AMW Reports: Le Spa Experience at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Happy Weekend AMW Friends!

Yes, you are seeing another spa review!  You have to give it to me as working full time plus a lot of side jobs are giving my body aches I haven't experienced in the past.  Plus, November 3 was actually our "We're officially together" anniversary.  Mr. AMW and I celebrated 16 years of true love and friendship!  And what's the best way to celebrate that?  Good food and perfect relaxation!   We had a good lunch at Spiral (will talk more about it tomorrow on my Weekend Food Trip post) then a relaxation time at Le Spa (just a stone throw away from Spiral).

Le Spa is located at the Plaza Level of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.  Upon stepping in the Le Spa reception area, I was immediately put at ease as the interior screams classy with a modern twist!  Aside from that, the usual friendly greeting with genuine smile from staffs put both me and Mr. AMW at ease (seriously, we're allergic to snooty establishments and you won't feel that at Sofitel Manila and Le Spa).

Reception area

Take a couple of steps further back, check out the HUGE receiving area (photo below)!  Mr. AMW used to dislike massages because of his ticklish bones *laughs*, so he prefers to wait for me at the lounge or waiting room every time I have my own massage.  With a comfortable sofa and a flat screen TV and a nice cup of ginger tea (served free by Le Spa)?  I'm sure an hour or two will pass by quickly!

Spa Review: Toccare Spa (2nd Time Around)

Happy Tuesday!

I haven't posted about any Spa places for the past year!  Why?  Well, this lady got pregnant, gave birth, and got super busy with the baby I didn't even have "me" time!  I was just browsing through my Spa reviews recently and long for a nice relaxing massage!  After giving birth, I had one from "Manang Luz" who does home service but the complete wellness package inside the spa is what my body is looking for!

One of the few Spa Places that I tried that left a lasting impression on me is Toccare Spa, feel free to read my first visit last March 2012 HERE.  

AMW Reports: Toccare Spa

Hair Color --- check!

Hair Treatment --- check!

Now what's left to complete my ultimate pampering package AMW style?

Massage!!!

After I came back from my teaching gig in China, I told Mr. AMW that I have never found a "spa" place that gives me the comfort as what I've experienced in Shenzhen, I actually purchased a 12 sessions + 3 free for a year membership!  It was pricey but it was all worth it as teaching isn't easy, the stress, the pressure that I've experienced, I'm glad I have a "spa" place were I can throw my troubles away.

Back in Manila, I've had bits of services that are my favorite but I can only find them on different places.  Where's the TOTAL package that I was looking for?  After several years of search, I've finally found it!  

At Toccare Spa

It was perfect as I just finished a makeup gig that day.  A girl's gotta learn how to relax, and I'm learning pretty fast! :)

Toccare Spa is located at the Antel Spa Suites, once you get into the lobby area, you will be directed to an elevator that goes straight to 4th floor.  Once I got in, I was greeted by the receptionist and you get to choose the services you want!  You can choose from their packages available or you can personalize it base on your needs.

I was given the chance to choose the scent of the oil, the scent of the room and the type of music to be played (available for private rooms only).  For the oil, I went for Lemongrass while the room scent, I chose Lavander.  For the music?  I want for nature!

I was ushered to the changing room were I get to put my stuff inside the locker provided.  Any service you choose, you can go for Dry Sauna, Wet Sauna or Jacuzzi.  I went for 15 minutes Dry Sauna and watched "The Buzz" while I drink a cold glass of water. (There's a television right outside the sauna and you can actually see it as they're facing you!).

 

I had a quick shower right after and changed into a robe.

For every services you avail, you also get a complimentary 15 minutes foot ritual.  The pedicure/manicure and food ritual room's interior is well decorated.  The ambiance is very relaxing!

A television was there right in the middle of the room just in case guests wants to watch cable television programs.

My foot spa started by dipping my feet into a warm tub of water as the attendant sprinkled some bath salts and scrubbed my feet and legs massaging it all at the same time.

