SPA-cial treatment

If you have ever felt that your body seems to be in knots, your neck feels stiff  and your back hurts, you know it’s time to relax. The solution lies in a good massage.

The best, of course, especially if you have certain pains, is by a certified chiropractor, a physical therapist or a reflexologist. This is the safest way to address your problem areas, most especially if you are injured.

But if you have no problem at all, then may I suggest the best spas that I have been to? First let us consider the important things that we need to look for in finding the right spa for you.

1. Smell the place as soon as you enter.

2. Take note of the cleanliness of the spa.

3. Note the sanitary condition of towels, shower area and treatment areas.

4. Observe the courtesy and professionalism of the staff.

I say smell first simply because spas should smell clean, calming, soothing and relaxing as soon as you enter the place.

A spa salon should be well maintained and sanitized especially because it is used by a lot of clients. You will have to especially consider the towel. If you can bring your own clean towel, the better. Towels are carriers of many bacteria. If the towel is white, stain-free and clean, then you maybe safe. Stay away from dark colored towels because you cannot see what is lurking underneath that color. Also consider the slippers. They are also carriers of many bacteria.

For the regular spa goers, I am very sure that it is common knowledge to first take a shower before getting a massage. So make sure that you do shower first. Now let’s get to the places where we can relax and renew our spirits.

The Spa has a lot of branches, the latest addition to the chain is at the Fort in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig (856-5858). I like going to newly opened spas simply because they’re new and clean. I love the ambiance and aroma of the place, the waterfalls that they have are very soothing and you get a feeling of calm right away soon as you enter the place. The towels, slippers and robe are white.

The courteous staffers really take care of you. The masseuse that I often go to is very good. She doesn’t press the wrong veins or muscles. She knows how to “unknot” stubborn muscles. Best of all, it is reasonably priced so you can go often. This is where I learned to drink  ginger tea. It’s very soothing and this tea is very good for you. The spa’s private rooms are very nice and so are the common rooms. Each common room feels private in a way. I always get the de-stressing massage with lavender aroma. Soon as I get home, I sleep like a baby.

Suria Spa in Tiendecitas. I also like this spa because it is clean and very new. I love the private room because it’s very complete. You have your own shower and bathtub. The room also has a separate basin with a faucet for your foot scrub. It’s just like checking in your very own hotel room. The masseuse is very good, too. The spa also offers salt scrubs, which I strongly recommend you try. It exfoliates your entire body. I promise you, you will get hooked doing the salt scrubs. The courteous staffers can also give a good manicure and pedicure. The only thing is that it is a bit pricey and the towels are brown.

The Nail Spa (687-4991). This is my favorite place for nail treatments. The technicians don’t murder your nails. They also give nice hand and foot massages. They have a sterilizer and it’s very important that they sterilize their manicure and pedicure sets so that you don’t get any disease.

Beauty Bar. It’s serious about doing the nails especially the feet. I love it that Beauty Bar has separate sink for your feet. The attendants here are also very careful when it comes to cleaning your nails the right and professional way. They have sterilizers, too. They have paraffin wax treatments that are just wonderful.

The spas that I have mentioned offer gift certificates. This is one Mother’s Day gift that I strongly recommend you give to the women you care for in your life. This is a gift not only for their physical renewal but also for renewed energy. Having a relaxing feeling has more rewarding effects to the mind and spirit. Taking the time to take care of yourself helps your strained and stressed body to renew itself, giving you a more positive attitude and a light feeling. It’s like icing on the cake, really, when you take the time to pamper yourself and have others share the experience with you. It’s very healthy that you learn how to love yourself so that you will have more love to give to your family, friends and loved ones.

So share this rewarding experience to the one and only mother that you love because you know that she deserves every minute of it. It makes me feel so happy to see my mom looking young, energetic and laughing all the time. I can clearly see that she feels loved and she unconditionally gives us love. She regularly goes to get her facial, does Pilates and gets a regular massage. She, too, realizes that taking the time to love herself is very important. When you take care of yourself, it shows in your aura. A sense of well being makes you look your best.