In the middle of a tough work week, few things can boost our mood faster than a soul-soothing massage and some much-needed pampering at the spa. The good news is, you don’t have to travel far for a wellness break. There are a lot of first-rate spas in Manila, along with small but effective massage spots all over the metro. So, rest, recharge, and rejuvenate in our favourite spas — you deserve it!
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1. The Spa
We can’t talk about spas in Manila without a nod to The Spa Wellness. It’s one of the most well-known wellness centres in the Philippines; after all, The Spa has been pampering Filipinos since 1996. And it’s only been getting better and better! Now, The Spa’s wide variety of treatments makes it a memorable experience perfect for every spa lover.
Moreover, multiple branches mean that The Spa Wellness is always within reach no matter where you are in the metro. Private rooms, suites, and villas are even available in certain branches.
Operating hours: Daily, 12–8pm (The Podium, Greenbelt, Bonifacio High Street); Mon–Thurs, 11am–9pm, Fri–Sun, 10am–9pm (Rockwell); Sun–Thurs, 1–10pm, Fri–Sat, 12–10pm (Alabang); Daily, 12–8pm (Greenbelt); Mon–Thurs, 11am–9pm, Fri, 11am–10pm, Sat, 10am–10pm, Sun, 10am–9pm (Shangri-La); Mon–Thurs, 12–10pm, Fri–Sun, 11am–10pm (Trinoma)
Address: The Podium | Rockwell | Alabang | Greenbelt | Shangri-La Plaza | Bonifacio High Street | Trinoma
2. I’M Onsen Spa
You’ll have your pick of spas in Makati, but I’M Onsen Spa is among the must-try spa experiences in the city if you ask us. Inspired by Japanese wellness practices, this wellness centre delivers the first sento-style spa in the Philippines. Now, there’s no need to fly all the way to Japan to bask in the healing powers of onsen.
Located in I’M Hotel at the heart of Makati, this one’s easily accessible to the folks in the southern part of the metro. Soothing treatments at I’M Onsen range far and wide, but frequent fliers could definitely benefit from a Jet Lag Recovery Massage after every long trip. (We’re also quite obsessed with their delicious tea!)
Operating hours: Wed–Thurs, 12pm–2am; Fri–Sun, 11–2am
Address: I’M Hotel, Makati Ave. corner Kalayaan Ave., Makati City
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Japan for First-Time Travellers
3. Le Spa
French and Filipino influences come together to create Le Spa, a blissful wellness sanctuary that seamlessly blends two cultures together for an unforgettable experience. Beautiful interiors create a tranquil space worth Instagramming, but it’s still the massages that shine here. The undisputed crowd favourite: Filipino Pride Hilot Secret, which promotes relaxation through the traditional Pinoy hilot.
Le Spa is the in-house spa of Sofitel Manila, so expect nothing less than a five-star experience. Try a facial to make the most of your spa day. Maybe reserve a slot at Spiral after your treatments for ultimate indulgence?
Operating hours: Daily, 9–12am
Address: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
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4. Nuat Thai Foot & Body Massage
Sometimes it feels like Nuat Thai is in every corner of the metro — so why not give in to the temptation of a massage and pop into one? Don’t expect anything fancy, but if you just need a good massage at a reasonable price, this one’s hard to beat. There’s a pretty extensive selection of treatments. If you want to try Nuat Thai’s biggest draw, opt for the Thai Foot and Body Massage.
There’s more Nuat Thai spas in Manila than we know what to do with, but we love Nuat Thai Libis just a little more than others. We’re more than happy to enjoy a massage in any branch, though!
Operating hours: Daily, 12.30pm–2am
Address: Nuat Thai Libis, 90 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City
5. CHI, The Spa
Nestled in the Garden Wing of five-star hotel EDSA Shangri-La Manila is CHI, The Spa, a serene haven inspired by Chinese and Filipino healing philosophies. Traditional Chinese beliefs say that health comes when the chi — also known as qi or your life force — flows freely through the body. Thus, treatments are designed to reduce or release blockages.
