It was that time of the year when I needed to get away briefly from the city.
Motoring down south, I grabbed the opportunity to visit my good friend Nina Malvar's newest baby, the Kartini Spa Asia at the Alabang Town Center (ATC). This is the second Kartini Spa location in the bustling south metropolis, built on the success of the first Kartini Spa in BF Homes Paranaque. A few months ago, Nina and I had just been throwing ideas to each other on how she would convert her garden/landcape company at the ATC into a spa oasis. I was very much surprised and pleased with what she had created in such a short span of time!
Tucked amidst the sprawling KARTINI landscaped gardens, thriving greenery, vibrant flora and cascading waterfalls, Kartini Spa invites one to discover a pathway to inner peace and reflection. As you step into the gardens of KARTINI at ATC, you are surrounded by the exotic and poetic beauty of nature. From the serene natural backdrop to the elegant and exotic mood of the spa lobby and interiors and the skill of its therapists, the spa holds true to its promise of uplifting the spirit and awakening the senses.
The ambience is upmarket and classy, yet the costs of the treatments are very affordable. The treatment menu lists a range of massage therapies and foot pampering rituals which make use of indigenous ingredients as well as the finest essential oils.
The Kartini signature massage uses a combination of Balinese gentle long strokes and the invigorating strokes typical of Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai massage to relax tensed muscles and to attain inner glow and harmony. The treatment for 45 minutes costs Pesos 495.
The Philippine ‘Hilot’, the most famous in traditional Filipino healing, works on muscles and nerve pathways to encourage blood circulation and to aid in the removal of toxins. The 60 minute treatment costs Pesos 595.
The Foot Reflexology treatment for 45 minutes costs Pesos 495. The foot massage
techniques are designed to restore the natural energy flow around the body using finger-point pressure on the reflex zones on the soles of the feet, thereby emitting powerful energies that promote a cleansing and healing effect.
The Foot Spa Bliss for 30 minutes costing Pesos 295 consists of a foot scrub and a relaxing foot massage which detoxify the system and loosen the muscles resulting in a sense of deep relaxation.
I tried out their version of the Hilot and must say that it is one of the best ones I have experienced so far. Plus, the prices are really affordable! It's just too bad that this spa is too far away from my Quezon City home. The people from the south are so blessed to have this new spa to hie to whenever they feel like having a good rubdown amidst a beautiful garden.
KARTINI's therapists are all trained, graduates of a TESDA training program in San Pedro Laguna that was initiated by its Mayor Calixto R. Cataquiz. This is part of Nina's CSR for her business. She helps by providing practicum and employment to the new graduates. After the therapists graduate from TESDA, they do internship at KARTINI, and if they are good enough, they get hired.
Kartini Spa is ideal for people who like nature to be close at hand or for those who just need to slow down and are looking for a quiet and peaceful natural spa experience. The venue is also well suited for couples, group of friends and families who desire some hours of pampering and for corporate groups who need a much deserved break and wanting to build team spirit through bonding and relaxation.
And after a fanstatic treatment, all you want to do is just laze about Kartini's beautiful gardens, taking in the view while sipping your tea. Tranquil moments abound here in this oasis close to the city.
Curious about KARTINI? Call 8074356, 8077579 or 09178161368 for reservations or log into their website at www.kartinispa.com
