After weeks of accumulated stress from work and other things that keep me busy, a relaxing massage is what I usually long for. For me, a massage is the perfect way to pamper yourself – it’s indulgent, relaxing and good for your health – that’s why I’m very picky when it comes to the places I go to for a massage. Just recently, I added The Mandara Spa to my top favorites list.

I was invited to try their services, and so I tagged along my brother Ken who also needed some serious kneading. 😀 We visited their newly-opened Greenhills Annapolis branch. It was already past 9pm on a Saturday, so the building where they’re located – Atlanta Centre – was closed for business, but the guards at the front door let us in. The place is quiet, perfect for a relaxing night of pampering.

We booked an appointment beforehand, so we just had to wait for a few minutes before our sessions. We were asked to fill out a form where they ask you what pressure you prefer for your massages. Since we were early for our appointment, we had time to look around. The Mandara Spa’s branch in Greenhills is small, but they have an indoor sauna and several rooms, including rooms for couples or friends who prefer to stay in one place while they get a massage.

The place is well-kept, and the ambiance is simply relaxing, even as soon as you enter the spa. We were invited to sit back in their room where they perform their foot services. Ken and I almost fell asleep right there even before our massages started. 😀

My right arm was killing me and I badly needed a back massage. I was informed about their package where you could get a body scrub, wrap and massage. So, I went for that. I’ve never had a body scrub before, and I thought it was the perfect time to try it.

The Mandara Spa promises to only use quality oils and scrubs. I was asked to choose from their premium scrubs: Lavender Glow (for whitening and relaxing), coffee (antioxidant), green tea (hydrating and detoxifying), lemongrass (soothing and energizing), and their Mandara signature scrub (healing + nourishing + all organic). I chose the lavender scrub because I needed an extra dose of relaxation.

We started with the body scrub. I’m used to the exfoliating effects of body scrubs because I do it on my own at least once every month, but it was a completely different experience at The Mandara Spa. The aroma of the lavender and the gentle yet rigorous scrubbing were really soothing.

After the body scrub, I was covered in a plastic wrapper so my skin will absorb the essence of the lavender. It might not look relaxing, but, trust me, it was! I almost fell asleep yet again, if only Ken didn’t come in the room to take photos. 😀

After the 15-minute wrap, I was asked to take a quick bath in preparation for my massage. They have 2 bathrooms, and they provide you with towels, shampoo and liquid body soap. They also have a hair dryer inside.

When I’m getting a massage, I always have my phone with me. I have this tendency to look at the time when my massage started and when it ended to make sure I’m getting what I paid for. The 60-minute massage ended at just the right time, and I can’t rave about it enough. 🙂

I highly recommend the Mandara Spa signature massage. I mentioned my right arm has been killing me for weeks. Something somehow got twisted while moving stuff in my condo, and I couldn’t shake it off. I informed my therapist about it, and about the pain I was feeling at the middle part of my back. She concentrated on both parts of my body, and I tell you, everything that was causing the pain – the tension, knots or swelling muscles – was all gone after she was done with my massage. I felt lighter and rejuvenated afterwards. 🙂

Also, I just had to say this – the pressure she put on me was firm enough to not make me squirm while she was kneading and massaging my back. This is the number 1 reason why I’m going back to The Mandara Spa. 🙂 It’s one of the criteria where other spas usually fail in my book because some therapists tend to put too much pressure even when you said you prefer medium, not hard, so instead of alleviating the pain, they make me uncomfortable.

Now, over to Ken’s treatments. He prefers foot massage over full-body, so he went for their 30-minute Xiamen Foot Massage. He also got to try their Non-abrasive Diamond Peel.

Ken said that for the foot massage, he’s had better, but it was relaxing enough and eased the pain he was feeling in his ankles.

We both haven’t tried diamond peels yet, so he was glad his first time was with The Mandara Spa. The whole procedure was comforting, and his skin felt soft and smooth afterwards. He said he didn’t feel any pain at all.

Overall, my personal experience at The Mandara Spa made me want to come back for more. In fact, I’ve recommended them multiple times to friends and officemates. I’m planning on booking an appointment again after our Coron trip, but at their branch Bonifacio Global City, which is closer to where I live now in Makati. I can’t wait! 🙂

The Mandara Spa

http://themandaraspa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themandaraspa
Branches: McKinley Park Residences in Bonifacio Global City, Atlanta Centre in Greenhills Annapolis, and Camaya Coast
Contact #s: Greenhills: (02)500-1902 & (0917)876-9235 / BGC: (02) 869-9910 & (0915)844-3003