Spa Oasis

CEBU, Philippines - The philosophy of living a healthier lifestyle does not only comprise diet and exercise but relaxation, as well. A trip to a spa completes one’s beauty regimen and the spa is the ideal place to spend those hard-earned cash if you opt for a de-stressor. Try out Cebu’s newest organic spa, Langkawi Discovery Spa.

Langkawi is a Sanskrit word that means beauty beyond measure; wherein langka means beautiful and wi means innumerable. The Filipino/Cebuano-themed spa applies century-old Madjapahit Empire beauty treatment tradition, of the Borneo Peninsula royalties, that uses exotic essential oils and herbs to treat the body.

The relaxing effect of the cool mint greets the nostrils upon entering this 160 square-meter spa. A myriad of therapeutic body treatments are presented at the reception area – there are the specialties: Kondalini Energy Revitalizing Massage that takes 90 minutes to treat the deep tissues, and the Authentic Swedish Massage. There’s also an anti-aging treatment which is first in Cebu called Biodraga (Biological Drug) Facial Treatment which is a non-pricking, non-surgical way of eliminating dead skin and black and white heads; Namikotsi Shiatsu, organic body scrubs and foot spa services. Once you have addressed your body’s need, a well-trained therapist then leads you to the foot wash area where you submerge your feet into hot water with “sapal” (coconut flesh). After rinsing, “iba” is applied on toes to strengthen the nails; an essential oil is applied afterwards. This practice is done by the Ifugao natives who wash their feet with herbs.     

The attentive therapist then assists you in your spa area. If you prefer a relaxing 60-minute massage, you are directed to the massage room dressed in a very Filipino manner with batik curtains section the wellness rooms. Sixteen well-appointed rooms for him and her are available with hot & cold shower rooms, as well. Soothing music plays in the background to complete the relaxing experience in Langkawi Discovery Spa.  

Organic Products

Its main feature is the use of pure essential oils in all their massage, facial, hand & foot spa treatments, eliminating the option to use mineral oil which has been discovered to be harmful to the human body. The essential oil’s base carrier oil are grape seeds mixed with lavender, cedar wood, bergamot, rosemary, lemon grass, elemi (from the bark of pili nuts), sweet almond, ilang-ilang (that triggers the senses) and jojoba oils. These essential oils trigger the olfactory senses, are hypoallergenic and foster relaxation. Langkawi Discovery Spa gives every spa-goer the freedom to choose their oils depending on the mood and body needs; spa-goers can even “mix your own oil.”

Another distinctive characteristic of this new wellness hub is being an environment advocate. A portion of their sales go to the Thousand Island Project of the Augustinian priests of the Basilica del Sto. Nino de Cebu in their efforts to Save Danahon Double Barrier Reef. The said reef, located near Leyte, Cebu and Bohol, is the second largest reef in the world next to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Danahon is currently being rehabilitated due to massive dynamite fishing. You not only get yourself pampered, you help mother Earth, as well.

Langkawi Discovery Spa is a member of the Spa Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SAPI). Visit them from 12 noon to 12 midnight, daily at the second level Alfresco Wellness Zone Area in Parkmall, Mandaue City (Tel. No. 344 1051)