as one of the top spa destinations in Asia as it houses the Mogambo Springs, a wellness haven presented in a cozy, 18th-century Tokugawa Japanese village setting. It comprises warm and thalassic pools, massage waterfalls, a dry-heat sauna, a steam room, and areas for facial and body treatments ranging from Japanese to Filipino healing rituals.
Apart from this set of services, Plantation Bay also has four in-house restaurants established to satisfy every guest’s food cravings, namely Palermo (for Spanish and Italian cuisine), Kilimanjaro Kafe (for buffets), Fiji Restaurant (for Asian cuisine), and Savannah Grill (for fast food). Outdoor buffet dinners also come with shows based on daily themes such as Rockin’ USA, Hawaiian Luau, Filipino, Sahara, and Brazilian.
Mogambo Springs is located in Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Marigondon, Mactan Island, Cebu.
CHI, The Spa
Physical, mental, and emotional stability are top concerns especially when under the pressure brought by large business districts. Nestled at the heart of Ortigas Center, CHI, The Spa is one of the ultimate go-to spots for instant head-totoe regeneration.
Inspired by the philosophy of holistic well-being, it features luxurious treatments based on the fused concepts of Philippine and Chinese healing. It highlights the authentic hilot massage, which makes use of traditional ingredients and practices, and signature massages like CHI Balance (best for jet lag and insomnia), CHI Hot Stones (for muscle tension), and Yin Yang Harmonising Massage (for the flow of chi, or energy).
In line with the “Move, Refuel and Recover” concept of its host hotel, EDSA Shangri-La, CHI, The Spa boasts high-class leisure and fitness facilities for active restoration comprising cardiovascular machines, a high-energy functional training zone, and an exclusive triathlon training space.
Customized meals are also prepared based on every guest’s health requirements under Special Diet Concierge services, where a wide range of food—including gluten-free and vegetarian options—are displayed in a special menu card that labels them with their respective calorie counts.
CHI, The Spa is located at Edsa Shangri-la, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
Mandarin Spa
The Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, home to 52 well-furnished rooms and suites surrounding a large beachfront pool, is recommended not only for tourist accommodations but also for worthy island wellness journeys.
Within its modern Filipino-inspired interiors lies the Mandarin Spa that offers body treatments best for dealing with the aftermath of excursions and day-long escapades. It features the traditional art of hilot performed by their skilled therapists and other massage packages, including the Island Journey Ritual that comprises a foot spa and massage called the sikisikian, and a head and shoulder massage, hingut-an. Facials and body scrubs are also available for some beauty and skin pampering.
Established as a one-stop hotel, it hosts the Don Vito Ristorante Italiano that serves a wide selection of authentic local and international cuisine, including the famous dessert, Don Vito Gelato. At night, guests can loosen up to quality entertainment from live bands and performers, and on drinks and mouthwatering dishes offered in Bucos Bar.
Though located on the busiest part of Boracay Island, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel remains a sanctuary secluded from the hustle and bustle of the tourist spot.
Mandarin Spa is located at Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Beach Front Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
The Sanctuary Spa
Situated near the travel-hub Dumaguete City in Negros Island, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa boasts a great mixture of nature and luxury among its state-of-the-art facilities.
Set within its perfect landscape are beautifully-furnished suites and penthouses along with a massive beachside pool and a yoga center. Sanctuary Spa pavilions are also among its top features, surrounded by trees, streams, and ponds that instantly turn the place into a majestic, serene paradise. These serve as venues for special body treatments, massages, facials, and detox programs offered in line with its promotion of health and well-being.
On top of the relaxation provided by these services, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa holds leisure activities perfect for those in search of recreation. Here, guests can engage in diving, snorkeling, whale shark and dolphin watching, and exploration of the nearby Apo, Sumilon, and Siquijor islands. The resort also hosts tours around its major tourist destinations to showcase the beauty of the town proper.
Completing one’s journey in Atmosphere Resort and Spa is a well-deserved nourishing treat. A wide selection of food is served in the most accessible and convenient venues, including the Healthy Living menu, which comprises dishes prepared with the finest organic ingredients and made suitable for every guest’s health requirements.
Atmosphere Spa is located at Maayong Tubig, Dauin, Negros Oriental.
I’M Onsen Spa
Onsens, or public hot springs, always make their way into every Japan itinerary. According to studies, soaking in these warm baths helps not only in stress relieving but also in improving physical condition through minerals and nutrients present in water.
Bringing the experience all the way from the Land of the Rising Sun, the largest and first onsen spa in the Metro, I’M Onsen Spa, becomes a hotspot for R & R with its first-class services, starting from spring baths, body treatments, food, to suites. It features three types of onsens— carbonated, mineral, and ceramic — believed to cater aid to most common health concerns like blood pressure, blood circulation, and metabolism.
Delicate spa therapies and reflexologies are also on its roster. It includes the Fountain of Youth or signature facials, and massages like the Japanese shiatsu, ventosa massage, and aromassage.
For an inside-and-out restoration, I’M Onsen Spa serves, through its tea lounge, various health drinks based on an extensive menu inspired by Oriental recipes. Most packages also cover passes to a wide selection of food presented in a large buffet by the renowned restaurant, Bloom.
I’M Onsen Spa is situated in I’M Hotel, UG Floor, Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.
Bleu Spa
Siargao Bleu, the largest and only spa resort in Siargao Island, is known among tourists for its accessible location, array of services and amenities, as well as for its landscape. Situated in the middle of the surfing capital’s active community, the Triple-A resort serves as an ideal base for an island retreat.
It has 40 architectural villas and hotel rooms surrounding a massive pool that overlooks the ocean, forming a picturesque view that nestles perfectly under the tranquility of nature. In its pursuit of wellness, Siargao Bleu houses the Bleu Spa that offers various treatments and massages performed by their very own professional therapists. Accommodations also come with a pass to its wide selection of fresh and nutritious food served in a mini-buffet right in front of relaxing scenery.
Apart from the in-house treats, the resort hosts tours and activities around the spot with the assistance of its notably accommodating butlers. For a more personal encounter, the resort also has bicycles available for short trips around the vicinity.
With the number of activities to engage in on Siargao Island, at the end of the day, the restoration brought by this resort and spa venture is what every adventurer will definitely ask for.
Bleu Spa is located at Siargao Bleu, 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte.