Editor Pick
The Spa
- January 27, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
ext212 from New York, New York
In New York City, I can only dream of getting a massage once in a blue moon because prices are so steep. After a peso-to-dollar conversion, a 1-hour deep-tissue massage at The Spa for non-members set me back $15! Believe me, I was paying for a massage every chance I had. I've also made appointments for several manicures and pedicures. My friend signed up for a head and neck massage and a foot spa—your feet spoiled and pampered in a basin of water with tropical flowers, stones, and oils, which helps even the most hardcore marathoners.
The Spa is inside the Town Center mall in Alabang, but don't fret, almost everything in Manila is inside a mall. Once you walk in, however, you're taken away from the hustle-and-bustle of the shopping crowd and hypnotized by the cascading water, ethereal-blue tiles, soothing smells, and lighting of their space.
Male and female customers are separated—a good chance for girlfriends to get pampered together while their partners get their own alone time. You can opt to get a massage in the common area, or you can get a private massage in your own room.
Once you have an appointment, you are free to use the showers, the sauna, the Jacuzzi, and the ice bath. I have spent more than 3 hours at The Spa during one of my appointments and took advantage of all their facilities.
Tipping is, of course, appreciated. Your masseuse will give you an envelope with their name on it after your session and all you have to do is put whatever peso amount you think they deserve and drop it in the native basket at the front desk.
I spent many of my dollars tipping in appreciation.
From journal Manila, Manila. I Keep Coming Back to Manila.