It can get pretty tough being a dancer—especially when dealing with fatigue. Calluses, blisters, body pains, painful joints—these are parts of who we are, things we embrace; and more often than not, we refuse to say goodbye to them. All results of hard work and intense training, they somehow make us feel stronger, as if our feet and bodies are made of iron, unyielding in the dance floor. A full-body massage is something I always crave for, yet tend to stay away from during competition season. I lose the tightness and the toned muscles I worked hard for after a pampering session, and the next day I step into the studio, I feel like jelly all over again.
But once in a while, you need to treat yourself—or take a break from usual routine. Personally, I think of it as a reward—a rather short-lived one because usually, all it takes is one day to go “back to normal”. That’s why when Karl of TuristaTrails.com invited me to check out Soneva Spa in Quezon City, I gladly obliged. The midyear competition was over—talk about perfect timing!
Soneva Spa was a bit challenging to locate, being situated at the top floor of a rather old building along Tomas Morato, but once inside, I was instantly transported to a relaxing haven. Greens and browns dominate the space, reflecting the nature of the spa: an organic spa. In fact, the only one of its kind in Quezon City. This means that only natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic scrubs, lotions, and oils are used.
I was served some jasmine tea while I waited for my friend in the lobby. The small reception has a few tables, a shelf display for their products, a TV, and a wall boasting of a framed photo from a pageant. Apparently, Soneva has been a partner of Ms. Earth since 2006.
When my friend arrived, we were ushered to a dimly-lit Couple Room that had two beds and a cabinet for our stuff, relaxing background music included. Two therapists entered, carrying equipment. I changed out of my clothes and into the spa garments and lay face down, excited.
I chose the Soneva Elemental Jade Stone Massage (PhP1,217/1.5hours), which started with a Traditional Hilot, followed by a therapeutic massage using real jade stones. Heated jade stones were positioned on selected areas on my back. The warm feeling would surprise you at first, but eventually it becomes more and more soothing.
Jade is believed to promote relaxation and vigor as it releases toxins and eases inflammations—and true enough, I felt so light and vibrant after the massage. I couldn’t explain it. Like all the grogginess in my body got siphoned by those stones!
Part three was a foot-and-leg massage which sent me to orgasmic realms. Sorry for the term, but my eyes were practically rolling out of the sockets (my innuendo is innocent, promise—everything here is legit). But the therapist was so skillful at it; all the tight muscles in my legs and feet were targeted mercilessly, and relieved of their pains!
My friend tried the Hilot with Foot Reflexology (PhP816/1.5hours), and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her doze off totally a couple of times. She said the foot massage was unlike anything she has ever experienced.
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| complimentary iced tea after the massage |
I may not be as frequent in spas as some of you are (how I wish I could go weekly or even twice a month), but I’ve tried a lot of the more affordable spas and they were simply no match for this. My experience at Soneva was one of a kind, something my worn-out, tired body has become attached to, and something it would definitely want to try again!
The price point may be a little on the steep side, but this is your body we’re talking about here. Soneva charges you for using safe products and for being handled by well-trained and highly skilled therapists, so I think this is reasonable. The spa also offers other facial and body treatments, so the next time you’re looking for the ultimate pampering session, drive over to Soneva Spa in QC and allow them to take you to ... ummm, ecstasy.
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Soneva Spa
4th Floor, Forum Building, 270 Tomas Morato cor. Scout Limbaga Street, Quezon City
Mon - Sun: 1:00PM - 12:00MN
+632.926.6249/+63917.407.1129
Email: info@sonevaspa.com
Where do you usually go for massages? Have you tried Soneva Spa?
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