An authentic hilot is a popular treatment here. But if you really want to treat yourself, try the Royal Hammam Treatment inspired by Turkish hammams. It’s quite pricey, but worth the splurge with a private hammam suite where you’ll steam, scrub, bathe, and enjoy a massage. You’ll leave CHI, The Spa as a completely new person with this spa experience fit for royalty!
Operating hours: Daily, 11am–10pm
Address: 4F & 5F, Garden Wing EDSA Shangri-La, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City
6. Temple Garden Spa
Wandering around The Podium? Let your feet lead you to Temple Garden Spa, a charming little oasis in the mall where you can relax and bliss out in the middle of the bustling metro. If your office is nearby, you can even sneak in a quick massage to get you through an especially challenging workday!
Operating hours: Daily, 10am–10pm
Address: 4F The Podium, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City
7. Foot Zone
Looking for spas in Manila to soothe your sore feet? Then, Foot Zone should be your jam as it’s a massage spot that’s particularly known for Xiamen-style foot reflexology. Many spa enthusiasts love that the foot reflexology treatments at Foot Zone include a back massage, too. Other notable services include foot scrub, ear candling, head massage, and the usual Shiatsu, Swedish, and Hot Stone Massages.
If you’re looking for well-priced spas in Makati, there’s a Foot Zone branch in the city that’s a good place to start. There are also other branches throughout Metro Manila.
Operating hours: Daily, 12.30pm–2am
Address: Foot Zone Makati, 56 Jupiter 3F Sunshine Place, Makati City
8. Willow Stream Spa
Leave your worries at the door of Willow Stream Spa, one of the spas in Makati designed to pamper you into total relaxation. The in-house spa of Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati offers an extensive range of treatments that uses original techniques inspired by Filipino culture. Treatment rooms are quiet, serene, and elegantly decorated.
Tired and stressed out? You’ll love the Stress Relief Massage, crafted to knead the weary back to life. This is the perfect way to give your mind and body some TLC!
Operating hours: Daily, 11am–9pm
Address: Fairmont & Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati City
Also read: 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Makati for a Lavish Weekend Vacation
9. The Peninsula Spa
Yes, The Peninsula Spa is just as luxurious as you’d imagine it to be. It is, after all, set in the iconic Peninsula Manila. Surrounded by tropical gardens with a view of the dazzling pool, the spa kind of feels like a serene sanctuary over the endless activity of Makati’s central business district. You’ll never want to leave this place after getting a taste of Peninsula’s pampering.
And a few hours at The Peninsula Spa is the perfect treat for tired and overworked employees. We recommend the Philippine Signature Massage, an indulgent blend of Eastern, Western, and deep-tissue techniques that will get you re-energised.
Operating hours: Daily, 8am–10pm
Address: Ground Floor, Makati Tower, Makati City
10. Conrad Spa Manila
Rounding off this list of our favourite spas in Manila is an award-winning wellness centre: Conrad Spa Manila. This luxury spa in Conrad Manila Hotel is a spa lover’s dream! Privacy is a premium, with the spa offering just six individual treatment rooms. The good news? Each one is decked out with everything you need on a spa day, including soaking tubs, private saunas, and steam facilities.
Conrad Spa also takes pride in its unique treatments that make the most of the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities. Massage, scrub, or another one of Conrad’s special treatments, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind spa experience that will leave you feeling more refreshed than ever.
Operating hours: Daily, 11am–8pm
Address: Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard, Coral Way, Pasay City
Also read: 15 Scented Candles to Make Your Room Smell Like a Spa
Keep your mind, body, and spirit relaxed and healthy by treating yourself to a spa treatment every now and then. We’re pretty attached to these excellent spas in Manila, but do you have other spots you’d like to recommend? Let us know on Facebook!
Featured image credit: alan caishan | Unsplash
