A Sense of Place

MANILA, Philippines - Our life is a very sensual experience. We use our tongues and noses to differentiate flavors, our ears to pick up the slightest flutter and utter of our names, our eyes gaze at the world’s infinite beauty, and our sense of touch helps us distinguish velvet from gravel. All our senses work in harmony to create that sense of being, that sense of place. 

But when you find yourself burned out and overwhelmed by the stress of the daily life, one can rediscover and restore that sense of place at Shangri-La Boracay’s Resort and Spa.

The delicious scents of spicy ginger tea and incense waft through the warmly lit Chi Spa located in the detached village complex overlooking the private bay. The calm sanctuary – which is composed of the Relaxation Pavilion, Spa Pool, Jacuzzi and several luxurious suites – invites many a weary guest with promises to provide a different spa experience, one that boasts to be the best on this island paradise.

The Chi Spa is renowned for its beauty and wellness spa treatments that realign the body and the senses into a harmonious, balanced state of Chi. Chi Spa also adopts numerous authentic healing methods found in traditional Asian cultures. Developed by a team of experts, Chi’s signature therapies are based on the Five Elements Theory, wherein Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth ensure the balance of positive Yang and negative Yin energy within the body. With the help of the spa assistants, you can identify which pair of elements governs your body.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, Chi is the life force that governs the body and well-being of a person. When Chi flows freely in the body, there is balance and good health. However, when Chi is obstructed, one can expect “dis-ease” and illness to follow. Thus, all the treatments — from the local Pinoy hilot to Asian wellness massages — offered at the Chi Spa underline the philosophy of balance and movement.

When at the Chi Spa, it is suggested that guests experience the local wellness packages (also called the Sense of Place treatments) as these treatments showcase Filipino herbal wisdom, as well as feature Philippine natural botanical products and recipes. Of the many treatments offered at the Chi Spa, the favorite treatment, requested by both tourists and locals alike, is the Hot Dinu-Ot massage. This deeply sensual and rejuvenating therapy uses a balm made from local indigenous sambong, lagundi, morin and lemongrass for its deep-pressure massage. This 75-minute treatment also entails the individual to be wrapped in banana leaves during a short steam bath. This native therapy boasts instant and long lasting relief from bodily aches and pains.

While in Boracay, why not try as well the ultimate sense of place treatment, the Boracay Sand and Sea Massage? Boracay’s white baby powder-like silica sand, natural sea salts and virgin coconut oil are massaged onto the skin to exfoliate and stimulate circulation. You’ll walk out Chi Spa’s doors thoroughly invigorated and boasting a youthful pinkish glow. 

While we have only mentioned two, there are many more treatments to be experienced at the renowned spa like the Aklan Duet, Palina Hilot massage, Sampaguita Skin Polish as well as the Sinaw Skin Scrub.

When life has you overwhelmed and bogged down, revive your senses at Chi Spa at Shangri-La Boracay’s Resort.

(For more information, you may call 036-288-4988 and 288-5088 or visit www.shangri-la.com/en/property/boracay/boracayresort)

(Special thanks to Patti Javier.)