Any mention of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila usually includes praise for its all-day dining outlet Spiral. Much has been said and written about its dedicated cheese room and the wide range of cuisines available but there is another establishment on the same floor that is gaining its own set of followers.
Le Spa, which reopened after extensive renovations a few months ago, is the elegantly designed spa that offers a selection of luxurious face and body treatments.
Late last year, it offered for a limited time a wine treatment that included a wrap where one emerged with skin that was taut and smelled pleasantly of grapes. Vinotherapy or vinotherapie makes use of the pips and pulp from winemaking. These remnants are massaged on the skin as they have been found to be excellent exfoliants.
Teatime
Now, the spa uses an exclusive range of treatments based on the beneficial properties of tea, long considered as one of nature’s most effective elixirs.
According to material provided by Themae, it has harnessed the natural powers of four tea extracts, namely regenerating white tea, stimulating black tea, soothing red tea and antioxidant green tea.
Tea actively contributes to slowing the skin’s signs of aging by neutralizing the free radicals that break down collagen and elastin. At Le Spa, one can be steeped in the tea-laden treatments by Thémaé.
“Guests are treated to a complete suite of health, wellness and beauty whenever they come to Sofitel to be pampered,” Sofitel general manager Adam Laker said in a statement. “With Thémaé, we believe that once again we have raised the bar, with signature therapies that are as effective as they are indulgent.”
At Le Spa, treatments are performed in any of nine treatment rooms although if one wishes to splurge, they can choose either of two romantic suites, Jardin d’Eden or Harmonie. Both are equipped with plush towels and oversize tubs but the former offers access to a sun deck and terrace with a view of Manila’s famed sunset. Needless to say, couples or singles must time and book their treatments accordingly.
Using signature treatments that range from traditional eastern to modern western techniques, Le Spa takes pride in blending the best of two worlds—the Filipino touch with French expertise—with such treatments as the Hilot Secret, the ancient native art of healing massage.
Relaxing treatments such as the Elixir, Gentleman’s Regenerative Massage and Hot Stone Rolling are also popular, along with Le Spa signature facials, body scrubs and rituals for two.
During a recent visit to the hotel, this writer requested for the Hilot Secret. Minutes into the treatment, I fell asleep; their secret is, thus, still safely hidden.
New treatments
In their desire to offer clients more choices, Le Spa has come up with new treatments like the three-hour Couple’s Romantic Ritual (P6,000) in a couple’s suite with a choice of a 90-minute Marrakech Sweetness or Filipino Pride massage for two. The complete treatment includes pralines and a bottle of sparkling wine to share, and a sensuous bath ritual.
Brides-to-be or anyone in the mood to celebrate can try the three-hour Before the Special Day treatment (P6,000) that includes a Purity Radiance Facial, Coconut Milk Body Glow Scrub, and a Filipino Pride Massage.
Two treatments designed for moms and moms-to-be are Mommy & Me (P6,000) and Cocoon Massage (P3,200). The first consists of a mango body scrub for mom and a choco body wrap for her child, followed by baths and massages. The second was specially developed for expectant mothers and consists of gentle, comforting strokes to improve blood circulation, relax muscles and soothe legs.
If you want to work up a sweat instead of indulge in a facial or massage, the health and fitness center So Fit is also on the second level of Le Spa. It provides a selection of wellness programs with top-of-the-line cardio machines from Life Fitness, free weights and Kinesis training machines. Yoga and Pilates sessions are also on offer. Call first to book a class.
Call 5515555; e-mail lespa@sofitelmanila.com; visit www.sofitelmanila.com.