I LOVE. I LIVE.

Ahavia SPA opened months ago in San Juan. Being a stone's throw away from Stel's place of work, he's frequented the spa for their pressure point massages which were very affordable at p199. Seriously, he's addicted to them. He tries to go at least once a week, as frequent as I get my weekly alternate mani-pedi-change color at the Nail Loft. I'd join him during the weekends when I'd get the chance, and I'd usually get a footspa (p199) or an express hand/foot massage (p199). How can you go wrong with that? :) I never tried their hair treatments again though, after all that stress months ago when I first visited (Read my earlier review) but I was assured then that they already had a hairdryer. Haha. Yey!

I've always been hesitant to have full body massages. I don't know if it's the fact that I feel queasy to have a stranger touch my body (sounds bad I know), or the fact that I'm just finicky, that I hate all the effort I put into dressing up - and then changing out of it, only to get my hair messy or my clothes crumpled. I think it's a bit of both. Hence, most of the time Stel and I spa together, I usually have feet treatments, while he has his hour long massages. If he were to choose, he'd actually have a massage every other day if it was possible. Indulgent much? Well, to each his own right?

For some reason, I decided to have a stress relief full body massage today. I chose to try out the ANTI-STRESS THERMAL THERAPY (p599 - 1hour and 30minutes) described to use alternating effects of 'hot' massage oils (menthol-like), which would later have a cooling effect. It was described so much better in the spa menu (I failed to copy the exact description), and anything that was anti-stress was always worth a try. Stel chose to combine his usual Point Pressure Therapy (p199 - 1hour), with an Oriental Ritual Massage (p299 - 1hour).
I've never had a full-body massage at Ahavia - but the heavens must have been cooperating with me today (despite the heavy downpour) because I was treated to one of the best massages I've ever had in my life. No kidding.

It starts out with a stretching routine, in prone position (on your belly). The massage oil used initially felt warm to the skin, would later cool off due to evaporation. I think it's the combination of the change in temperature which actually soothed all my aches and pains. It felt like 'Vicks vaporub' in oil form, rubbed all over the body in very distinct and gentle motions (for lack of a better description). I love how the therapist (Anna) concentrated on my calves, neck, upper and lower back, and her hands were so amazing, that you could hardly see me flinch or tense my muscles because of pain. One of the reasons why I don't really like body massages is because my muscles are always so tender, that even the lightest hands cause me to writhe in pain. Seriously. Stel just gets annoyed at how I'd always tell the therapist to stop or be gentler because I couldn't take the pain. But today was different. Honestly, I've finally found the RIGHT PRESSURE for my aching muscles. I couldn't really explain how the alternating hot and cold felt - how I'd feel one part of my body cool, while another part was still warm. I think it was that sensation that relaxed me.

After experiencing (and being aware) an hour and a half long massage, choosing an hour-long massage was indeed too short. You'd leave still wanting more, and you'd definitely feel short-changed. We weren't aware of that until today, when we timed the massage, and noticed how happy we both were after the ritual. Stel's two hour massage was great too. The combination of the Pressure Point Massage with the Oriental Ritual removed his bothersome lower back pain he's had for over a month. Ang galing.

Cheers and kudos to our therapists - Anna and Dianne. We'll definitely ask for them the next time we visit. They're one of the best we've ever experienced. We're both quite difficult to please, so that must mean something.

Despite the CRAZY rains which flooded the whole Metro - which surprised us when we stepped out of the spa, nothing could dampen our happy spirits. Not discounting the fact that it was literally like the floodgates of heaven opened and poured out their entire supply of water for months on us. And not discounting the fact that it's 2am, and it took me two hours to get home from Stel's place, and I'm still up writing this entry.

Maybe because I don't want to forget the 'fresh-from-the-spa' sensation? I could still feel the oils working wonders on my back as I write this (and I had the treatment about 8 hours ago). If that doesn't make you want to head out and try the Anti-Stress Thermal therapy massage, I don't know what will.

Give it a try, won't you?

Hmm.. now, paano na when I leave? Who will do my nails and give me massages? Haha.  *sigh*  Mahal dun.

Ahavia Spa
173 Wilson St corner Barcelona St, Greenhills, San Juan.
7440343
11am to 3am