A shangri-la at Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort

Today, hardly anyone ever escapes the stress and strain of modern living. And yet, despite the changing influences of modernization and globalization, awareness of the mind and body remains an integral component of daily life.

As people everywhere seek to minimize the pressures of their hectic schedules, three restorative words come to mind – relax, refresh and rejuvenate.

Now, more than ever before, various hotels and resorts are rushing to promote their respective venues as the perfect answer to eliminate stress, replenish energy, and even perhaps restore spiritual balance.

The Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort is certainly no exception. In fact, it recently opened the Chi Spa Village, the first and largest spa resort of its kind in the Philippines, covering an expanse of over 10,000 square meters.

Guest of honor President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo breezed into town to grace the eagerly anticipated, well-attended affair. Also present were Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Philippines chair Tomas Zita, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts executive director Kay Kuok Goo, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts vice president for public relations Elizabeth de Motte, and Shangri-La Makati general manager Jarlath Lynch.

In the tranquil setting of a beautifully landscaped garden, invitees immediately willingly lost themselves among the tropical shadows and earthly delights. Soon, the outside world became a distant memory in this haven of bliss.

Faithfully adhering to traditional Chinese medicine and Himalayan healing philosophies, Chi’s signature therapies include the healing stone massage, herbal harmony, the barako coffee bean scrub, and a selection of memorable spa rituals that last from two to four hours, aptly known as Enchanted Journey, the Indulgence of Time and Paradise Found, to seek total personal fulfillment by achieving a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

The Himalayan-inspired banquet, which was conceptualized by the property’s director of communications Neil Rumbaoa and artistically brought to life by event planner Teresin Mendezona and florist Pinky Chang, was certainly a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Records show that spas have been in existence since the days of the Roman empire. It’s just that today they are being repackaged in so many ways to meet the growing demands to nourish the body as well as the soul in spiritual harmony. The Chi Spa Village adheres to this proud tradition.