The "Rich Spa" in Salcedo, Makati

Ta chia hao!

So on this blog, I am going to talk about the sights, smell and service at the "Rich Spa" in Salcedo, Makati.

Last Valentine's day, one of my gifts to my hubby was a ventosa, whole body hilot and Dagdagay foot massage package at Rich Spa. I bought this massage package from Groupon for only P345 which is original priced at P1,275. What a deal, right?

I also bought one for myself, the whole body hilot service which is only P299 but regularly priced at P850.

On the day of the massage, my hubby and I were very excited because, one, my hubby had always wanted to try Ventosa and, two, it's a new place.

On the way to Rich Spa, in my mind, I had pictured it to be a place that would look, smell and feel cozy and relaxing. There would be dim lights, aromatic smell and soothing music on the background. Just the way a spa should be.

But I guess I was expecting to much from a place because when we got there, it felt like Throwback Thursday. Everything looked old school. Starting from the building, Torre de Salcedo Condominium, to the door of Rich Spa, and the unit itself, all of them looked like the set of a 1980's movie. Think "Working Girls" starring Carmi Martin, Rio Locsin and Hilda Koronel.

When we walked to the door of Rich Spa, it felt like we were going to a doctor/dentist's appointment rather than a spa.

Welcome to Rich Spa

Anyway, as we walked in, I immediately noticed the Valentine's Day greeting on the glass partition by the reception area. I also noticed an unusual and unpleasant smell. The smell of stale oil. It was later that I realized it's the smell of Virgin Coconut Oil which is the only oil they use since it's a hilot massage spa.

Valentine's Day Welcome

Before the massage begun, we were told to go at the back of the glass partition where our feet would be given a bath. We were given a pair of clean slippers. Nice and clean. I like it.

Clean Your Feet before the Massage

Then we were directed to the massage area, there were I think four massage areas, which are separated by thick curtains. There were no couples room so my hubby and I were separated from each other the whole session.

Before stripping down, I took stock of my surroundings. There's a bed with a massage mattress on top, both covered in dark brown sheets, a stool and a towel. Nothing else. No extra towel to cover the sheets which I think is not always replaced after every customer. I'm not being maarte but it felt unhygienic.

Despite the stale-oil smell, I tried to get comfy even before the massage started but it was quite hard. After awhile, I guess my nose just got used to the smell so I got to focus on the massage instead.

I informed my masseuse that I want moderate pressure which was followed at first but as the massage progressed, the pressure would shift from moderate to soft to hard and back to soft and so on and so forth. It was hard for me to relax.

I've had hilot massages before, at home, and by an old lady and the pressure was crazy hard and it was uniform, so I really don't know what's going on with my masseuse. Maybe she's already tired for the day since it was already 6:30 PM?

Anyway, after my one-hour massage, I was offered tea which I was glad I accepted because it taste great and refreshing even though it's hot tea. I was told it's lemongrass tea.

Before we left, we were given a coupon for a discounted 30-minute massage on our next visit.

For this experience, I can safely say that I won't be visiting Rich Spa anytime soon.

Thanks for reading. Until my next blog!

Keep In Touch Spa in Cainta, Rizal

Ta chia hao! That's "Hello Everyone" in fookien ;)

So on this blog, I'm going to talk about my experience with Keep In Touch Spa at Village East Executive Homes in Cainta, Rizal.

After visiting so many spas over the years, I tend to start comparing them in terms of price, ambiance and of course, the service. So far, I find this spa my top two. (The top one is in Dasmarinas, Cavite)

Keep In Touch Spa, as I've mentioned earlier, is located inside the Village East Executive Homes Subdivision, just a few steps from the main gate. Their services include body massage for adults and kids, body scrub, facial, foot spa, manicure & pedicure, and nail art.

So far, my hubby and I have only tried the whole body massage where one hour is P199 and two hours is P299. We find the price pretty reasonable and the cheapest among the spas we've been to.

