Philippine Travel Articles (courtesy of )

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the art of pampering
It's the end of the year and there are
endless parties to attend. What to
do? Pamper yourself at some of the
best spas in town to relieve holiday
stress and polish your look at our
favorite salons. All that's left is to
party the night away.
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THE PALM GARDEN
UNIQUE TOUCH:
Palm Garden (22nd Floor, Penthouse, Strata 11 Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila; Tel: (+632) 632-92791632-92801631-2879) prides itself in being a pioneer of the local spa industry. It was first to introduce services and standards that are now taken for granted: a shower and a sauna area, an exclusive section for men and women, aromatherapy and body scrubs... even the piped in new age music. Imagine that before it opened in 1992, women had to have their massages in the morning because that's when the men weren't in the communal massage rooms!
SIGNATURE TREATMENT:
Over the years, Palm Garden is best known for their massages.
SANCTUARY STYLE:
Recently renovated, it now has minimalist interiors in an almost all-white palette. The white atmosphere is very tranquil and sooth­ing. It is made cozy by warm lighting and whimsical touches, like a gold fish swimming in a bowl in every private room and cute bath toys in every tub. There's a touch of art too, with beautiful pho­tographs of master photographer Bien Bautista adorning the private rooms and public spaces.
EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE:
The Decleor treatment. A French import, it is a unique aromatherapy massage technique using Decleor products that are one hundred percent pure and all-natural. For those who want to try something different, the massage feels like a whole new choreography on the body. If you are looking for unique treats to give, Palm Garden also offers holiday gift certificates.
THE SURIYA SPA
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UNIQUE TOUCH:
In the heart of one of Manila's busiest shopping districts, the Suriya Spa (3/F Glorietta 3, Ayala Commercial Center, Makati City; Tel: (+632) 893-1818; email: www.suriyaspa.com) is an oasis of calm and relaxation. Once ensconced in the soothing interiors of one of its sixteen private rooms, it is hard to believe that so much hustle and bustle is just a wall away.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT:
For those who've done a little too much shopping or for the execu­tive who needs to de-stress over lunch, Suriya offers an express solution. The twenty-five minute Spot Tension-Release Back
Massage will have you seated in a massage chair while having the tension and fatigue quickly rubbed away.
SANCTUARY STYLE:
The modern Asian theme is suggested by oriental chairs and stone-covered walkways.
EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE:
The Balinese Boreh Wrap. Lose yourself in the aroma of herbs and spices as you enjoy the unique sensation of being wrapped in a blanket of banana leaves. Known for its deep penetrating heat, this wrap is a great exfoliating scrub.
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NEO DAY SPA
UNIQUE TOUCH:
Neo Spa (GIF, Net One Center,26th St. corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Metro Manila; Tel: (+632) 815-8233; website: www.neo.ph) is a new spa in the newest part of the city. You'll feel renewed yourself after an hour or two in this meditative, Zen inspired sanctuary.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT:
The Zen Bodywork Massage integrates the traditional concepts and techniques of shiatsu and western osteopathic and therapeutic mas­sage. This 90-minute therapy aims to free the flow of energy along the meridians, thereby releasing tension and balancing the mind and body.
SANCTUARY STYLE:
A modern take on Zen design, the minimalist interior helps free the mind of stressful inner clutter.
EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE:
The Ingham Method of Reflexology. Neo is the only reflexology center in the Philippines that offers this treatment co-developed by Eunice Ingham, the founder of reflexology. This technique restores and maintains the body's natural equilibrium and encourages the body's natural ability to heal itself.
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SANCTUARIO SPA, SALON & ORGANIC CAFE
UNIQUE TOUCH:
Sanctuario (1829 Jorge Bocobo Street, Malate, Manila; Tel: (+632) 450-1127; website: www.sanctuario.com.ph) is extraordinary in that it is the first spa to promote ancient Filipino healing traditions. While still offering the already popular Swedish, Japanese and Thai treatments, this spa aims to introduce to a broader audience native massage treatments and beautifying rituals local fans have long sworn by.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT:
Literally for those with frazzled nerves, hilot is a local therapeutic massage that aims to right the flow of energy by working on the nerves instead of the muscles. Long practiced for its healing effects on sprains, strains and other injuries, hilot can now be enjoyed as a "new" form of deep full-body massage.
SANCTUARY STYLE:
Set in a restored ancestral home in a charming corner of old Manila, Sanctuario offers a uniquely local environment for pamper­ing.
EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE:
Tsokolate Ahhhh! Translated: Chocolate Mmmmm! This is a , two-hour treatment using all-Filipino ingredients that will leave one feeling delicious. Indulge in a Choco Soap Wash, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Prep, Native Dark Chocolate Scrub, and Carabao Milk Bath, topped with a full-body massage with Cocoa Butter.
ACE WATER SPA
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UNIQUE TOUCH:
Imagine a massage that involves no human touch, instead you get alternately stroked and pounded by warm streams of water. Ace Water Spa (399 Del Monte Ave., San Francisco Del Monte near cor­ner Banawe St., Quezon City; Tel: (+632) 367-8040) offers hydrotherapy massage with the use of various heated pools and ultrasonic jet systems in its huge 2,400 square meter space.
SIGNATURE TREATMENT:
The Bubble Pool is the most popular spot in the water spa. It uti­lizes a combination of water and air pressure to produce an ultra
sonic sound that gives an effective massage on temporal pressure points of the head. Its therapeutic benefits include decreasing insomnia, tension, and even menstrual pains.
SANCTUARY STYLE:
A family place with different pools for fun or relaxation.
EXCEPTIONAL INDULGENCE:
Hydro Acupuncture Bed. High-pressure hot spring water comes out from micro holes within the surface of the bed, producing an effect similar to acupuncture.
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