Spa-cial mall sanctuary

The frequency of malling increases exponentially as Christmas day draws near. No amount of pre-Christmas planning can pull a Filipino shopper away from the densely populated malls in December. But don’t despair – most malls now have a day spa or even specialty salons that offer spa treatments.

A quick relaxing pick-me-up is, of course, a foot treatment but if you have the time, go and indulge in a massage. If you are in Glorietta, you can go to the Suriya Spa that is just across Gold’s Gym.

As you enter Suriya (Sanskrit word for sun), you are immediately calmed by the refreshing scent of warm aromatic oil. The Asian-influenced design offers a peaceful, private and relaxing sanctuary. There are 16 individual private rooms, where one can enjoy an extensive menu of spa pleasures of body, face and foot therapies.

Gracious Vida Dolendo-Sockanathan is the lady of the house. She is so much into spa nowadays that she looks forward to the next spa education or conference to attend.

Despite the extensive spa treatment menus available, 80 percent of a spa’s service is still massage (whatever it’s called and packaged). That is exactly what I chose to have after some serious Christmas shopping. I really wanted a quick 30-minute head and neck massage (since I am always rushing around), but I immediately succumbed to the friendly receptionist Jennifer’s prodding to have a Mind and Body Harmony Massage for total relaxation. Sounded great to me as I was nursing a throbbing headache from holiday stress.

Another friendly staff, Annie, led me to the cozy locker area where I was handed a neatly folded towel while slippers were laid by my feet. As I undressed in the cubicle, she also quietly hung a robe for me to wear. So far, so good. The warm hospitality and also Geisha-like attention was very endearing indeed.

A lot of minor details that make spas special were not forgotten. The locker key is incorporated in a bracelet with a shell that reminds you of trips to fancy beach resorts. Intricate Asian wooden frames with prints adorn even the bathroom cubicles. You are given a special shoe pouch to put in your locker to separate it from your bag and clothes. And there is a free blow-dry service from a lady-in-waiting by the vanity. The soft background music is soothing and well planned.

I was offered to have a steam or sauna, but due to lack of time I just enjoyed a very special treat in the rejuvenating rain shower one can have before the massage. You can choose between the blissful drizzle of soft rain and the soothing massage of hard rain. I chose the former and felt like a child again prancing in early summer rain.

Comfortably wrapped in my robe, I was ushered into a waiting lounge with soft lights, comfortable chairs, and lifestyle magazines. Shortly, my therapist Evelyn called my name and led me to my private mall sanctuary.

Each room as I saw it from the hallway is distinct at the same time similar. The way the towels and linen were laid out was the same but the positions of the beds were not. Simple as it may seem, the impeccable choice of furnishings and the unique layout offered a refreshing change from the usual small treatment rooms with narrow beds.

What I particularly liked was the way the therapist placed a rolled hand towel at the top of the massage bed’s face hole and a pillow by the base. I never liked face holes, because I find them uncomfortable. With the slight elevation offered by the two pillows for my head and my chest, a comfortable solution was offered. It was also quite relaxing when I opened my dreamy eyes and looked at a basin of aromatic water with daisies.

While in a trancelike state, I couldn’t help thinking about how Vida’s graceful and quiet countenance must have been the spa’s inspiration. Her beauty glows from within. The same glow you get after a rejuvenating spa experience at Suriya.

Vida gushed that I should try their much-talked-about foot treatments. The three choices – Pevonia Phytopedic Foot Spa, Foot Reflexology and Relaxing Feet Massage – are all preceded by a footbath. For any of these spa treatments, there are three custom-designed hands and feet spas, complete with built-in granite basins where one experiences an aromatic floral soak while on a very comfy La-Z Boy chair.

A confessed spa lover, Vida’s own favorites are the Mind and Body Harmony Massage (P680), the Honey Skin Sparkler (P1,100) and the Foot Spa (P650). Spa treatment prices are offered at a huge discount if you take them as a package. While Gold’s Gym members are treated to an exclusive discount, Suriya Spa offers its own membership and is likewise open for walk-in clients who wish to sample the treatments first.

Vida herself cannot believe how their spa business has evolved from just a casual topic over dinner. Then, it was a prospect that she welcomed because of the growing spa and wellness consciousness. After opening last April 28 at Glorietta, the radiance of Suriya Spa has since spread into the Intercon Hotel and soon, to Ortigas Center.

Proud to be associated with a modern spa with traditional services, Vida, who is no stranger to customer service having worked with PAL and Shangri-La, helps in overseeing the day-to-day operations. Surprised as she was by the overwhelming response, she said that they will keep on opening Suriya Spas as long as the clamor is there.

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Suriya Spa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Glorietta 3. Call 893-1818 for more details about booking a spa service.

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E-mail mylene@goldsgym.ph for questions and comments.