Philippines Review #8…read more
My last visit to Manila I stayed at the A-Venue suites, now Best Western plus Antel Hotel. Immediately next door to A-Venue (now Best Western) is the Antel hotel. I walked in to inquire about the property, room rates, etc and discovered they have a full service spa upstairs. By the way, I think the lobby of this hotel is pretty spectacular.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=0gdz5QN3eLY3rIL0E7CHtg
After learning of the Spa, I decided to treat myself and made an appointment (strongly recommended) for the next day. I return and am greeted by a polite and friendly staff.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=Q8bVtKU_mtiTb3UYA5ffpQ
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=xjzFOhTQ5aOx8dA7PygdXA
Before I'm taken to the changing area, I am shown some of the different areas within the spa, including this room with some therapy pools.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=fDU8776UqDQs0VmQkJRrEA
After the short tour I'm given the chance to relax in a hot tub and a sauna before my massage, nice added touches. When she's ready, my masseuse takes me to the (shared) massage room. It was dimly lit and there was some soft, non-descript music playing softly in the background, all very appropriate and quite relaxing.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=42RdgsRURL5S2xAZh8MyhQ
The massage I chose was the 60 minutes classic massage... but the best part? Including tip it was ONLY $25 US!! (P1150). A 1.5 hour or 2 hour massage would have been better, but this was still quite relaxing. My masseuse was a small woman, couldn't have been more than 5'2" and 100 lbs dripping wet, but oh my gawd was she STRONG, WOW!
After the massage I was invited to sit and relax for as long as I wanted to, in this room and was offered either hot or cool tea to drink.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/toccare-spa-makati?select=hMfvdI1fJsE4b_9wrsvFlQ
OVERALL: A beautiful relaxing setting, polite professional staff, awesome massages and an excellent value makes Toccare Spa worth visiting again and again and again!