MANILA, Philippines - From the runway to the edge of the universe, Ariella “Ara” Arida first dazzled the world when she was crowned Miss Universe third runner-up in 2013. Even in cold Moscow where the Miss Universe pageant was held, Ara sizzled on stage in her red bikini, garnering much praise for her well-toned physique. She later won Best in Swimsuit.
“I remember when I was preparing for Miss Universe, I was so strict with my diet. No salt, no carbs, no sweets. I was basically eating steamed broccoli, fish and chicken without any flavor,” she reveals, adding that she also worked out three to five times a week, up to two hours per session, to further tone and sculpt her body. These measures may have seem a bit extreme at the time, but Ara’s hard work and sacrifices paid off.
Today, Ara has adopted a more balanced approach to health and wellness. She learned that a crown may add sparkle, but it’s a happy disposition and balanced well-being that truly lets you shine in life.
Though she has since passed on the crown to the next generation of pageant queens, Ara has maintained her regal beauty, and still lives by the royal decree — “to live life beautifully.”
This does not simply pertain to the physical, she clarifies. “True and lasting beauty stems from complete and holistic wellness. You are beautiful because you radiate from within, because your body and mind are in tune,” she says.
While regular exercise and a balanced diet keep her body and health in check, Ara turns to BlueWater Day Spa to help her achieve that harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit.
“I love BlueWater Day Spa. Ever since a friend of mine introduced it to me a few years ago, I’ve been hooked,” she reveals. “The massages are just so relaxing. They help me to realign and reconnect with myself,” she says, adding that her favorite treatments are the Foot Massage, IPL Hair Removal and the Bio-Collagen Facial Treatment.
“Sometimes, after a busy day or week, you feel so drained. That’s why I go to the spa to recharge. After a few hours, you come out feeling so refreshed,” she beams.
“The Bio-Collagen Facial is also incredible. It firms up your skin and helps you achieve that radiant glow,” she smiles. “But more than that, the entire experience is really soothing, you can feel the stress melting away. Also, the staffmembers of the spa are so kind and accommodating, so you know that you’re in good hands.”
Despite her hectic schedule, which is filled with hosting gigs, shoots and interviews, Ara never forgets to set aside time, at least a few hours a month, to indulge and pamper herself.
“Some people think that massages and facials are excessive, but I believe that these are necessary for one’s well-being. Taking care of yourself is a priority, so don’t ever feel guilty about giving into certain luxuries and indulgences,” she ends.
(BlueWater Day Spa has branches in Ortigas-Greenhills (727-8420), Makati (817-3126), Capitol Hills (473-0455), Eastwood City (915-1247), Tomas Morato (486-5455), Cotabato City (0922-8399751) and Naga City (0917-7391822). For more information, visit www.bluewaterdayspa.ph.)