“Le Spa”-tacular Spectacular

After a cleansing facial at Flawless Friday night, my pampering adventures with Jeman Villanueva of OrangeMagazineTv would continue over the weekend as we ventured to the Sofitel Manila in Pasay for a much needed massage.

I’ve been to Sofitel a lot of times, back when I was still an editor of the globally circulated maritime newspaper Tinig ng Marino, but I honestly haven’t heard of their wellness center, Le Spa, before.

Guess, you know who’s a regular at the Spiral Buffet.

Jeman, however, swears its one of best in the city, and I was just eager to find out.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself really as an expert; I’d say I’ve tried a lot of Spa centers, especially when I’m booked at a hotel. For me, the Kai Spa at Boracay Regency. Terra Spa at the Discovery Suites and The Spa are among my favorites, oh and there’s also Wensha when I’m hungry.

But before I go to our Le Spa experience, let me share with you a few signs that you really need a massage.

1.”It’s been quite a while,You’ve really kept me wanting you;You’ve got some style, so unique,You’re beautiful, so warm, so deep,” …..and you just sang the first part of Loving you…

If you haven’t had a massage for months or even years, its definitely time to get one. Massage works more effectively when it is received on a regular basis, and regular doesn’t mean every year. And don’t think that your therapist has a crush on you if he/she asks you to come back monthly. A monthly massage especially if you have injuries or are simply overworked is necessary.

2. You have neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, T-pain— and every other kind of pain. That means you’r body is telling you to take things slow and that something isn’t quite right. Ignoring your body signals just because you are too busy will make things worse.

Another pain indicator is having headaches.  If your shoulder, back and neck muscles are too tense it can result to headaches.

Can’t reach your toes or turn head/neck as far as you usually do, or have difficulty raising your arm all the way up, muscular restrictions can be alleviated by a good massage.

Regular maintenance massages can relieve these tension headaches and help promote healthy posture so you wont look like the fifth member of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Massages can even provide some relief for migraine sufferers.

Relax, take a break, and grab a massage.

3. You are beginning to look like Po, from Kung Fu Panda, or a racoon, and are only able to take power naps even at night. Lack of sleep or if you are having difficulty  sleeping, massage therapy can help promote healthy sleep habits by getting you relaxed.

4. You are  Stressed out.You are stressed out. You are stressed out.

Admit it. You are not Mr. or Ms. Cool—no matter how hard you try, things are bound to get on your nerves. The more work you do the more you are subject to stress. Chill out. One of the best ways to decrease levels of stress and increase your endorphin levels is to get a massage.

5. Lastly, If you are in the middle of training, for marathon, biking, swimming, hiking or preparing for some strenuous activity or sport, the more you challenge your body physically, the more you should be kind to your body by getting a good massage to keep you injury free.

If you agree with even one of those five reasons, well better get an appointment with your massage therapist–or maybe try out Le Spa!

Le Spa brings together worldwide ancient traditions and the refinement and skill of the latest in French cosmetology to give you an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience.

“Awake your senses and feel re-energized with a selection of health and beauty treatments. Explore a new kind of spa experience with a wide range of poetic and surprising treatments. Discover all the ingredients to sublime your natural glow and make the stresses and strains of daily life fade away with our menu inspired by gastronomy,” its description read.

Hmmm… so was it an exhilarating and rejuvenating experience for us? Read on…

As with other wellness centers in Hotels Le Spa boasts of a very spacious and cozy lobby,  you might want to arrive a bit early to chill out first and have enough time to try the other facilities such as its wet and dry sauna and the hot/cold pool.

TAKE A SHOWER. Its supposed to be a relaxing and clean experience.Just a few minutes to wash away your perspiration and make you smell good will do. You don’t want to make the therapist rush the massage just to get rid of you.

Since we were the only guests at that time (4:00 pm)we had the sauna and pool to ourselves. Oh make sure you bring extra undies or have disposable underwear if you plan on taking a dip, unless you are channeling David Gandy.

TIP:  A good massage starts before you reach the room. How easy was it to book an appointment and how accommodating were the receptionist to your inquiries. You are paying much so its good to know that they are concerned about you.  Just because its pricey doesn’t always guarantee a good experience.

Le Spa had very nice facilities and quite well maintained, my only complaint was they should add more non-slip mats as the floor can be quite slippery, and maybe get new slippers.

And while I understand privacy concerns, it would be better if they have at least one staff member at the locker room/pool area,  just in case one of their guests need something.

Thirty minutes after our pre-massage rituals we wore our robes (very thick cotton ones, like you see in those gangster movies) and led to the second floor where the massage rooms were located.

“Te we are doing a review ha,” I told my therapist as she guided t us to one of the  “couples” room. She just gave me that “ah wala akong sinabi” smile.

Better clear, than be doubted.

The room was nice, and smelled very relaxing, the music volume was just right and their playlist were quite up to my tastes.

Tip: If you don’t like the music or if its a bit too loud don’t hesitate to tell them. We all  have different tastes, but please don’t request Metallica or any of that loud stuff.

We were getting the Filipino Pride massage our therapists told us. The Filipino Pride seeks to Relieve muscle tension and energize the body with this invigorating combination of Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai and reflexology massages.

