Paradise regained
December is truly the most hectic and stressful month of the year for most people. There are the endless rounds of Christmas parties to attend, the influx of friends and relatives from abroad that one has to take around, and the long hours in the malls, shopping for the never-ending list of godchildren, friends, relatives, domestic staff of parents, sisters, brothers, close friends, for people that give you good service like your suki bank tellers, suki beauticians, (manicurists, pedicurists, shampoo girl, masseuse)…and the list goes on —and so does the stress. Of course, there are ways and means to lighten the load, (like buying five dozen fruitcakes for everyone) but most of the time we like to personalize our gifts especially to those who have touched our lives in more ways than one.
I looked forward to some peace and quiet after Christmas Day— alone at last, with no more parties on the agenda as most friends and family members hied off to some resort with the same thought in mind: de-stress, unwind, relax, rest.
As for me, I decided to accept an invitation from good friend Johnny Litton to go with his delightful PR ladies — Roselle Rebano, Bong Palma Gil, and Suzette Morelos — to Boracay Regency Beach Resort. A solemn promise from the ladies that I could spend my days lazying in the hotel’s newly opened Kai Spa clinched the deal. I allowed myself to be whisked away by Zest Air to Caticlan and found myself so comfortably ensconced in one of the luxurious rooms of the newly built Garden Wing of Boracay Regency Hotel. Upon the recommendation of Jade Estardo, assistant general manager, I lost no time in checking out Kai Spa and booking my treatments.
Boracay Regency’s Kai Spa was inaugurated just this year. Originating from the Chinese word “soothing,” Kai takes this meaning to a new level as it raised the bar with its extensive lineup of spa treatments and services.
“Kai Regency Spa was created to soothe your soul and senses, so you feel transported into a world of tranquil comfort as you soak in the warmth of our spa. A visit to Kai assures you of an unforgettable experience into serenity without spending too much. Value for money is still the key word,” said Henry Chusuey, chairman and president of Boracay Regency Resort.
I spent my days vegetating in the spa, enjoying the Jacuzzi, the steam room, the sauna and the beauty treatments. On my first day, I tried the Kai Signature massage for 90 minutes. It is a slimming and heating massage that uses an aromatic thermal pad put over the body followed by slimming stroke massage that promotes blood circulation and improves muscle tone. I felt totally rejuvenated after this massage and felt my holiday fatigue slipping away.
Next day, I tried the Aroma Hot Stone Massage, which lasted for 75 minutes. The hot, black basalt volcanic stones with their reputed healing properties emit heat and give relief to tired and tense muscles. The stones are strategically placed over the body’s vital energy points and used for the massage as well.
On my last day, I chose to try the Kai Royal Thai Massage, which lasted for an hour. The purpose of this massage is to relieve sore and stiff joints and is both relaxing and invigorating. It is accompanied by stretching, rhythmic and gentle rocking to awaken the body and increase energy.
All the massages are done in the Imperial Suites, private enclaves that give one a feeling of serenity and tranquility. The rituals before the massage are unique. The feet are soaked in delicious warm scented water, and after one is fully settled under the sheets, a serenity bell is chimed, signifying the start of one’s journey into the subconscious.
I also tried the whitening vitamin C facial, which lasted for 60 minutes. It is a treatment that provides instant hydration using medical-grade vitamin C serum fused into the skin trans-dermally to deeply deliver an anti-oxygenating effect. This improves the skin, leaving it with a radiant glow. All facials are done in the Verandah rooms.
Kai Spa is a P50-million investment and is located on the third and fourth floors of the Garden Wing. With modern Asian influences, the spa was designed with a peaceful ambiance so as to restore harmony and serenity into our lives. There are 22 unique rooms with different interiors depending on the kind of treatment a guest chooses.
Boracay Regency Beach Resort with its newly opened Kai Spa is indeed a one-stop paradise. I came home to Manila totally relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to face the challenges for the new year.
