We're now a nation of spa sophisticates

Survey our spa landscape now and you’ll see how far we’ve come in our quest for relaxation.

Twenty years ago I seem to recall that shopping and eating were our main comforts — if you had a serious knot in your back you had to rely on the ministrations of your spouse or the neighborhood manghihilot. The spa massage was a special-occasion event that you indulged in while on vacation at a resort or five-star hotel.

Then, in 1996, The Spa came to town. They pioneered the concept of the day spa, a place you visited specifically to get pampered — what a luxurious notion in those times!

Thanks to our fast-paced, multi-tasking lifestyles, today that luxury has become a necessity. We now think nothing of going to a spa to get de-stressed; some of us go every week. And our options have expanded along with the number of establishments — hilot is now just one therapeutic massage on a menu of relaxation techniques from all over the world.

 Body electric: The Spa Wellness’ new Toning Bamboo Revival treatment contours the body with bamboo canes.

We’ve become a nation of spa sophisticates, expecting the best services at reasonable prices. And, over 15 years, The Spa has delivered, which may be the secret to its success and staying power.

“When we began 15 years ago, we made our commitment to provide a relaxing haven of rejuvenation,” says Tanya Tan, The Spa’s owner and managing director.  “Down the road 15 years later, we are evolving to address the changing times and the growing needs of our guests to stay true to our promise of renewal.”

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, The Spa has reinvented itself as a one-stop zone for clients to achieve total wellbeing. Under one roof and a new moniker, The Spa Wellness, it’s now a group of brands that includes Barre3 for fitness and the Skin Dermatology & Laser Center for beauty. “Collectively we provide an unparalleled offering of total wellness,” Tan says.

 Luxe pampering: A fully appointed villa room

Barre3 combines the principles of yoga, Pilates and ballet, offering a complete, one-hour workout designed to lift and align the body. “Barre3 is the workout that Madonna does, and you can’t get a better endorsement than that,” says Andrea Sy, The Spa’s marketing manager.

At the Skin Dermatology & Laser Center, board-certified dermatologists offer non-invasive treatments like the VelaSmooth Pro, Refirme Eye, Diode Laser hair reduction and Diamond Peel.

Ultimately, however, The Spa is and will always be known for its luxe style of pampering. For its 15th birthday it’s introducing four new treatments:

The Casmara Facial features premium beauty brand Casmara from Spain. A mask consisting of moisturizing marine algae is applied to the face, left on to maximize absorption, then peeled off to reveal softer, smoother, more glowing skin. You also have the option of adding this mask to any other facial The Spa Wellness on Bonifacio High Street offers.

The 90-minute Crystalline Skin Body Treatment brightens and smoothens skin with a natural, gentle scrub of chamomile, rosemary, jojoba, aloe vera gel and lemon, followed by a full-body massage.

 There’s the rub: The communal massage room at The Spa Wellness Boni High Street

The Purity Facial with Organics is eco-friendly, using 100-percent-natural ingredients to counteract free-radical damage. Even clients with sensitive skin will come away from this facial with a more hydrated, brighter complexion.

I tried the Toning Bamboo Revival, a 90-minute treatment that promises to refine your silhouette. It begins with a non-scratchy scrub made of flowers and aromatic spices to exfoliate. You are then wrapped for 10 minutes before showering the scrub off; I liked the lingering floral-spicy fragrance. The treatment ends with the therapist massaging you with bamboo canes — supposedly the Chinese way of channeling energy to and from the body. The Spa claims it purifies your inner vital energy to maintain harmony and balance. I know I definitely felt more rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards.

The Spa is also offering a Wellness Privilege Pass, a card that entitles members to exclusive privileges and discounts to The Spa group of brands. The Diamond card gives you access to treatments in suites and private villas, the Ruby card gains you entrance to private rooms, while the Coral card allows you full use of the common room and amenities.

 Focused on well-being: The Spa Wellness owner and managing director Tanya Tan (right), with marketing manager Andrea Sy (left) and face of The Spa Angel Aquino Photos by JOVEN CAGANDE

Special fitness and beauty packages are also available, and all cards offer special treats and discounts from wellness partners like Pevonia, Selvert Thermal, Shiseido, GNC, NUIU Life Cuisine, Tempur Matresses and Pillows, Debenhams, Paul Smith, Hobbes and Landes and Fully Booked. Sign up for an annual membership by Dec. 30 and your card gives you an additional three months of access.

 Hydrotherapy: The Jacuzzi at The Spa Alabang

As Tan says, “The Spa has always been driven by integrity and delivering what we promise — excellently.  That’s how we’ve earned our status as the pioneer and gold standard in the industry.”

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The Spa is located at Bonifacio High Street, Acropolis, TriNoma, Rockwell, Eastwood, Greenbelt and Alabang.