Lasema: Seoul in Manila
To retreat to a special sanctuary where you can hear your heartbeat, be in touch with your inner self, sit back, relax and truly live: This is my philosophy of well-being.
In the heart of the cosmopolitan city of
Welcome to the first authentic family-oriented traditional Korean spa utilizing therapeutic gemstones like jade, sapphire, topaz and amethyst. In this palatial haven tucked along
Precious crystals adorn the ceiling as the hot steam with the fragrance of authentic Korean herbs gently infuses your face and body in a truly rejuvenating fashion. From here, take the plunge in the icy cold pool before having a bath scrub of milk crystals and salt which is perfect for exfoliation. You then don your pink shorts and top for the women, white ensemble for the men, and enter into the Jjim Jil Bang where the interplay of heat and cold therapy is so beneficial. Here, you are ushered into a world of authentic Korean culture. Healing gems of various colors embellish precious artwork, mosaic masterpieces and ancient paintings of Korean history. One notices the cozy restaurant named “Jewel in the Palace” made popular by the Korean telenovela about delightful cuisine and creative cooking. Traditional Korean dishes like japchae, bulgogi and hearty soups are served at very affordable prices. A snack bar also serves Korean beverages and sports drinks as well as spicy noodles and sweet bean with crushed ice and milk dessert.
My eyes then wander towards three dome-shaped structures that are actually hot saunas. These Jjim Jil Bang facilities provide a mise en scène of a traditional Korean village with sleeping caves to rest in with bun beds and therapeutic pillows. Little did I know these dome structures are actually sanctuaries of wellness that utilize thermal therapy, an age-old tradition being practiced in
Their massage therapies are among the best in the city. Operations manager Kate Jang and spa director Dr. Eric Tan graciously welcomed us and made sure we got the best therapists for our choice treatment. My sisters Michelle and Jaqui love the combination Swedish/ shiatsu and aromatherapy massage while I was truly satisfied with their authentic Thai massage. Eva Bayubay, the very efficient head of salon services, is an expert in facials and eyelash extensions among many other beauty treatments. If you are a golf aficionado, the Makati Golf Club is located in the same complex as Lasema. It is the first fully-automated driving range in the country. The Ara Korean restaurant also in the
When my good friends Makati Councilor Armand Padilla, Pacer Travel Agency owner Mel Martinez and Pagudpod Vice Mayor Maja Sales invited me to join them on a special trip to
The colorful lights and snow outside provided a very cheery, festive ambiance. In our thermals and thick coats, we braved temperatures 12 degrees below zero to get our bearings in this dynamic city. Mr. JB and his wife Elizabeth are so gracious and hospitable and took such loving care of us. For our welcome dinner, we savored a delightful meal of the freshest salads, soups, steak and pasta and with the finest wines from
We all had a soulful night’s rest in our state-of-the-art suites replete with flat screen TV in the room and bathroom with heater, all the luxury you could wish for. It was a treat for us as we proceeded to shopping havens like Nandaemun, Itaewon, Doota shopping complex, electronic street (for our Korean telenovela discs) and traditional street where exotic Korean wares are sold. At the picturesque
The next day, we traveled to the winter ski resort in
We even had the privilege to spend the night at the winter villa of the Yim family in Birch Hill. The view from our window of the expansive ski valley reminded us of the Swiss Alps and
We thanked the good Lord for our unforgettable trip to
Back home in my spa sanctuary, I transferred from the heated saunas to the ice room and remembered Winter Sonata with the view of the valley. Such exhilarating thoughts kept me warm inside, eliciting blessings of newfound luxuries.
After all, we must, like a painter, take time to stand back from our work: to be still. There is a silence into which the world cannot intrude. There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart and can never lose.
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Lasema Spa and Sauna is located in the Makati Golf Club,
For accommodations in Best Western Hotel or travel packages to
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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.