“Para lang Chowking lauriat, ” I thought to myself. (which made me hungry by the way.)

Tip: There are a LOT of options for massages. If you are not too familiar, make sure to tell the reception first what kind of massage you want and discuss the options. Its also a good thing if your therapist asks you about any injuries, health conditions before she begins your massage, that way she could make some changes and avoid some areas. Ask questions and if your therapist looks like she doesn’t care a bit, request for another one. Just don’t base it on his/her looks, unless….

Read a bit about the description of the massage you are choosing and ask  about its benefits. You need to know what you are getting and what you should feel afterwards.

Our therapists were initially quiet but they kept asking us if the temperature was okay, if the pressure was too hard and even pointed out the “knots” on my back (suggesting I get another massage soon to totally get rid of them).

They were also very careful with the draping of the towel, which shows their professionalism and respect for the client. As you can see in the picture we were pretty much wrapped up. Guess they couldn’t stand seeing our very “tabascular” physiques.

Just like my previous massages, I often request my therapist to focus on my arms and wrists as I have carpal tunnel syndrome. Getting a good firm massage on those areas are the most relaxing for me.

TIP: Its good if your masseuse starts with a bit of stretching to ease you a bit. A good therapist also knows how to work away your stiffness as they say it takes 90 percent skill and 10 of that magic touch. If you feel they are rushing a bit, let them know. Your right half as well as the left side should be equal.

My therapist was able to work all my body parts starting with the feet, legs, knees, pelvic, lower back, then shoulders and neck before asking me to turn around for some head, neck, chest and down to the feet once again. She was also quite receptive whenever I would grunt or move a bit asking if the pressure was a little bit to hard. back, lower back, legs, pelvic, then turn me around for face, neck, chest, stomach, legs again, and finally feet. And though I requested extra time for my arms and wrists she never skipped any other part. Nice.

TIP: The stroke, routine, and pressure of the massage should feel identical, if not, maybe she isnt as good as she says. Uniformed strokes is key to getting the most relaxing massage.

I don’t know if it was a bonus or not but we also got a cleansing facial right after our massage. Thankfully, there was no pricking just a facial massage and some cream applied to finish off our treatment.

Overall, it was a pretty good experience. Its a bit pricey, but like I said, their therapists are pretty skilled and know how to take care of you. The massage doesn’t feel rushed and the extra facial massage was fantastic!

So if ever you’re checked in at Sofitel Manila of are looking for a truly relaxing spa experience, please do check out Le Spa.

Here’s a list of their services that you might want to check out:

 

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LOCAL FAVORITES

60 to 120 minutes Price from Php 2,000 to Php3,500

Filipino Pride
Relieve muscle tension and energize the body with this invigorating combination of Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai and reflexology massages.

Mayon Wrapsody
Wake up to deliciously smooth skin with this organic treat that combines the benefits of natural skin-lightening calamansi, papaya body scrub and a mineral-rich volcano clay body wrap.

Mango Delight Scrub
Delight in a pampering body scrub that moisturizes and gently exfoliates skin using one of the Philippines’ most popular tropical fruits. The treatment restores moisture, smoothness and suppleness of the skin.

Coconut Milk Body Glow Scrub
A rejuvenating body scrub comprised of a sea salt body scrub and a Philippine coconut milk treatment. It greatly improves the appearance of skin, leaving it renewed, glowing and deeply moisturized.

Hilot Secret
Experience the purity of Hilot, the ancient Filipino art of healing with this total mind and body experience. Enjoy the soothing sensation of virgin coconut oil, essential oils and the heat of aromatic banana leaves.

Aloe Vera After – Sun Treatment
This treatment soothes, repairs and rejuvenates the skin after exposure from the sun’s harmful rays. It also smoothens and tones your epiderm.

WORLD’S BEST
60 to 90 minutes Price from Php 2,000 to Php3,500

After Shopping Massage
Relish an invigorating Ginger Scrub followed by sole reflexology using revitalizing aromatic oils of acupressure points of the feet to stimulate energy and restore body balance.

Marrakech Sweetness
Transport yourself to the fragrant gardens of Marrakech with this ultimate mood enhancer. It begins with a mint and green tea exfoliation, followed by a light and gentle massage using wide, sweeping hand movements.

Slimming Ceremony
A massage combining relaxation and slimming results. A lymphatic massage of the legs, combined with rolling movements and suction pads, detoxify and tone the skin. This treatment reduces the appearance of cellulite, as well as fluid retention in the stomach and legs. For visible results, a series of treatments is required.

Hotstone Rolling
Restore physical, emotional and spiritual balance with this full body treatment, using smooth volcanic stones to dissolve muscle tension.

Siam Energy
A traditional Sino-Oriental method, this massage combines the firm, restorative strokes of acupuncture with “Passive Stretching. Siam swabs enliven the skin leaving it silky soft with a beautiful, vibrant glow.

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Next time though, I’d probably be bringing my significant other and try out the “Duo” Couple’s Romantic Ritual.

“A 3-hour use of a romantic couple’s suite with a choice of a 90-minute Marrakech Sweetness or Filipino Pride massage for two; includes a bottle sparkling wine, decadent pralines and a sensuous bath ritual.”

Now, that would be perfect.