I was offered drinks so I chose hot tea as I enjoy a bit of the magazines.

The foot spa ended with the application of lotion on both feet and legs and a nice massage.

Skin Nourishment Body Scrub 

60 minutes

Lemon-grass Sage Salt Scrub

Php1,500 (approx $35.00)

I was led into a common room for my body scrub, the room has its own shower, sofa and sink.  You get to strip off your robe for body scrub so it is advisable that you bring extra undies so you don't have to be in your birthday suit.

The scrub itself felt a bit uncomfortable at first as I seldom have someone "scrub" my body!  The pressure of the "scrub" can always be requested, I am glad my attendant have such "light" hands and I was put to ease in no time.  

After the scrub, I was asked to wash off the lemon-grass sage salt scrub and my skin felt moisturized immediately after even without oil or lotion.

Filipino Hilot

Php1,000 (approx $23.50) for 60min

Php1,200 (approx $28.00) for 90min

This can be done in a private room and I immediately took a shot as the room reminded me so much of my favorite private room in Shenzhen, China. 

I looked around and saw a sink, toothpaste and toothbrush just in case client would like to brush their teeth after!

The unique thing about Filipino Hilot is the warm banana leaves that was pressed on my back.  It immediately soothes the pain around my back and the massage done was to die for!  The massage started at the back area down to the legs then the head.  The oil used absorbed immediately into my skin miraculously leaving me with no greasy feel!

I actually dozed off a bit and woke up again when I have the Appertizer Facial next.  It was for good 30 minutes and they actually used Pevonia Botanica skincare products!   

After more than 3 hours of total treatment, I changed and went to Mr. AMW who's waiting for me in this waiting area.  Mr. AMW applaud the spa for the comfortable waiting area and he told me the staffs took care of him by offering drinks!

By the way, for any package you get, you can choose to include the SPA CUISINE to complete the ultimate pampering experience!  Though the meal was good for 1 person, I think it is even enough for 2!  I went back to the Foot Ritual room to watch HBO movie and enjoy the lovely dishes served with Mr. AMW.  It felt like a date night! :)

Spa Cuisine for the night:

Pumpskin Soup, Salad with Vinaigrette,

Teriyaki Chicken with rice and vegetables and Blueberry Panna Cotta

Pros

• Staffs are very helpful and knowledgeable of each services offered.
• Place is very clean!
• Clean lockers, slippers and bath robes.
• Hair brushes and blow dryer available for clients to use.  They have hair brush sterilizers available which I appreciate a lot!
• Disposable toothbrush and toothpaste are available for clients to use.
• I was told the spa also have disposable underwear.
• Price is quite reasonable for the high class service they provide.
• The spa has a lot of choices to chose from on Body Massages, Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, Body Sculpt, Hand & Foot Repair, Face Therapy, Other Services like ear candling, hair waxing, threading and a lot more!
• The Spa Cuisine!  My overall spa experience ended around 10pm so most of the restaurants nearby were close and I was really hungry!  The extra service makes this spa a unique place to go to! 
• Seriously good food!

Cons

• The place is world class but it's not as accessible to everyone.
• I know it is just me, but I came in with makeup, and after the sauna, I went out with HUGE panda eyes from my eyeliner smudging everywhere.  It would be great if they have facial wash or makeup removers available.

Overall

I will definitely go back and will take my parents with me!  I may not go for the same services I had as I find it a bit too much (I'm not used to being pampered for more than 2 hours! hehehe)  I will definitely go back for more body massages and seriously? I"m actually looking forward for more of their cuisine!  

Toccare Spa

4th Floor Antel Spa Suites

7829 A. Venue Makati, 

Makati Avenue, Makati City

Tel. nos: (632)555-1232 or (63927) 768-6556
Website: http://www.toccarespa.com.ph

Facebook: Toccare Spa

Have you heard about Toccare Spa? 
Which among their services would you try?  

