The balance of life
I regard all invitations as special gifts. Sharing special moments with people who matter is one of the greatest joys of my life. I had reservations, though, when I got an invitation from Efren Belarmino, the personable GM of Plantation Bay.
Here’s why. 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 regimented for my non-athletic lifestyle. 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 entire wellness program, convinced me that it was, at the very least, worth a try.
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.
Personal time in the afternoon afforded me the luxury of complete relaxation. I didn’t do anything except indulge in a good inspirational book with 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 for a 45-minute yoga session with instructor Harry Babatugon. It was my first 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, each of which has physical benefits. Highlight of the day was the hilot, a deep-tissue massage that uses fast, long strokes freeing your energy channels from blockages. The massage included an herbal compress made of more than 10 different organically grown herbs. The day ended with a sumptuous dinner at the Kafe. This time with creamy asparagus soup and flaxseed bread. A big bowl of mango and prawn salad completed the meal.
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 goodbye and head back home.
The next activity was the duo-decathlon, an athletic challenge around the resort. Once again, with some apprehension, I met up with Roldan Marollano, recreation supervisor, who introduced me to Perfy Costanilla, my coach and race partner. I was told that the record to beat was 23 minutes, and there I was giving myself at least an hour to reach the finish line.
We swam across the freshwater swimming pool, drank a full glass of juice, played darts until I hit the bullseye, ran 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 because 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 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. 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. Tai chi is meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements connecting the mind and body.
Before heading home, I indulged in foot reflexology. This massage is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet to improve blood circulation and one’s general health. 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 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.
