CEBU, Philippines - I regard all invitations whether to a major event, a wedding, a party, or just lunch with a friend, as special gifts. They are expressions of respect and gratitude. We all want to be included, to be asked to join in for a simple reason, sharing with special people their special moment which is one of the greatest joys of life
But admittedly, I had reservations on the invitation I received from Efren Belarmino, the personable GM of Plantation Bay.
I was to spend a few days at the resort to experience the property’s “detox with a difference” program.
It sounded too strenuous and regimental for my non-athletic life style. After all, my idea of resort indulgence is centered on tranquility, relaxation and pampering. A follow up call by Colleen Barcelona, manager of the spa, who graciously and patiently explained the whole wellness program, however, convinced me that it was at the very least worth a try.
Lest you get discouraged, let me tell you that my encounter proved to be one of the most enjoyable, relaxing and memorable experiences I have had in a long, long time.
The day began with citrus spring water for breakfast followed by a low to moderate impact exercise that included jogging and swimming. After a good sweat, a mid morning snack of slightly chilled vegetable sticks with dip was served. Lunch at Kilimanjaro Kafe consisted of chicken breast with Hellman’s light mayonnaise on flaxseed bread, paired with tomato and cucumber salad prepared by always- ready- with-a-smile demi chef Fe de Jesus.
Personal time in the afternoon for two hours afforded me the luxury of complete relaxation where I didn’t do anything except indulge in a good inspirational book with a pick-me-up snack of almonds and walnuts. Towards sunset I was off to the gym for a 45 minute treadmill jog and cross training. Dinner consisted of cream of spinach and a hearty serving of poached salmon with herbed butter. The evening ended with steam bath and sauna followed by the Spa’s signature treatment called the Dead Sea Mud wrap that left my skin revitalized, refreshed and invigorated.
Feeling well rested, I was up early to begin my day with citrus spring water followed by a 45 minute yoga session with instructor Harry Babatugon. It was my first ever yoga class and it proved to be a wonderful experience.
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits.
Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal organs and glands of the body in a thorough manner. This stimulation benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.
The day ended with dinner at the kafe. This time chef Fe prepared creamy asparagus soup and flaxseed bread. A big bowl of mango and prawn salad completed the meal.
The highlight for this day was the traditional Filipino massage popularly called hilot. This is a deep tissue massage that uses fast long strokes, freeing your energy channels from blockages and complemented with herbal compress made from more than 10 different organically grown herbs.
On my last day I woke up with mixed feelings. Just when I was starting to appreciate and enjoy the healthy lifestyle it was almost time to say my goodbyes and head for home. Back to reality, to traffic, deadlines and chores.
The next activity was the duodecahtlon, an athletic challenge around the resort. Once again I had some apprehensions as I am definetly not a sports person and the only exercise I indulge in is swimming. I met up with Roldan Marollano, recreation supervisor who introduced me to Perfy Costanilla, my coach and partner in the race. I was told that the record to beat was 23 minute, and there I was giving myself at least an hour to reach the finish line.
We swam across the fresh water swimming pool, drank a full glass of juice, played darts until I hit the bulls eye, run to the front office desk and gave one of the service staff a nice wet kiss on the cheek, then went bicycling around the property. This was difficult as the last time I rode on one was 25 years ago when I taught my son Eduard to ride a bicycle.
Off we went once again to the lagoon and this time we had to paddle our way to the opposite side. We rushed to the top of the giant water slide which descends with twists, turns and dips and no protective stuff like sleds, just bare flesh. The palpitating experience was simply awesome. Perfy and I are happy to say we did the race in 18 minutes and I have a certificate to prove it.
The afternoon was relatively easy. The activity prepared was Tai Chi with instructor Luke Cartagena. Again this was my first encounter.
Tai Chi is often described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements connecting the mind and body. Practiced regularly, tai chi can help reduce stress and promote other benefits such as increased flexibility, improved muscle strength and definition, increased energy, stamina and agility and increased feelings of well-being.
Before heading home, I indulged in a foot reflexology. This massage is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet or sometimes the hands and ears with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body to improve general health. It is an energy-based healing art that works through the nervous system. Stimulating these reflexes sends messages to the associated body parts. It relieves tension, improves circulation, aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells and assists in bringing your body to a natural state of balance.
The Loving Life Program of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is simply like no other. This course invariably is focused on the mind and anchors on the experience of being well in spirit as well.
True wellness however cannot be viewed separate from the environment in which it occurs. Plantation Bay transforms your life landscape into a flourishing haven, bringing balance into our lives which makes it easier to grab a slice of that elusive thing called happiness.