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

(Services provided for PR purposes.  Reviews 100% mine.)

AMW Reports: "The Spa" Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy Experience

Happy Manic Monday people!!!  I had a wonderful week last week!  I promised everyone I will do a couple of reports for the stuff I've done! The highlight for the week was a spa therapy experience which was the best thing I've done because I haven't had any massages or spa treatments for almost a year!  I've been caught up with so many stuff and with such hectic schedule, the only time for myself is my "stay at home" personal treatment!  So this will be the first after many months for a real "me" time.  I want to thank Emily, the Marketing Executive of The Spa, for the invitation!

I visited The Spa, Greenbelt 1 branch for The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy.  I am excited to try the treatment because it purifies and cleanses the skin as well as retain moisture, moisture retention - a magical phrase for dry skinned like myself!

I arrived 30 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment, I was taken aback a bit with the nice "Greek"  ambiance, it looks intimidating at first but the wonderful smile from the staffs made me comfortable at once!  I felt like a goddess from America's Next Top Model walking towards the reception area!  A girl can work it out right? 

The waiting area is quite comfortable and you can sit down and relax while you wait to be called.  You can feel at ease too that your loved ones will be comfortable waiting for you  as you pamper yourself.

Wonders: "Who's that pretty lady sitting and waiting?" hahahaha

As I was called to go up for my treatment, I was told that the left side of the door are for males and the right side are for females.  There are also private rooms for couples!  I really like it!  I love privacy!  Not that I'm afraid of paparazzis!  I just want my privacy on semi-naked times like these! hahaha

Now let's talk about the treatment I tried!  It's called The Spa Purifying Moroccan Mud Therapy, a 60 minute treatment of pure bliss and relaxation.

Envelopment in a layer of warm mud enriched with pure volcanic-based minerals, increases pure wellness by reducing muscle aches and pains, balancing the whole body system to promote beauty from the inside and the body's skin to a youthful optimum health.  Your body will surely radiate and achieve a delightful sense of utter renewal and well being.

 

I had a quick shower first then went for a relaxing sauna to calm my tired muscles from a whole day's activities.  The treatment started by spraying and brushing my entire body.  I was a bit hesitant with exfoliation but this scrubbing was done with such gentle hands that I nearly fell asleep.

 

Afterwards, my whole body was applied with warm mud that's mixed with the rassoul powder.  The warm mud application stimulates and releases impurities as the skin absorbs enriching minerals which makes the body radiates healthy glow as it deeply hydrates it.  I was then wrapped with a plastic sheet and fleece blanket cocoon style for approximately 15 minutes accompanied with a relaxing scalp massage.  A quick note from author, if you are claustrophobic, do let the staffs know as this treatment may overwhelm you!

After the wrapping process was done, I was unwrapped and asked to soak in a hi-tech jacuzzi bath which  made me feel like a princess with bubbles that I can play with! :)  I had another quick shower after and while my body was still damp, the application of body moisturizer was done for finishing touch.  I like the fact that my whole body does not feel greasy at all!

I am very particular with post treatment area.  I want a relaxing place to change, to dry my hair, to have some retouch and The Spa definitely passed my watchful eyes and OC-ness with flying colors!  Some simple amenities like body lotion, powder, blowdryer combs and brushes are available and I love the fact that their combs and brushes are well sanitized.

Relaxed and recharged after the treatment.  Even the hubby said I look refreshed!

 

Check out The Spa website for more services. They have branches at Trinoma, Bel-Air, Greenbelt, Alabang, Acropolis and The Fort.

The Purifying Moroccon Mud Therapy costs Php1,900 (approx $41.00) for non-members and Php1,700 (approx $37.00) for members.  It looks quite pricey but the relaxation and the experience is worth it!  I will definitely come back and invite my mom for a special QT (quality time).

Have you had a luxurious body treatment?
Willing to try?
Thanks again to the people of The Spa for making this such a relaxing experience!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!