In terms of ambiance, in general, though the place is quite small, I find it clean and cozy, especially in the evenings when the warm lights are turned on at the reception area. They also play relaxing music when there are customers.

As for the massage area, the set-up is pretty simple. They have three areas with mattresses placed on the floor and seperated by curtains. They provide one towel and shorts to be used while you're out of your clothes.

Typical "Keep In Touch Spa" Set-up

Despite the simple set-up, it's actually pretty clean, relaxing and it smells nice too. So, I can't really complain.

Now for the service. Before you are led to the massage area, your feet is given a bath and then a pair of slippers will be provided too just so no dirt will spread to your body since your feet will be massaged too.

As for the masseuse, you have know who to ask for. Not all their masseuse give great service. There were times when the masseuse would use their phones and text while they mock massage you. Totally distracting. Then there were times when I'd ask for moderate pressure yet after a few minutes, the kneeding turns torturous. So for me, I always ask for Ms. Nitz, if she's available.

Keep In Touch Spa also do home service, you just have to call a few hours before your desired time slot, otherwise they may already be booked. It happened a few times to us already so we prefer to go to their place instead.

That's all for now.

Thanks for reading. Until my next blog!

Massaged by Big Apple Express Spa

Stress has been my constant companion these past few days and I have my aching shoulders and back to show for it. The only thing I could think of to unwind was to get myself a massage, but since payday was still quite far away, I had to look for an affordable place to get one. And surfing the net, I thought I found one from Big Apple Express Spa, but boy was I ever so wrong.

Big Apple Express Spa - Market Market Branch

When my Hubby and I arrived at their Market! Market! branch which is located at the 4th floor just beside the entrance to the mall's department store, I immediately scanned their "Massage Menu".

Massage Menu by the Wall

The cheapest 60-min. massage is the NYC Express Massage which is at P195.00. I would have opted for that but it's a dry massage, meaning, no oil, lotion or even powder will be used. Not sulit and soothing for me so next please!

Not wanting to splurge, I inquired if they have other choices that are cheaper. The receptionist showed me a price list for personalized massages where I can choose which body area to concentrate on (I chose my upper back), how long it will take (60 minutes for me!) and what will be used (aromatherapy oil please, I need to relax!)

Personalized Massage Guide

However, my choice of massage would cost me P449.00 each, a bit more than my budget. But since we're already there, what other choice do I have than to push through. I'll just skip breakfast and lunch tomorrow then. T_T

Anyway, so my Hubby and I were whisked off to the "Couple's Room" where I thought is a special room for couples with some privacy and side by side bed. Turns out it is a two-cubicle space turned into one by opening the divider that separates them. Huh?!

The Divider that Turned two cubicles into One Couple's Room

But in fairness, the cubicles were cozy made by the soft warm lights that came from a small yellow bulb by the alcove in a corner where a small clock also rest. I was puzzled with the clock but later I learned that its to monitor the duration of the massage (the masseuse told me to check the watch before we started).

Also, the bed and towels smelled clean, as well as the very the big boxer shorts with no garter that can fit two of me. And then I liked the hole on the bed where I can put my face in while lying on my stomach and avoid being suffocated. The towel around this was also clean.

Hole on the Bed

After a short wait, the masseuse came. But before she began with her amazing hands, she asked if I have any medical condition like if I'm pregnant or something. Getting no for an answer, she commenced with the massage asking from time to time if the pressure is ok.

After 30 minutes, I began to drift into a blissful nap. Her kneading was heaven especially when she attacked the aches by my shoulders.

An hour later, my Hubby and I were still sleepy as we made our way home. Good thing it was a quick drive or we might have fallen asleep on the road.

P.S. The next day, my back was sore. It felt like I was beaten. I would cringe with just a mere touch. I guess I shouldn't have devoted a whole hour on my back. Lesson learned!

Thanks for Reading!