Still 4 stars but closer to 4.5 because of their 3 best therapists, Manila-trained gifted Laila,…read moresimilarly gifted Karen, and effective Maitz and Flor.
With a certain degree of confidence, I stress 'Manila-trained' here as best because:
1. after living in the NCR for 4.5 years, 8.5 years in the Visayas, and travelling throughout the Philippines, I came to know that the full-body work in the big city far exceeds the quality of most massages in the provinces: in Mla they tend to focus on what you ask them to do more effectively, usually do belly and chest work, will work your glutes better than those trained in smaller centers, will walk on your back if it helps, and overall do better work on all body parts;
2. personally trained by a Manila RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) for 3.5 months, and, after getting over 2000 massages in the past few decades, I can compare great from fair, asian from western work;
3. one of the best massages in Canada recently was by a filipina trained in Manila: to their credit, pinay tend to be more 'feel and rhythm' than most anatomically-aware technique-trained caucasians;
4. the few best therapists in the pinoy provinces tend to be highly-gifted: they tend to create on the fly, intuitively 'feeling' their way across the landscape of your body. Accordingly, the best will stop to work on a 'cold' or hard muscle, fibre, or area, and may even go overtime so that clients go away slightly sore but 'body-happy.'
5. as of late 2019, apparently Laila will double as trainer to the other staff to also equip them in Manila techniques. Good move.
Although at times too loud. unvaried and choppy, the music at this spa is relaxingly oriental asian.
Their mattresses are long and solid and quiet, and the cubical/rooms as good as it gets.
In general, staff are quieter than most run-of-the-mill spas.
The front desk at times can be late to open up at 1pm, but is pretty good in accommodating your needs: I don't get it that only one therapist shows up then; surely at least 2 should start then with a couple more to follow at 2 pm? After all, likely not paid hourly rates, does it not make sense to be present to get your 60-90 pesos per session plus tips?
Call ahead for an appointment esp. in the evening? Lots of folx come after work and supper...
You won't get extra service at Royal Caress, nor should you ask for it.
Please refer to my previous review for a few more details.
You won't be disappointed when you get one of these four fine pinay body workers, and the others are as good as elsewhere for a variety of massage services.
