(Source: http://www.nurture.com.ph/index.php)

One of the pioneers in the Philippine spa industry, Nurture Spa is a Dept of Tourism accredited spa chain. Nurture Spa is located in Tagaytay City , with branches in CWC Watersports Complex, Camarines Sur, Buri Resort & Spa in Puerto Galera, and Nurture Spa in Abe’s Farm, Magalang, Pampanga.

Proudly Filipino, Nurture Spa offers its guests exquisite spa and wellness experiences in selected tropical destinations around the country. Each wellness destination boasts of a unique Nurture Spa treatment reflecting the indigenous customs and healing traditions of the region, in addition to tried and tested Nurture Spa favorites.

Nurture Spa therapists, selected on the basis of their healing attitude, are trained to the highest standards by internationally licensed trainers. Its signature massage oils are of the finest quality, created from age-old healing recipes that have been further perfected to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

With spa therapies inspired by Asian and Filipino healing traditions, Nurture Spa was created to provide its guests with the Nurture Spa Experience: a blissful combination of healing and pampering at its best. 

October 20, 2007.

Very relaxed right after a massage.

Ifugao Hut Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,240

–Naturally ventilated 

Serenity Cottage Overnight 18 Hours PHP 2,800

–Air-conditioned  

Book your reservation at 8392196/09175518723.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268/07_1020-_Nurture_Spa   

There is a newly opened wellness spa along Wilson St going to Shaw.  It had its soft opening on April 20 and we were there on their second night of operation.

April 21.  We had dinner first at Mickey’s Deli along Jupiter Street before trooping to the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Premiere at the A-Venue.  The trade event ended past 10pm but it was really fun to watch Pokwang, who was supporting an Eiffel tower headpiece.  Her comedy made me forget the time. 

On our way home, we saw the Ahavia signage finally lit up.  I suddenly had the urge to treat CW for a massage even if it’s only a Monday night.  The guard assisted us through parking inside the unpaved ground.  One of the owners welcomed us and showed us inside where we met the two other partners at the reception area.  It’s close to 11pm but they were still very chirpy.  The spa is actually a house (by one of the owners, I think he said his name was JP) converted to low-lighted wellness center. I wanted to get a full body massage but the girl owner suggested that I get a body scrub (I must have looked like I didn’t take a bath that morning) since it has also a massage technique to it so I conceded to get one.  CW on the other hand got a 2-hr massage. 

Ginger Body Scrub PHP 799

Being only on 2^nd day of operation, naturally there’d be kinks and the owners gracefully admitted to this.  The shower heater didn’t work immediately.  After the body scrub, I had to walk (shaking) through a cold room to the shower to rinse off, which is new to me because when I get a body scrub from other spas, the “staff” usually rinses me off in the same room.  They rinse off the scrub, I don’t.  Not that I want to be a Cleopatra, but I actually paid for a service. The ginger scrub smelled nice and expensive and it soothed my tired mind.  I love the supple feeling it left on my skin too.  I took a bath the next day (do not contest, I did!) and I still smelled a hint of the scrub, which gave me a refreshed feeling throughout the day. 

Full Body Massage PHP 599

CW was ok with the massage (he fell asleep) but suggested it could be harder.  The masseuse’ “hardest” was still weak.   The review is too general because they didn’t have a brochure yet that I could take home.  I cannot describe more the different types of scrubs they have or further details other than the actual experience.  I wasn’t able to take notes either since my body goes to safe mode and was ready to rest at 11pm.   We plan to visit Ahavia and give it a try again within this month or probably after the Hong Kong trip on the first weekend of June.      

It was a Saturday of nonstop eating, as how most of our weekends go, whether in town or out.  Bubba surprised me with a lunch date in Tagaytay.  My mind started wandering off, guessing where it was going to be. 

Flavors of Spain

We came to the parking lot of then newly renovated Taal Vista Hotel.  If I tried my darn hardest, I still wouldn’t be able to guess since it was a nomadic food event traveling from Tagaytay to as far as the Pearl Farm in Davao.  This Spanish Food Festival was held in all Fuego-managed properties, Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, Club Punta Fuego and Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Batangas.  The event brought to us by the Spanish Embassy and Allied Domecq.

