M-Bay Health Spa: My Private Retreat for Tranquility in the City

I have a confession to make: Even I realize that sometimes, I tend to do so much. Part of the destructiveness of being someone who does too much is that I don't take time to do things that stir the blood and give strength  to the spirit. Simply put, I don't take time to unwind. And even when I do, I usually do it like I do the rest of my life- rushing, pressured and frantic. Indulgence and tranquility mean a change of pace, a gentleness with ourselves, a time of rest and renewal, and a time to stretch ourselves and encounter new ways and new options. The very newness opens the possibility of expanding our spirits and flushing out the stagnant particles in our life.

This indulgence, for me, came on a lovely Thursday afternoon where I was able to finally unwind and give myself a much needed break to de-stress. That's the perfect thing I do when I feel like life has gotten a bit too much- the solution of going to the spa is the perfect escape. I have to say, the perfect place for me to escape would have to be over at M-Bay Health Spa, which is the ultimate sanctuary for calm and tranquility.

M-Bay Health Spa is located conveniently at 778 Quirino Avenue, 1000 Manila, Philippines and is open daily from 1:00 pm to 1:00 am. Located conveniently in Manila's busiest streets, the modern structure and facade of the building is not hard to miss, and from the outside you can instantly feel the homey and calming, nurturing vibe with its zen inspired architecture and design. 

Upon entering, the modern facilities and the calming vibe through its interiors are very evident, which contributes to the overall spa experience. The locker rooms, are impeccable. 

 

They are clean, modern and complete with all the facilities you need and more, with the additional modernization from the Health Spa including a laser magnetic locker key which I had so much fun trying out. This was definitely a first for me! I spent a good 10 minutes getting over how amazing this was!

M-Bay Health Spa traces its roots to the Holiday Inn Hotel (Trader’s Hotel) where Shiatsu Massage Therapy was first introduced. In 1977, the late Roberto S. Benedicto, who was at that time the Philippines’ Ambassador to Japan, brought with him, upon his return, two of the best Japanese Shiatsu trainers, Noriko San and Matsuda San, who were both commissioned to teach local masseuses the Shiatsu way. It was at the Holiday Inn Hotel that the successful trainees first practiced the original Shiatsu massage. Holiday Inn Hotel (Trader’s Hotel), located along Roxas Boulevard, was then owned by Mr. Roberto S. Benedicto himself.  In 1989, the Shiatsu massage practitioners group moved to a new location, the Manila Bay Health and Fitness Center, also located along Roxas Boulevard. 

One of these practitioners, Ms. Gloria Felipe, is currently the Master Therapist at the M-Bay Health Spa. After years of successful operation, the group finally transferred to the current location, Quirino Avenue in Malate, Manila, in 1993.  



Today, under a new management, and carrying a new name, the M-Bay Health Spa. M-Bay Health Spa specializes in the traditional authentic Shiatsu massage, in addition to a range of other pampering services, to address your therapeutic needs. At the M-Bay Health Spa, tradition blends with modernity in its top-notch facilities. The staff and the company strive to make each visit worth your while.

This was indeed the perfect oasis for the calm I have been looking for. Aside from the topnotch and modern world class facilities the spa is infused with, it also is based on very traditional and authentic massage treatments and services and when I say authentic, I mean authentic. One of the pioneers of the upscale and ultimate spa experience, M-Bay Health Spa continues to primp and pamper clients with its new and improved facilities which boasts of a modern ambiance and the old world vibe that makes you feel like you have entered a sanctuary right in the heart of the city. Aside from being known for its traditional massage treatments, the spa also offers holistic treatments such as foot reflexology and Authentic Thai Massage, making it a veritable one stop pampering spot.

The highly trained and skilled staff waits on you hand and foot as they massage, soothe, relax and nurse your body into perfect relaxation, the added bonus being: the therapists know how to spoil you down to the smallest detail- from the ambiance, room temperature, refreshments- everything was taken care of, making me feel naturally like such a queen who did not get stressed or strained my entire stay.

 Sorry for the blurred photo, I was THAT relaxed!

The treatment I chose was the most invigoration and most relaxing 90 minute Authentic Swedish Oil Massage at the spa's private room, which included the basic amenities needed, including much needed privacy for the treatment I was to get. I have to say, this was the most unique experience I have ever had but in the best way as I felt all my stress and worries melt away as I was being massaged to total relaxation. 

Prior to the treatment, I got to spend a good 30-45 minutes enjoying the spa's amenities in their public locker area which are segregated for women and for men. These included a much needed shower, a steam, a Jacuzzi and my ultimate favorite, a charcoal heated sauna which all added up to the most invigorating spa experience. 

Aside from the privacy of the rooms and treatment areas, the spa is also the pioneer in having their "Royal" rooms, which include all the basic amenities of a sauna, shower and steam, plus your own personal Jacuzzi  in the privacy of your own room. The Royal Suites reminded me of a complete hotel room but if course with the added benefits of a soothing and calming atmosphere.

Aside from these topnotch suites, M-Bay Health spa also boasts of private rooms for one, two, four and up to 6-8 groups (which are I must say, ideal for those thinking of having a relaxing "SPArty" for themselves and their loved ones.)

 

 

Not lacking in facilities are the common areas, segregated for men and for women, which also offer the zen vibe, sans the privacy which I think is perfect for those on the go. 

Aside from my absolutely invigoration massage, I also experienced the authentic foot reflexology that the spa boasts of and I must say, think of highly as the skilled technicians knew which pressure points targeted or connected to which body parts. Along with the facilities such as having a second floor bar, which offers refreshments, the common area for hand and foot treatments are also equipped with ergonomic chairs and a television which guests may use according to their delight while having their treatments done.

 I was, I have to say, quite curious and incessantly inquired on which part of the body a pressure point on my foot translated to, which the well-versed and knowledgeable staff knew how to answer and explain. I appreciated that, because I am one of those people who find comfort in knowing the person giving me a treatment knows what he or she is doing, which was the case in this spa. 

Check out my photo with the wonderful team behind M-Bay Health Spa...

I have such positive reviews for my experience from M-Bay Health Spa and I reckon, I can only describe it to this extent. I highly recommend that anyone who wants to have an all-in-one pampering and an authentic and holistic relaxation, should head on over to M-Bay Health Spa and experience the rejuvenation for yourself!

xx, JL

M-Bay Health Spa

778 Quirino Avenue Malate, Manila

(02) 5221945

Open 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM
ahavialoungespa@gmail.com
Facebook Page: M-Bay Health Spa
LIST OF SERVICES: Click Here

To enjoy the experience I had, you may also enjoy of M-Bay Health Spa's Special Package and Rate, perfect for the season of love, as they are offering a relaxing massage for two over at DealDozen.com

Enjoy This Valentine's Season with a Relaxing Massage for Two Inclusive of a Private Room!

Find out more about the deal by visiting:

http://www.dealdozen.com