SPAholic

One of my life's simple pleasures is a full body massage. I try to allot a certain amount for it every month. In fact, I can forgo my other comforts such as hair and nail care and even food cravings, but I will never give up a good massage.

I discovered a new spa in town serendipitously. Dan and I were having a glass of milk tea (Citywalk, a stone's throw away from Tarlac State) when a staff gave us flyers for a newly-opened spa - Body and Sole Body Massage and Foot Spa. Their packages are quite tempting, a lot cheaper than other spas I have tried in the past. Dan also vouched for their spa services because apparently in Dagupan (where he works), it's one of the most-sought after.

When I walked in one rainy morning, I was immediately impressed by the overall appeal of the place. The minimalist design with a few Thai-inspired decor added to its cozy ambience. The receiving area was wide enough to accommodate eager clients. It has a "homey feel," a detail that every spa should list at the top of their priorities. Body and Sole opened only last June so that explains why the place is immaculately clean. Hopefully, the management can maintain this because it's a factor that will keep clients coming.

For this visit, I availed of Package 1 which included body scrub and body massage for only Php500. The hallway leading to the massage rooms was dim as expected but there was cool lighting on the floor as well as from the lamps mounted on the wall close to the shower rooms. The massage room was bigger compared to Nuat Thai's. There is a compartment under the bed where a client can put her essentials. A pair of shorts, towel, shower cap and disposable underwear were neatly placed on the bed.

The body scrub came first. It was my first time to try this spa service and good thing, I was not disappointed at all. I used to get ticklish everytime I get a massage but I have eventually gotten over it. The scrub was quite relaxing, I must say. When it was over, the grains (salt, perhaps) were all over me. I had to wash myself clean before the body massage. The shower room is very modern in its design, thus, impressive to say the least. I can't say much about the body massage though because I was asleep practically the whole time. That alone is a proof of how good the massage was. I wish I could have stayed longer!

Body and Sole is a new addition to my favorite places on earth. I will definitely come back to try their other services. Can't wait!

See you there!



Visit Body and Sole Tarlac
One Trios Building McArthur Highway
Aquino Subd., Tarlac City (right across the Philippine Rabbit terminal)

Spa hours: Monday-Sunday from 10:00AM to 12 MN

Me-time at Nuat Thai

When I started pursuing my graduate studies, my weekends changed dramatically. It worked well for me because apart from fulfilling my academic tasks and duties, I also get to spend quality time with myself, which rarely happens given the amount of workload that I have.

After my graduate school classes, I make it a point to drop by the mall to grab a quick bite or just check out what the stores have to offer. Once while I was waiting for a ride home, I noticed a spa that offers affordable massage services right across SM Tarlac. Of course, Nuat Thai is not entirely new to me. A friend once shared in her Facebook page the amazing experience that she had in one of their branches in Manila. I never knew that Nuat Thai has also invaded Tarlac!

So when I finally found the time, I didn't think twice in trying out their services. The first thing I noticed, though, was the space. The receiving area was too small. I wonder how they fit in clients during their peak hours in such a tiny space. Worth noticing are the art pieces that adorn the area. True to its name, it is distinctly Thai-inspired. Their services include: Thai Body Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Hot Oil Massage, Swedish Massage and Aromatherapy, which are all reasonably priced. Before the massage proper, the masseuse assigned to me led me to an area where she washed my feet with lukewarm water. On the corner is a locker where I placed all my belongings for safekeeping.

The lighting inside the spa was enough to put one to sleep. The soothing piped-in music also does the trick.

On my first visit, I chose the Hot Oil Massage which lasted for a little more than an hour. I loved the experience! I would have requested for a second round, if only it was allowed. I felt rejuvenated! The effect of a good massage on me is instant. Every sore limb in my body was suddenly gone. I felt lighter, younger and healthier! Since then, I have become one of their frequent clients.

A good massage is truly the best stress-reliever!

PROS:
1. Satisfaction guaranteed
2. Friendly and accommodating staff
3. Reasonable price
4. Well-kept cubicles and restroom

CONS:
1. Tip hinting by the masseuse (stands by the door before the client leaves)
2. Noisy clients during the massage session
3. Claustrophobic space


Nuat Thai – Tarlac
Unit 1, LC Bldg., McArthur Highway, 2300 Tarlac, Philippines
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 12:00am
Phone: 045-4934116
Email: nuatthai.tarlac@gmail.com