We had a taste of the different flavors of Spain, the destination where Magellan looted our spices.  Master Chef Mikel Arriet Arruiz from the Basque region of Spain was flown in the country to bring in exceptional cuisine and delightful food.

The usual favorites were gleaming in the buffet table.  Included are seafood paella, callos, bacalao, gazpacho, roasted lamb, garlic shrimps and ensalada.  I noted that the selection was not as many as I expected.  There was also a range of tapas.  The dessert section however was surprisingly Pinoy with a variety of rice cakes, but they also had chocolate and strawberry tarts.

There was a presentation of different Spanish and Pinoy cultural dances.  I was particularly entertained with the fire-eating performance.

As how all buffet goes, we stuffed our faces until we were as huge as hippo faces.  There was an impressive magic show on the side for the kids.  The kids were too smart for the clowns –it was a pity.  Before taking coffee, we went to the Ridge of the hotel and took in the scenery of Tagaytay. 

Nurture Spa

After lunch, we drove around Tagaytay and looked at the different restaurants situated at the hill.  Bubba then took a turn at a small side street going to the more residential area of Yagatyat.  A few more corners and we hit Nurture Spa, which was part of Bubba’s weekend plan.  (A separate post on this!) 

Taaleña

After our relaxing massage, we decided to eat again.  This time I treated him at Taaleña so he can try out the crispy tawilis there.  We ordered that and rice!  Haha.  This was only about 2 hours after our lunch at Taal Vista. 

Bag of Beans

Still unsettled over what we ate, we trooped to Bag of Beans –a small coffee sanctuary on the hills of Tagaytay.  Quietly nestling along the main highway in Tagaytay.  A staircase leads you to a beautiful garden and their restaurant.  The Tagaytay ambience fits perfectly with Bag of Beans’ for the vibe the interior gives is charming, sophisticated and intimate. 

The cheesecake of Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted, which had two layers: not overly sweet whipped cream and a creamy and wonderful cheesecake filling.  The cheesecake flavor wasn’t subtle at all but it wasn’t overwhelming as well.  It had the right consistency of cream and cheese.  The graham crust was not too starchy. The softness was enough to blend with the cheesecake bite.  The thickest sweet blueberry topping spooned over the top made every bite perfect.

We wanted to try the coffee alamid but unfortunately they stopped serving it a year ago, so we settled for the hot chocolate which was a great partner to the heavenly cheesecake. 

Flavors of Spain Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/267

Nurture Spa Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/268

Bag of Beans Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/260

March 31, 2007. My first all Vegan lunch occurred at the famous Farm of San Benito in Batangas. 85% of the food served in their Vegan restaurant is actually raw (read: not cooked). They use several methods of blending, soaking, dehydration and culturing in preparing the veggie dishes in order to keep as much of the enzymes as possible. The lunch felt so enriching because even if I ate 3-4 plateful of salads and different entrées, I felt so light afterwards. For some reason, it was an internal body-cleansing feeling.

We chose to have our lunch at the open-air veranda amidst the tall trees and pseudo-jungle. Fresh food and fresh air go hand in hand as we completely felt a surge of natural energy while chomping away the greens. We were served four kinds of dishes with buffet trip to their salad bar. I remember the opener as my favorite Segafredo appetizer –Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil drizzled with olive oil. The Farm’s version is less salty and fresh.

The Farm at San Benito, a 6-year old facility in the city of Lipa, was awarded as the Best Retreat and Best Holistic Healing Program by regional publication of Spa Asia. The Farm deserved that award in it’s entirety because it is a retreat where one can breathe freely, the eyes satisfied with relaxing colors of abundantly green and tasty healthy food that cleanses the body and mind.

After lunch, we took a stroll around the huge multiple hectare land. We took a dip at their mini-waterfall pool and enjoyed our privacy since there were only the two of us.

They offer different kinds of rooms that ranges from USD 98.00 ++ to USD 750.00 ++. The Anahaw Terrace is the one that I particularly liked. The room rate is USD 175.00.

