Discovering Amuma Spa

We enjoyed the well-known brand of Alegrado hospitality once more, upon invitation to experience the bliss of exotic Amuma Spa one balmy Saturday evening. Nestled at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, the spa opened to the public that evening, placing hilot, the spa's signature art of healing, on the international spotlight.

Cocktails, tempura, foie gras, warm smiles from the staff, and spa goodies awaited us upon our arrival at Amuma. No wonder, as amuma is the Visayan word meaning to pamper, indulge with every attention, comfort, care, spoil.

Indeed, this is essentially what Amuma Spa is all about - the spa was built to be a physical, as well as visual experience for guests. Rooms are designed in a manner that allow guests to feel the spa experience even in the seclusion of their rooms. Extensive use of wood, natural stones, tropical flora, and flowing water all add to the exotic, soothing ambiance of the place. The Amuma Hilot Pavilion is a round native thatched roof area made of indigenous materials, situated next to the pool. Massage cushions are strewn all over , so you can enjoy the spa's treatment/s al fresco style, dozing off to the gentle hum of flowing water, or the whisper of the giant fern leaves.

So there we were that night, enjoying the delectable gastronomic feast spread out on the lawn...listening to the tribal band playing in the background...marveling at the jewel that is Amuma...we all agreed that we are glad quality spas are now very accessible in Cebu, remembering not so long ago when it was a challenge finding a good decent massage in town.

Do check out these very interesting, unique signature treatments:

Hilot Sa Amuma - a combination of favorite massage (hilot) techniques from all over the Philippines, together with Amuma's own touch for a full body massage experience. Incorporates native rituals such as pausok (smoke cleansing through medicinal herbs and minerals), dasal (prayer) and orasyon (blessings, chants and spiritual invocations).

Traditional Hilot - this special treatment is never the same twice. Each manghihilot (therapist) has inherited the gift of healing hands from a relative and will pass on this good energy to you as a gift from the divine. This is not a whole body massage; instead, it focuses on areas the therapist believes to be the root cause of the problem. Prayer/meditation is part of this experience which culminates in the therapist giving advice on keeping healthy and fit.

Pikpik Kawayan (Foot Massage with Bamboo) - includes applying a warming foot masque, using rice flour and purple yams, which is allowed to set. Then, with gentle light taps using bamboo sticks, therapists break the mold giving tired legs a rejuvenating feel. This specialty is based on a native custom of farmers in the northern part of the country, who would come home from a day of planting rice in the paddies, their legs caked in mud. Their children would then gather at their parents' feet, and with two bamboo sticks, lightly tap the mud off, at the same time giving the legs stimulation, increased circulation, and relief. Other treatments and therapies: facials, body/foot treatments, manicure/pedicure, nail art, hair treatments, spa packages.