Once an indulgence set aside for an occasion or for people with fat wallets, the spa has become a necessity or a means to de-stress. Spas today have evolved from pampering centers to proponents of health and fitness.

Driven by the trend of adopting an upbeat approach to enhancing well-being, The Spa has placed itself as a total wellness provider in urban setting. You can get a quick fix or an instant spa holiday without going out of town.

Based on its success at its flagship property, The Spa Wellness at Bonifacio Global City, Spa Wellness opened its second branch at Shangri-La Plaza’s East Wing. It offers three components: relaxation and rejuvenation services from The Spa; barre3, a workout that combines ballet, yoga and Pilates; and nonsurgical services for the face and body at Skin Dermatology and Laser Center.

As individuals are succumbing to the pressures of work and society’s increasing concern about appearances, their needs are more special. The Spa Wellness was developed to fulfill a more individualized approach to their clients’ needs, rather than just offering conventional packages.

Well-trained staff

Judianne Carrie Ang, general manager of The Spa Wellness. underscored that the company invests in a well-trained staff that can cater to discriminating clients. Therapists at The Spa undergo intensive year-long training that also includes refresher courses. They must be accredited by the Department of Health before they can work.

Despite its extensive menu of massages, scrubs and facials, most clients still favor the conventional massage for stress reduction.

The barre3 instructors have undergone intense training to ensure that students exercise correctly and avoid injuries. With over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and international certification from barre3 founder Sadie Lincoln, master trainer Joie Viado supervises these instructors.

Aspiring teachers undergo exams in anatomy and intense teacher training and must render 20 community or free classes. They need to pass all the requirements from the Oregon headquarters in personality, skill, technique and know-how.

The wellness culture prompted The Spa to open Skin to address clients’ demands for a youthful appearance and figure, specializing in hair reduction, cellulite reduction, body contouring and skin tightening treatments.

To maintain industry standards, Skin has a roster of top-level doctors from the Philippine Dermatological Society.

Although hotels give stiff competition with their plush amenities, The Spa Wellness offers the same luxurious experience, such as well-appointed private villas with jacuzzis and steam showers at more affordable rates.

Dressed in fluffy robes, clients take delight in the tangy signature ginger tea. One of The Spa’s discreet details that wafts through the lounge and treatment rooms is the relaxing peppermint-and-orange scent that calms the nerves and lifts the moods.

As scent plays a vital role in addressing mental and physical concerns, the best-selling package is the aromatherapy facial or scalp and shoulder massage. In keeping with the personalization trend in spas, clients can choose their blends of mood-lifting aroma oils such as lavender and tangerine for emotional stability; anise seed, cedarwood, tangerine and orange for energy; and lemongrass, cedarwood and lavender for serenity.

Ang says the company is intent on promoting natural holistic treatments so that clients leave the place looking and feeling refreshed.

On this year’s spa trends, Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder Wellness, says, “Spas help people face life challenges, and new beauty and fitness trends help us all to be healthier.”

The Spa, barre3 and Skin Dermatology & Laser Center are  at 6F/, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, Edsa cor. Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City;  tel  6567878, 6566868. Skin Dermatology at The Spa will have a diode promotion from March 1-31. Upper lip and under arms procedures will get 50-percent off and 30-percent off for legs and bikini section.

At The Spa at Promenade Greenhills, barre3 offers 10-percent off for membership and P999 for trial classes (three classes for two weeks) until March 31.