Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
When you live in Metro Manila, it is easy to get caught up in the endless rush of traffic, work, and deadlines. Sometimes, all you really need is a place to pause and breathe. For many, that means going out of town for a beach trip or a mountain getaway. But what if I told you that a world class wellness destination is waiting right here in the city?
Welcome to The Retreat Spa at Okada Manila, a sanctuary in Parañaque that has been making waves in the wellness scene. This isn’t just any luxury spa. It has gained international recognition and is now home to the first Wave Dream meditation chamber in Southeast Asia.
Let’s start with a little background. The Retreat Spa has been consistently recognised by global institutions. For six straight years, it has been awarded a five star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide, which is a huge achievement in the world of hospitality. On top of that, it won the Wellness Menu of the Year award from the Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition in both 2024 and 2025.
Awards aside, what really makes this spa special is how it combines luxury with innovation and even Filipino tradition. It is the kind of place that makes you forget you are in the middle of Metro Manila.
Now let’s talk about the spa’s unique feature. Inside its massive three thousand square metre space is the Wave Dream meditation chamber, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Imagine this: you sink into a reclining lounge chair while soft LED lights shift around you, creating a soothing atmosphere. Beneath you, a water basin moves like gentle waves from the sea. The result is a multisensory experience that blends sound, light, and motion to help you relax on a deeper level.
The chamber is designed around chromotherapy, or colour therapy, which uses light to support mental and physical health.
Blue can improve memory and lift your mood.
Red gives you energy.
Green helps you feel calm.
Yellow brightens your spirits.
Orange boosts happiness and even appetite.
It feels futuristic, but at the same time, it is incredibly calming. If you are searching for a unique form of meditation, this is unlike anything else you will find in the region.
A visit here is more than a single treatment. Once you book a massage, you are free to spend the rest of the day exploring the spa’s extensive facilities.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
An exclusive outdoor pool where you can lounge between treatments
Separate relaxation rooms for men and women
Steam and sauna facilities for cleansing and detox
Jacuzzis with water jets for muscle relief
Aqua therapy treatments
Private shower booths for a refreshing reset
Think of it as a full day wellness escape rather than a quick appointment. You will want to arrive early and stay until you feel completely recharged.
One of the highlights of The Retreat Spa is its Duyan massage, a treatment inspired by the Filipino healing practice of hilot. During the session, warmed banana leaves infused with virgin coconut oil are placed on your body to find and soothe areas of tension.
The technique is deeply restorative and connects you to traditional Filipino wellness culture, but with a modern luxury twist. After the massage, you are served warm tea, fruits, nuts, and light snacks. It is a thoughtful detail that makes the experience feel even more complete.
Prices for the Duyan massage are:
60 minutes, ₱4,500
90 minutes, ₱6,000
120 minutes, ₱7,500
Yes, it is on the premium side, but if you are looking for a meaningful way to treat yourself, it is worth it.
The Retreat Spa is located at Entertainment City, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque City, inside Okada Manila. Its location makes it perfect whether you are staying in the hotel for a weekend staycation or just looking for a quick but luxurious break without leaving the city.
Between its award winning services, the one of a kind Wave Dream chamber, and the proudly Filipino Duyan massage, The Retreat Spa is more than just a spa. It is a destination where you can relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
If you plan to visit, block out at least half a day. Even better, dedicate the whole day to get the most out of the facilities. This is not the type of spa you rush through. It is designed for you to linger, slow down, and make wellness the priority.
So if your soul is craving rest and your body is begging for a reset, this luxury wellness haven in Parañaque might just be the city escape you never knew you needed.
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