Tea-rrific new treatments at Sofitel Manila’s Le Spa

We all need to simply get away sometimes, don’t we? Let’s not kid ourselves here. If we could get pampered from head to toe every single day, complete with cool cucumber slices on our eyes and the soft but distinct scent of incense in the background, we would. What sane human being would refuse such a thing? But finding that perfect spot to achieve a much-needed state of blissful nirvana in this urban jungle can sometimes be less of a heavenly experience and more of a hellish task instead, am I right? With so many places to choose from within the city alone, risking hard-earned money as well as precious free time can be quite the risk.

Thankfully there’s five-star and French luxury hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, which offers everyone a little slice of paradise with Le Spa, where you can fall into a unique, first-class spa experience that combines eastern and western techniques with their signature treatments and body rituals. Paradise just got an upgrade, though, as Le Spa has recently teamed up with French cosmetics and spa brand Thémaé to now offer exclusive face and body treatments based on the many beneficial properties of tea. Yes, tea! A wonderful and healthy drink now turned a luxurious treat for both body and soul.

Hailed as “one of the world’s 50 best spas” by Luxury Travel & Style magazine, and located in some of the most prestigious and renowned hotels in the world, including the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Thémaé’s range of products incorporate a fusion of four known teas: black, green, white and rooibos, also known as “red tea.” Those present at the launch were even given a brief lesson by Sofitel Manila director of Spa and Recreation Maureen Roy on everything tea: “Did you know the tea plant has over 30 percent polyphenol, which is the highest level of antioxidant concentration known?” Maureen says, as we sipped delicious tea from Da.u.de, Le Spa’s exclusive tea source for its clients, by the way. “Tea actively contributes to slowing down the skin’s signs of aging by neutralizing the free radicals that break down the collagen and elasticity of your skin. So Thémaé, the Japanese name for tea preparation, celebrates the tea benefits and brings them to the heart of each formula.”

You can bet I took a few more extra sips of my drink after learning all that, just in case! Host for the afternoon, Issa Litton, contributed by adding, “Treatments by Thémaé offer the ultimate spa rejuvenating journey, which is only available here at Le Spa.” “Journey” was a good choice of word as a tour of Le Spa alone is a journey in itself. Le Spa’s interior is both a much-needed relief and delight visually. By making use of cool marble and dark-wood panels, this haven of relaxation is fitted with a lounge, dry and wet sauna, as well as nine treatment rooms that include a duo suite with large, spacious bathtub, and spa suite installed with a sundeck that overlooks Manila Bay.

With Thémaé now onboard, a variety of products, all containing the special “four teas elixir,” were chosen by Le Spa to be used with a number of their specific treatments. To accompany Le Spa’s Cocoon Massage, which improves blood circulation, soothes muscles, and was specially developed for expectant mothers, Thémaé’s silky body moisturizing cream, either with a touch of citrus or vanilla fragrance, is used. Le Spa’s signature facial treatment, Original Beauty, makes use of Thémaé’s plumping and lifting serum, anti-aging day cream, and soothing eye cream. If you’re a gal or guy on the go, you can also opt for their 30-minute Instant Glow Facial that incorporates Thémaé products, which have a higher concentration of green tea — perfect for those of you who encounter pollution and harmful UV rays on a daily basis with a treatment specifically designed to battle free radicals and decongest the skin.

For couples, or even good friends, the Jardin D’Eden room is equipped with its own steam room and Trautwein Crystal Bath for hydrotherapy treatment, with actual mineral water used, meant to soften and rejuvenate the skin. There are dozens of other treatments available just waiting to be discovered at Le Spa, which is now even more of an experience thanks to all of Thémaé’s luxury products. Even better, you can purchase and take home any of the products used at Le Spa to allow you (and your skin) to reach a higher plane of serenity every day.

Sofitel Manila general manager Adam Laker describes the overall experience best, saying, “Guests are treated to a complete suite of health, wellness and beauty whenever they come to Sofitel to be pampered. With Thémaé, we believe that again we have raised the bar with signature therapies that are as effective as they are indulgent.”

Now, how about we go grab a cup of tea to go, shall we?

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Thémaé is exclusively available at Le Spa, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Hotel.

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