Admit it or not, the world we live in has become more stressful than ever. We hear bad news almost every morning, get stuck in horrendous traffic everyday, endure a tough commute to and from work, and the list just goes on. That aside, did you know that the Philippines was listed as the second most stressed country in the world by Gallup’s Annual Global Emotions Report last year?

Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve stress nowadays. My personal favorite is to go to a nice spa and immerse myself in what they have to offer. Improving your wellness happens to be a great form of self-care.

Photo from Okada Manila

I recently tried Okada Manila’s newest facility, The Sole Retreat Foot Spa and Reflexology Center. This spa is specifically designed for people who are always on the go and those who are too busy and don’t really have the luxury of time. 

The center offers high quality wellness, grooming, and beauty treatments complemented by an exclusive range of products. However, the highlight of their spa is their foot reflexology, which is a traditional Chinese practice that is believed to prevent and even cure health problems. In Eastern medicine, the foot is believed to be an important gateway to the health.

Upon entering the spa on the third level of the Coral Wing, I was greeted with wide smiles by their staff. They immediately offered me their signature lychee tea. It’s a definite must-try and I suggest saying yes if they ask if you want more!

After enjoying my tea, I went to change into their provided massage pajama. You may opt to keep your clothes on for the foot spa and massage, though.

I was then led to a room with 22 individual luxury foot spa thrones. It’s ideal for sparties (spa parties), birthdays, anniversaries, or bridal showers. If you’d like more exclusivity, they also have a private lounge with five spa thrones. 

Seeing the spa throne in itself will already make you feel like royalty. Each throne is adjustable to cater to a full-body dry massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, nail art service, or even eyelash enhancement. 

I decided to get a 60-minute foot spa and a Japanese gel naked manicure. For the foot treatment, you can either get the Ingham Method or the Asian Reflexology Method. The difference is that the latter is a signature treatment that uses deep finger, thumb-knuckle pressure, and a rubbing technique; while the former offers the benefit of pressure point therapy without pain. Basically, you simply have to choose between a pure pleasure or a pain-with-pleasure experience.

The overall experience was truly physically and mentally recharging. The room smells relaxing, too! I actually dozed off for a few minutes and woke up to my therapist offering me a foot detox patch. On top of that, they also gave me a complimentary head and shoulder massage.

If you feel exhausted after a long week (or month, because this year has already been so stressful!) of work, don’t think twice and reward yourself with a revitalizing treatment from The Sole Retreat Foot Spa and Reflexology Center so you can function as your best self again.

The Sole Retreat Foot Spa and Reflexology Center

Open from 12NN to 12MN

3/F Coral Wing, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque

https://web.facebook.com/TheSoleRetreat