Housed in one of the restored historic Hispanic houses in Manila, Sanctuario Spa is really a destination for locals and tourists who crave relaxation or simply would want to try something refreshing.
My husband treated me here as part of his birthday gift to me (apart from a pampering overnight stay in a suite at Pan Pacific Manila!)
He booked us both for a Xiamen Foot Reflexology. For 660 pesos (per person), this 1-hour treatment was really worth it. When we got there, we were directed by an attendant into the "house" and then out to the garden. As soon as I saw this spacious gazebo made of wood, adorned with white voile drapes, and furnished with lounging chairs, I was so excited because I knew that we were going to have our massage here. To add to the already perfect ambience, on one side was a waterfall that only made it more relaxing and made me forget that I was still in Manila.
The expertise of the therapists, which was a given, made this a total experience for us. Their strokes were just right and consistently balanced—the right hand pressure was never heavier than the left or vice versa. It was, indeed, one of the best birthday gifts I have received in my entire life!
After our treatment, I got hold of their brochure and I find some of their treatments priced a couple hundred pesos higher than the other stand-alone spas, but I think the charm of the place and the excellent service compensate for it.
Sanctuario also offers the Filipino remedial massage that we call hilot. They also have acupuncture and other alternative treatments. But what I would like to come back for are their chocolate or coffee body scrub, their wading pool, and Turkish bath. They do offer a whole lot of other rejuvenating services that are worth the visit.
Sanctuario Spa is located at 1829 Jorge Bocobo St., Malate, Manila, and may be contacted at +63 2 450 1127.