A city stressbuster

I am constantly on the go.

Whenever I’m not doing something I’m thinking about what I should be doing, and most of the time, although it can make me very productive, this mindset just stresses me out. In the end I wind up with knotted muscles and a few more white hairs. This year, I vowed to change all that. I’m currently working hard on being more time efficient, punctual, and less of a procrastinator (which, let’s face it, is where all the real stress comes from) and I think, for the meantime at least, I’m doing a relatively okay job.

That’s not to say I’m without stress all of a sudden. I’m still far from that. When you’re a stress buff like me you can step on the brakes a bit and slow down but I don’t think you can ever stop completely. That’s why it’s always good to know where you can go to just kick back and relax in between running from here to there. An oasis, if you will, that isn’t far from the city and yet helps you feel far enough removed to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body before you head back to the real world.

I have found such a haven right in the heart of one of the metropolis’ prime business districts. An unlikely place, to be sure, but convenient for everyone who just wants to take a breather and relax before plunging back into fast-paced everyday life. It’s Terra Wellness Spa and can be found right in the middle of key corporate offices and posh villages at beautiful Discovery Suites on ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center.

I confess: I’m a spa-holic! I love getting massages and facials and body wraps and basically just being pampered for a few hours before I get back to work. Who doesn’t enjoy that? And I have to admit it’s been quite a while since I’ve had a good massage so my trip to Terra was just what my aching muscles needed. The moment I stepped inside I actually already started feeling relaxed. Perhaps this was due to the soothing earthy interiors which complement the spa theme, terra being a Latin word for earth, and soft relaxing music that caressed my senses the moment I stepped inside. Whatever the case, I already had a feeling I was going to love it there the moment I walked in the door.

The friendly receptionist told me to have a seat and offered me a cup of sweet hot tea while I filled out the questionnaire designed to help the spa therapists give you the best treatment they can. Other than the usual personal background questions, they asked which parts of my body were aching or if there were any special spots the masseuse should be aware of along with how hard I liked the pressure (moderate to hard), which oils I liked and what type of music I would prefer playing while I had the treatment. It was very detailed and personal and I liked the fact that they were tailoring the massage just the way I liked it instead of just giving me a standard cookie-cutter spa treatment.

After filling out the questionnaire and speaking with my therapist for a few minutes I took off my running shoes and was brought to the treatment room which was beautifully decorated. The large and spacious room was definitely designed to keep a guest relaxed and delighted for hours and had not only the traditional massage bed but a shower (with a rain head, which I love!), a large bathtub with extra towels, a toilet, a sink and vanity, a cabinet for my belongings, and big comfy chairs to lounge in. Basically if I had absolutely nothing to do I wouldn’t have minded staying in that room all day long!

The treatment I was getting that day was called Terra’s Touch and is their signature massage with their own blended essential oils and I was advised by my therapist to take a quick bath or shower before the treatment since the oils are good for the skin and should be allowed to seep in after the massage instead of being washed off. So after a quick shower and changing into the robe and slippers I was ready to relax.

And I think "relax" is an understatement to describe Terra’s Touch. I came so close to falling asleep I was practically in a dreamlike state while the therapist worked on my aching muscles paying particular attention to my "problem areas," like my shoulders and neck. I swear, I could almost hear those tired joints sighing with relief as all the tension was kneaded away. The treatment lasted for an hour and a half and afterwards as I was just relaxing and allowing my muscles to wake up again I was offered another cup of hot tea to enjoy. It was a blissful end to an afternoon of total pampering.

Everyone needs a break every now and then and if, like me, you can’t find the time to totally get away from it all, do the next best thing and enjoy a little respite from your stress at Terra Wellness Spa which is a haven in the middle of the city. Both individuals and couples can enjoy their amazing services (couples in particular can enjoy their fabulous couple’s room which will make them feel like they’re on a mini-honeymoon for the day!) like the wonderful Terra’s Touch treatment or any of their other famous massages, body treatments, facials and foot spas. It’s truly a great way to recharge your batteries before heading back to your busy schedule.

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Terra Wellness Spa is on the 4th Floor of Discovery Suites, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Call 638-9145 to 46 or 638-2977.