Monday, September 26, 2011

Linden Suites Massage Services

Something to try on your next visit to Linden Suites--their 30-minute back massage.

Me and my friends spent the weekend in Linden, and one of my kabarkada, Yvette, treated us to a back massage. (Thank you Yvette!!) I don't have pictures since we chose the in-room massage, but believe me when I say that you should try it. We all felt relaxed and rejuvenated after the massage, and the 30 minutes were definitely not enough. The only con was that there was of course no bed hole for our head. I had a slight stiff neck afterwards, although I think the others didn't mind. I'll probably go back there just to try their other services in their spa facility when I'm in the area.

The back massage prices range from 400-500php depending if it's in-room or in-club, and the other services (e.g. the 1-hour body massage) are 800php and above.


The Linden Suites
37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Centre
(63-2) 638-7878

Thursday, September 22, 2011

MyCoolMintSpa


It's been a few months since my last visit to a spa, and I've been really craving for a massage ever since. Since it was our monthsary last Saturday, we decided we'd really go for one. We then ended up in this small haven at the end of Katipunan Avenue:

My Cool Mint Spa

Years back, I've often heard this spa being mentioned by my friends but never really tried it myself. They used to rave about it, so I had high expectations from this experience.

Upon entering the spa, there seemed to be no one there. It took some time before a receptionist finally came out. We both decided to get the Footloose Package which consisted of a 1-hr body massage and 30-min foot massage, amounting to 700php each. It was a bit more pricey than their other services, but hey, we wanted to get the best experience.

Waiting at the reception area

The spa had both common and private rooms--the common rooms are located on the ground floor beside the reception area, and the private rooms are upstairs (although there was one on the ground floor, under the stairs). I found it unusual that the common rooms were located so near the entrance/reception area, and that only thin curtains are separating the people inside from all the other guests. It's highly likely that someone would accidentally see you while you're getting your massage. Good thing we availed of the private room. :)

Staircase and the common rooms

I was pleasantly surprised after being led to our rooms. The private rooms had real doors and locks to give you the utmost privacy. Each room also had its own shower and wash area.

Wash area and...                                      Shower area!

I loved that the beds were really comfortable for a massage. The hole on the bed where you place your head was just right and there was even a pillow to support your head. Though it may seem like such a small detail, I've gone to enough spas to know how important this is, and how this can ruin your whole massage experience.

Massage bed

The massage started after a while, and I was happy at how the pressure was just right for me. (I usually need to ask the masseuse to adjust the pressure) I also fell asleep a number of times during the massage, which I always take as a very good sign. However, my boyfriend didn't enjoy his massage since, according to him, it seemed repetitive. I guess I'll just look for my therapist (Margie) when I go back, and not settle for anyone else.

One thing to improve on, however, would be customer service. The staff weren't as friendly when I approached them before the massage to ask for shorts, and seemed very disconnected with us even as we were leaving. Come to think of it, no one thanked us or waved us goodbye as we left their establishment.

Verdict: Most of their services are affordable and their massage is very relaxing, but they need to improve on their customer service. The location is good as there's ample parking and it's located in the less congested part of Katipunan. I won't go craving for their services, but I'll definitely drop by when I'm in the area.


My Cool Mint Spa 
Ground Floor, Elizabeth Hall Bldg., Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City (Across Petron)
Open daily from 12:00nn - 10:30pm
436-1160/920-9531 or 0927-4446132


Rates:
 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Welcome to Unwind Manila!

After months and months, I've finally decided to start on this project. :)

I love love love going to spas and discovering new spots to relax, and it's awesome that countless spas have been opening all around the metro. Since I've always felt that there's a lack of spa reviews/blogs in cyberspace, why not start one myself?

Here begins the documentation of my journey to look for the best place to relax and unwind in this bustling metro. Happy reading everyone!