Even if it was a short visit, I felt a surge of new energy as my body restored balance and vitality through a short stay at The Farm at San Benito.

The Farm at San Benito

Office Address: G/F, Shop 10, The Peninsula Manila Ayala Ave., Makati City

Resort Address: 119 Baranggay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.

Tel No: 884.8074

Info@thefarm.com.ph

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/189/07_0331-_The_Farm_at_San_Benito

It’s a Sunday of pampering and relaxation. I always go to Skin Perfect for a deep cleansing facial with laser treatment but since they up their prices, this was a perfect time for me to try out new clinics. We went to Timog to check out Daisy, where Bubba’s mom gets her facial. Unfortunately, it was closed. We were surveying the area, when we saw this billboard with a Xmas Promo Ad. Their facial is only PHP250, so without much ado. We parked the car and headed to the 3^rd floor of the building that also occupies Net Now Internet Café.

Let’s Talk About Face.

Since I was in a hurry to get my facial and get out of there since I had a 3:30 PM schedule at California Nails and Day Spa, I wasn’t able to get the prices of their regular treatments. I was really lucky though that the PHP 250 promo included the deep cleansing facial, laser treatment, tightening mask and hand paraffin! What a great steal!!! Promo according to the specialist who was steaming my face is good until the end of January. Christmas doesn’t really end in December.

California Nails and Day Spa

I profusely apologized to Monique of CNDS for not making it to my 3:30 PM appointment, with all that I had done in Let’s Talk About Face. I arrived at Greenhills around 4:30 already. Monique was really polite and accommodating. I wanted to get the Body Scrub but since I didn’t have that much time to spare either… I opted for the Calming Back Facial.

Nail Art Design

Nail art is a great way to express yourself. Have little ribbons or flowers adorn your fingertips. Add rhinestones for extra glitz. Paint on different cartoon and comic book characters. Select from various “French Manicure” designs. Cost depends on intricacy and amount of designs selected. From PHP 15-70 per nail.

Spa Pedicure

Feet are soaked in a soothing bath, then a gentle exfoliation lotion is applied to remove dead skin cells. Includes removal of corns and calluses, if required. An aromatherapy massage follows exfoliation, and a splash of cool body spray will leave your feet refreshed, relaxed and ready for a regular pedicure. 1 hour and 20mins: PHP 420

Paraffin Treatments

These relaxing treatments will leave your hands and feet feeling baby-soft. After exfoliation, hands/feet are dipped in warm, moisturizing paraffin wax, then wrapped snugly in terrycloth mittens/booties for 15 minutes. Special oils are then massaged into the skin until hands/feet become smooth, silky and rejuvenated.

Paraffin Hand Treatment (30mins) PHP 445

Paraffin Foot Treatment (30mins) PHP 490

Foot and Leg Massage

Using the combination of Chinese and Swedish massage, this is a perfect partner with your manicure. 30 mins: PHP 175.

Aromatherapy Massage

A soothing body massage for detoxifying and total relaxation. Using pure imported essential oils will strengthen the immune system. Soft music and a scented oil burner will complete your relaxation treatment. 1 hour and 20mins: PHP 600.

California Facial

A detoxifying skincare treatment, which removes congestion and dead cell buildup. Patterned after the classic European Facial, this includes: deep pore cleansing, a luxurious massage, steaming, mask, toning, and hydrating. 1 hour: PHP 695

Calming Back Facial

Our specialized treatment to unclog blocked pores on the back. Offers many benefits-detoxification, scrub, extractions, massage to relax sore and aching muscles. 30mins: PHP 420.

Body Scrub

A body treatment using fruity grains to gently scrub off dead skin cells and build up of lotions. After a refreshing shower, a finale of light massage using scented lotions will leave the skin with a new glow. 2 hours: PHP 800.

They have a special 20% discount for all services until January 31, 2007. Hurry and get that much needed spa treatment at a lower cost. Happy Three Kings!!!

California Nails and Day Spa

Units 8 & 9, One Kennedy Place, #3 Club Filipino Avenue, North Greenhilss, San Juan, Metro Manila.

Tel. Nos. 722-9245 722-9275