Spa at Cebu opens doors, boosts wellness industry

What is now considered as the biggest spa in Cebu was formally opened yesterday boosting the bid of the province of becoming a premier health and wellness destination in Asia.

The multi-million Spa facility called The Spa at Cebu, operated by Spa Banilad Corporation led by Johnny Siao has added Cebu's showcase of world-class Spa facilities joining huge players in industry like Shangri La's Mactan Island Resort's Chi Village, Badian Spa, Plantation Bay's Mogambo Spring, and The Spa at Cebu Hilton Resort.

In an interview with Siao, he said his facility has over 100 beds offering different Spa services that make it the biggest (in terms of accommodation) Spa facility in Cebu.

"Massage will never go out of style," Siao said adding that the Spa business, as long as it is offered with high standard services, can be Cebu's strongest niche to attract tourists.

The Spa at Cebu, is located in a 1.5 hectare lot, at the Banilad area, adjacent to the road heading to Ma. Luisa Estate Park Subdivision.

According to Siao, although there are already over 200 Spa outlets in Metro Cebu, there is still a lot of potential for the health and wellness sector in Cebu, as this has become the province's strength in attracting foreign, as well as local visitors.

Siao, had been in the Spa business for a long time. In fact, he said he is one of few people that introduced Spa service in Cebu.

He said Cebu's tourism potential should be taken advantage, and should not be overlooked, saying there is a lot of business opportunity in this sector.

For his part, he said he decided to invest heavily on the over 100-bed Spa facility as demand is tremendously increasing.

Cebu, through the Spa and Wellness Association of Cebu (SWAC) is trying to uplift the industry's name, slowly eradicating the impression that some Spa operators are using their facilities as front for prostitution business.

Siao, who is also the executive director of SWAC is also one of the stronger advocates to cleaning these "dark impressions."

He said Cebu should take advantage of its potential becoming a world-class destination in health and wellness sector. Uplifting the quality of Spa service, and facilities will help put Cebu in the top list of few Health and Wellness destinations not only in Asia, but in the world.