Facial and music spa for melons

A farmer polishes a Japanese muskmelon with facial pads at Mono Farm in Putrajaya, Malaysia in this picure taken April 8, 2021. A trio of Malaysian farmers are applying the right concoction of nutrients and treatments to successfully grow Japanese muskmelons, one of the world's most expensive fruits. 

The farmers regularly rub the melons with a soft cloth or glove, a practice called "tama-fuki" said to enhance their flavor, and play classical music over speakers in the greenhouses, which is believed to stimulate growth. 

-reuters-

Christmas 2015: Have a spa-cation

MANILA -- As "staycations" gain popularity among Filipinos, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila offers a twist with its spa-cation package.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the Ortigas business center, the hotel provides not only five-star accommodations to business and leisure travelers but also a place for respite with the launch of the Flow Spa, which is located at the 22nd floor.

Guests who avail of Marco Polo's spa-cation package get to fully relax by availing of their treatments the Flow Spa, while enjoying their spacious and well-appointed rooms.

“We aim to have our guests enjoy the whole experience — from the moment that they check-in to when they move onto our treatment rooms until they get into those elevators. We aim to give them an unforgettable experience from start to finish,” said assistant spa manager Rules Sales.

The treatment starts in the welcoming reception and lounge area decorated in soft neutral colors, where guests are asked to answer a “spa consultation” form for any allergies or areas of concern, while freshening up with a hot towel and sipping on coffee or lemon grass tea.

It has nine whole body massage treatments to choose from, aside from foot treatments and body scrubs. Highly recommended would be their Flow Signature Massage. For 90 minutes, your body will be pampered with a massage that fuses eastern and western techniques.

Thai massage is one of the techniques employed, which is said to stretch joints to increase mobility, as well as stretch your back to its normal length, releasing tensions accumulated throughout the day.

Lomi-lomi massage, another employed technique which originated from Hawaii, uses hand-kneading movements to soothe muscles, help ease pain and aches, and is said to have restorative benefits to the body. A steam bath at the start is an option, a great way to begin your pampering.

As an introductory promotion, the Flow Signature massage for two is discounted at P5,000 until December 31, an ideal gift for a loved one, or a treat for yourself and a significant person in your life.

Flow Spa is not exclusive to the hotel’s in-house guests as walk-ins are welcome. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Spa-cation packages

But if you want to go on a spa-cation during the Christmas season, the Splendid Holiday Getaway Package at P13,500 net for two nights. The package comes complete with stay-cation must-haves — fast Wi-Fi, a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Cucina Restaurant, and complimentary use of their infinity pool and fitness center. Additional perks include a Filipino favorites dinner enjoyed in-room, as well as holiday treats from Café Pronto.

For those looking for a quick breather might wish to opt for the overnight stay package, starting at P7,000 net per night which is inclusive of breakfast for two, a Filipino ala carte merienda at Cucina, holiday treats from Café Pronto, with the usuals -- high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as complimentary use of the pool and fitness center.

For this holiday season, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s restaurant outlets like Cucina will serve Christmas Eve lunch (P1,850 net/person) and dinner (P3,370 net/person), while Lung Hin offers a Oriental Holidays menu (starting at P2,388++/person) featuring cold cuts, various dimsum, and dessert on December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1 only.

Meanwhile, the hotel's sky bar Vu’s will host a countdown party on December 31 starting at P1,250 net per person, inclusive of one standard drink.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

One of world's top hotel spas is in Boracay

MANILA – A spa in Boracay has been named by a hotel booking website as one of the world’s best.

Agoda.com included Chi Spa of Shangri-La Boracay in its 2015 list of world-class hotel spas, which is based on hotel ratings, customer comments and consultations with hotel specialists.

In a press release, Agoda praised Chi Spa for its villas overlooking a private bay, spa treatments based on Philippine health traditions, comprehensive wellness packages and its clean private beach.

Other spas that made the cut include Bali’s Komaneka at Tanggayuda, Paris’ Royal Monceau Raffles, India’s The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra Hotel, Munich’s Bayerischer Hof, New Zealand’s The Langham Auckland, Malaysia’s The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and Chiang Mai’s Rarinjinda Wellness Spa Resort.

Two other Philippine properties have been featured in Agoda’s list in previous years – Dusit Thani’s Deverana Spa in 2014, and Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu in 2013.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Stay cool at Ace Water Spa

Among the four basic elements of the universe that ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles has conceived, it is water that bore the most importance in many cultures and traditions across the world. Such was it revered for its therapeutic and sometimes medical effects. Greeks and Romans performed bathing practices, with the latter investing in it more—building bathhouses due the accessibility of aqueducts and cement.

Over time, Europe, Japan, and the United States also maintained a good share of hot springs and thermal lakes.

It has also become a trend in the Philippines, most recently, with Filipino families who spend time together in spas.

Water to help cleanse, relax, and heal—it is within this resolve that local water spa Ace Water Spa sprang from. A brainchild of those behind Ace Hotel & Suites, a hotel chain that prides itself for its plush design and deluxe service wrapped around Filipino creativity and hospitality, Ace Water Spa is more than an emerging name in the city scene.

Convenient in terms of proximity as it’s near the city’s major business districts, it is located at the heart of Kapitolyo in Pasig City. Apart from the spa center, it includes other superb facilities, such as restaurants, conference rooms and round-the-clock concierge.


To celebrate its first year in the business, Ace Water Spa aims to take the summer heat to a whole new, sizzling level. This coming May 24 and May 25, it’s set to stage a luau-themed party to the wild beat of party music.

Call +632-3307776, +632-4049995 or +632-4628222 to 23, or visit www.acewaterspa.com.ph.

For more details, checkout METRO magazine May 2013 issue, now available in newsstands and bookstores nationwide.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com