Sanctuario Spa

Whilst other spas in the Philippines try to copy Thailand, Indonesia and Japan, Sanctuario Spa is proudly pinoy. Jomar Fleras, owner of Sanctuario Spa has consciously established Sanctuario in 2004 to showcase Filipino healing traditions in a spa setting.

Sanctuario Spa’s main branch is cocooned at 1829 Jorge Bocobo Street, in the bohemian district of Malate, Manila. The spa is like an oasis that pleasantly stands out amongst rows and rows of cafes, bars and karaoke clubs. An ancestral colonial-style mansion built in the 1940s was restored and converted into a spa. The house is decorated with antique furniture and a cornucopia of tribal idols and Asian decors. On the walls are works of art by such Filipino national artists as Manansala, Bencab, Luz and Joya. There is also a wide collection of antique lithographs showing the life in old Manila. Linens are made of hand woven Abel iloko fabrics. It is truly an urban escape that prides itself of its heritage and culture. Another branch is located at 30 Esguerra Street, South Triangle Quezon City.

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The front garden has overgrown trees and vines that instantly create a provincial tropical feel. The back garden has an outdoor swimming pool and two Jacuzzis. To complete the wet floor is a dry sauna and a steam room. What makes this wet area different from the rest is that it is unisex and clothing optional.

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The main house includes a full service salon, locker rooms, café and massage rooms. There are also concept rooms such as a Turkish hammam scrub room, an Indian massage room and an outdoor villa with private massage rooms.

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Sanctuario Spa uses indigenous Filipino as well as oriental treatment, therapies and concoctions handed down from generations. Its signature treatment is the Filipino traditional hilot, a form of deep-tissue massage using virgin coconut oil and performed by an authentic medicine man. Organic herbs, coffee, native chocolate, fruits, nuts and vegetables are used in body scrubs, body wraps, facials and herbal bath treatments. 

Sanctuario Spa is a founding member of the Spa Association of the Philippines and is accredited by the Department of Tourism.

In 2005, Sanctuario Spa was voted as No. 1 Spa in the Philippines by the Consumers Choice Awards. It was also nominated for the Baccarat Awards of Asia Spa for Best Spa Treatment in 2005. In 2006, Sanctuario Spa was chosen as Asia’s Most Innovative Spa by the Global Excellence Awards. In 2007, Sanctuario Spa was nominated for Spa for Men of the Year and its CEO, Jomar Fleras was nominated as Spa Personality of the Year by Asia Spa Magazine.  That same year, Fleras was given a Presidential Award as Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year by President Gloria Arroyo.

Official Site: sanctuariospa.com

Teaser photo source www.clickthecity.com