Learning how to run a spa at an early age, Jove Schrottmann endeavors to keep Boracay’s Mandala Spa and Villas on the health and wellness map of the island paradise. The establishment is all about earth-friendly healing, offering holistic therapies, soothing services and pampering privileges all at a posh, eco-friendly location.
He inherited the wellness business from his father, a native of Germany, who migrated to Boracay. Jove’s training ranged from being front office agent to restaurant service staff, eventually running the resort when he earned his degree in International Hospitality Management at IMI University Centre in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Now at 26, he oversees the award-winning Mandala, devoting much of his time imbibing the enterprise’s philosophy.
Holistic
“I like reading our guests’ comments and recommendations. Nothing pleases me more than knowing we may have changed or improved someone’s quality of life through their experiences with us,” he said.
Backstage Pass learns more about being green as Jove talks about holistic philosophy and how he’s choosing natural products for a greener, more eco-friendly life.
My family has been in the business of wellness… since the 1980s, when my father founded Health for the New Age, Inc.—the first Shiatsu treatment in the Philippines that was done in cooperation with Philippine School of the Blind.
When it comes to running Mandala, my favorite thing to do is… empowering our people to think like the owner.
My wellness philosophy is… a lifestyle of wellness creates a positive attitude toward self, others, and society in general. It is a willingness to learn and experience new ideas, and to
establish a positive approach toward an imperfect life.
Spa sensibilities
My daily diet includes… a shot of fresh wheatgrass everyday. I take my juices, varying from fruits, greens and beet roots before my daily exercise routines. I am fond of bio-wines, and enjoy healthy meals without being too strict on myself.
I’m most comfortable in… my white linens for work, and mostly shorts and shirts during my personal hours. My wardrobe consists mostly of white and black, and some gray.
To keep fit I… do yoga, swim and mixed martial arts throughout the week.
To relax, I indulge in… Mandala’s Deep Tissue Massage with an Invigorating Ginger Bath after. And if I am really tired or feel the need for something more, I would take our Shodhana Karma treatment with a luxurious Lulur Scrub and a sauna session.
Our Royal Licorice and Green Tea Facial by Pevonia is also great. This hour-long facial allows me to relax while getting extra vitamins for my skin. I also make it a point to detoxify at least once or twice a year with Mandala’s Detox treatment of special juices, lymph drainage massage and natural colema.
Staples in my bathroom are… the complete men’s line of Pevonia, from facial cleansers to body wash and balms. I also love our organic peppermint soap, coconut conditioner and shampoos.
When I’m in the city, I get my hands on… products from The Body Shop, and Neutrogena SPF 50+. My signature scent is Kenzo for men.
Bath products my mom used on me as a child were… Johnson’s Baby Soap No More Tears formula, Johnson’s Baby Oil and just plain lukewarm water.
For grooming, I’m most particular about… using all-natural products that preferably have a positive impact on the livelihood of those working for that brand. The Body Shop, for example, is a green brand with an amazing line of products from hemp, coconut, and wild berries.
Pevonia is also a green brand—we share the same advocacy of planting trees. Pevonia plants 100 trees per year through the Arbor foundation while we, at Mandala, plant trees for every treatment booked at our spa.
Top tip
Many have discovered the powerful properties of coconut oil. So it’s no surprise that Jove is partial to products with this star ingredient. Try Coconut Oil Hair Shine of The Body Shop (P495). When applied on the scalp, it promotes healthy hair growth, the natural way. Because coconut oil is so rich in nutrients, it is able to stimulate hair follicles and contribute to the general health of the scalp.
For the body, try The Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry Shower Gel (P395). This soap-free shower gel contains raspberries picked early in the season. Slather all over to give your skin a delicate scent and make it a little bit softer. Enjoy marked-down prices this week as The Body Shop celebrates its 18th anniversary sale.
Contact Mandala Spa at (036) 2885858; visit www.man
dalaspa.com