D
DESTINATION
106 asiaSpa India May-June 2017
- Banaue Rice Terraces Renowned
for their beautiful and dramatic
aesthetics, Banaue Rice Terraces are
a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
were hand-hewn in the mountains of
Ifugao more than 2,000 years ago.
Escape the crowd and spend time in
the remote villages around to get a
closer look at Filipino culture.
T
he Sun, sand and sea come together to heal you in the Philippines.
In its ancient wellness rituals, immaculate islands, verdant scenery,
flawless beaches and diverse flora and fauna, this Southeast Asian
country offers an amazing assortment of experiences that will be etched in
your memory forever. The Philippines boasts one of the longest coastlines in
Asia that comprises more than 7,000 gorgeous islands – you will be spoilt for
choice with water activities such as snorkelling, diving and surfing here.
At the heart of this natural wonderland is a long history of rich healing
practices that are rooted in the traditions of the Filipinos. The most
common among these is hilot (‘rubbing massage’ in Tagalog) – an ancient
art of hands-on healing that involves intuition and massage. Traditional
hilot healers identify and treat problems with the help of indigenous
herbs by touching and sensing a person’s energy. In this type of massage,
a practitioner – known as manghihilot – invokes divine powers before
starting a treatment. Coconut oil, medicinal herbs, warm banana leaf strips
and strong massage strokes help restore balance and improve metabolism.
Head to Atmosphere Resort & Spa in Dauin for an authentic hilot
experience. The treatment at Sanctuary Spa here begins with a body scan to
identify the problem area. Then, you experience a full body treatment that
helps your muscles relax. Another authentic therapy in the Philippines is
ventosa, a cupping session in which warm glasses are applied on your back
to create a vacuum that helps draw out toxins. In addition, you could give
your feet that extra care and attention with the ‘Dagdagay Foot Massage’
at CHI – The Spa, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa. In this traditional
Filipino foot and leg massage, wooden sticks are used to stimulate the
pressure points on your feet that eventually helps relieve pain. The use
of dagdagay sticks to stimulate and trigger acupressure is a centuries-old
technique that was started by the indigenous tribes of the region.
Apart from local spa therapies, the Philippines offers a smorgasbord
of options for the wellness seeker. If you want to address medical issues,
check in to The Farm at San Benito. The medi-spa offers a variety of
treatments – from live blood analysis to acupuncture, ozone therapy
and colonics, you can find everything here. For an über-luxurious
experience, head to Amanpulo on Pamalican Island. The private island
retreat is the perfect place for some quiet contemplation and revitalisation.
Yoga and Pilates sessions by the sea will help you return home healthier
and happier. In Filipino there’s a word for everything, including good
health, peace, harmony and life – Mahubay!
GETTYIMAGESTOP PLACES
TO VISIT IN THE
PHILIPPINES