Shangri-La invests $3M for next Chi Spa facility

After the success of its Spa facility, the Chi Village in Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort, the chain is going to invest a US$3 million for a second Chi Spa in the Philippines, at the Edsa Shangri-La, in Manila.

The Edsa Shangri-La Chi spa, is the first in Manila and is the fourth Chi spa to opened by the group, the largest so far is the over one hectare Chi Spa Village in Mactan.

In an interview with Neil Rumbaoa, Edsa Shangri-La director of communications, he said that the establishment of the Spa facility in Manila, which covers more than 3,000 square meters of floor area boasting of 10 treatment suites, is part of the group's huge investments in the Philippine operations, including the upcoming multi-million dollar Boracay Shangri-La.

According to Rumbaoa, the Shangri-La Group management put its confidence in the Philippines.

Edsa Shangr-La recently unveiled its refurbished room facilities, as part of the hotel's US$8 million Garden Wing renovations program.

On the other hand, the Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort just completed its three-year multi-million dollar renovation program next month, just in time for Cebu's hosting of the ASEAN Summit this coming December.

Last year, the resort spent US$500 million for its renovation program, and another US$7 million was spent for this year.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La International noted the strength of the Philippines, specifically Cebu in tourism, and spending huge amount of property improvement is a worth move.

Rumbaoa, who is also in-charge of the communications department of Shangri-La Boracay, which is currently under construction, said despite its establishment, Shangri-La Mactan is still the group's flagship project in the Philippines.

Rumbaoa, dismissed impressions that the opening of Shangri-La Boracay, which is scheduled two years from now, would threaten Cebu's attractiveness in the international, as well as domestic traveling community.

Earlier, tourism prime mover Samie Lim warned that Cebu will slowly lose it attractiveness, as soon as Boracay Shangri-La will be opened.

According to Lim, one of Cebu's pride and effective tool to lure international vacationers is the existence of Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort.

Rumbaoa, said Boracay and Mactan facilities have different target market. Cebu has been effective in attracting the Asian tourists, like Korean, and Japanese, Boracay-Shangri-La on the other hand, is expected to attract the long-haul travelers like the Europeans.