Boracay bliss

What began as a day spa five years ago has flourished into one of the most-loved destinations today. With spa holidays designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the discriminate traveler – be it pure relaxation, private yoga instruction, holistic beauty pampering, detoxification and rejuvenation – Mandala Spa Resort ushers in a new era in spa culture.

Mandala is one of the finest Asian destination spas, offering luxury accommodations and award winning holistic spa therapies in a lush tropical sanctuary overlooking Boracay’s renowned white beach. It was voted Destination Spa of the Year and Spa Treatment of the Year for Watsu at the Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards 2005 and Best Rejuvenation Program at the SpaAsia Crystal Awards in 2004.

‘Mandala’ is the Sanskrit word for "circle" or "whole", symbolizing the holistic nature of all existence. Taking the Tibetan connotation, a Mandala can represent a person’s spiritual evolutionary path. Likewise, it reflects the philosophy and lifestyles of owners Karen Villarica Reina and Dieter Schrottmann. Both believe that life is to be enjoyed and not endured. It is their love affair with the spirit of Boracay that made this project possible.

Being both long-time residents of Boracay, Karen and Dieter felt that it was of importance to preserve a piece of the serenity and peace that the island became known for in its early years.

While Dieter was exposed to Shiatsu in Japan (he founded a company called ‘Health for the New Age’ in 1987, the company that pioneered in educating blind masseurs in Shiatsu and successfully operated in Manila until the early 90’s), Karen learned Watsu and other healing arts in Northern California, a world center for mind-body therapies, and continues to learn from Master healers worldwide.

When at Mandala Spa, one retreats from the world and embarks on a journey within. Through its carefully designed villas, one sees the beauty of creation while healing therapies become the vehicle by which one experiences oneself. The architecture blends Filipino elegance with its capiz doors and woven bamboo floors with Italian modernity.

Facilities include four luxury spa villas in a garden setting, allowing for total immersion in the natural tropical environment, while being cared for by highly-educated therapists; a two-storey pavilion devoted to Ayurvedic-inspired cleansing and rejuvenation treatments; a heated aquatic therapy pool where one may explore deeper states of relaxation through Watsu or Water Dance; sauna facilities where one may lounge in privacy; and a yoga shala for private sessions and retreats.

Imported teak flooring and vaulted wooden ceilings provide the perfect space where you can enjoy your favorite spa treatments in private. The interiors are walled in glass, allowing a seamless flow between the lush tropical outdoors and the warm wooden finish of the interiors. Remote-controlled airconditioning and in-room safes are standard in all villas, while TV and digital audio/video players are available upon request.

The bathrooms brim with world-class luxury and modernity, furnished with Italian fixtures by Antonio Citterio designer of B&B Italia. The bath is made more exquisite with bath soaps, shampoos and conditioners made from natural ingredients, infused with essential oils and healing herbs.

The sophisticated spa menu harmonizes one’s quest for personal well-being and indulgent pampering, while luxuriating in modern comfort through Deluxe Spa Packages, Deluxe Spa Holidays and monthly Yoga retreats. These holidays may be further customized to meet each guest’s personal holiday purpose.

The spa services combine ancient traditional Asian therapies with sophisticated Western techniques. All the ingredients used are natural products and in most instances prepared fresh.

Much care is devoted to creating that personal space, where the senses are drawn inward through the right blend of oils, the exotic scent of incense, freshly prepared natural ingredients, handpicked flowers to wash your feet, the soothing sound of chimes, and the therapist’s healing touch – all the little details that allow each moment to gently unfold and deliver one to bliss.

Among the spa offerings, Watsu is the most highly-recommended. This deep relaxation water therapy is exclusive in the Philippines only to Mandala.

And just as there are ways to nurture the mind and spirit, Mandala goes a step further by nourishing the body, reinventing vegetarian cuisine as food to crave.

The versatile and gustatory menu was developed exclusively for Mandala by kitchen consultant Julia Lervik (the woman behind Baling Hai’s famous bar and restaurant) who worked extensively to develop a spa menu that is nutritious, interesting, complete and enjoyable. Not your typical garden-variety vegetarian fare. Prana Restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is open to the public.

All of the spa therapists undergo a rigorous 3-month spa training course. And as part of the culture of personal growth, all members of the staff practice yoga.

Mandala Spa is accredited by the Philippine Spa Association and rated triple-A resort and destination spa by the Department of Tourism.