Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Epione Spa & Samantha's Cafe

<p>If you live anywhere near Shaw Boulevard, consider this your sign to carve out a little me-time. Opened just last May, this glossy and soothing massage studio is already making waves, offering an elevated escape for Manila dwellers in need of deep rest, real relief, and a space to simply breathe. Just beside it in the same building is a quaint café serving well-loved favorites, done right. <strong>Epione Wellness Spa and Samantha’s Café </strong>is a collaboration between cousins—<strong>Dr. Patrick David C. Tan, and siblings Samantha and Chef Stephen Salonga</strong>. The establishment is located at the bustling hub of Mandaluyong, making it an easy-access escape when the busyness of the city gets overwhelming. No wonder this surprisingly cosy and brightly inviting spot is quickly gaining traction with the urban wellness crowd.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175440537760220250805_131028.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Epione Wellness Spa recently opened its second branch in Mandaluyong City.</span></span></span></div><p>Named after the Greek goddess of soothing pain (yes, really), Epione leans into its namesake with a thoughtful menu that offers time-tested healing techniques. We’re talking <strong>Traditional Hilot, Deep Tissue, Swedish,</strong> and their<strong> house special: the Epione Signature Massage</strong>—a full-body reset made even better with warm volcanic stones melting tension where it’s needed the most.</p><p>But it’s not just about the treatments—it’s the atmosphere they curated, too. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a calm, polished space designed to hush your internal noise. Soft lighting. Native-inspired modern interiors. Light wood tones. Natural elements. Hanging lights. A gentle soundtrack of spa music. Everything says: &quot;It’s time to relax.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175440544832020250805_131012.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">The reception lounge is bright, airy, and clean.</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What to Book When You’re Running on Empty</strong></div><p>Feeling worn out from city life? <strong>Go for the Namikoshi Shiatsu with paraffin wax</strong>—a cult-favorite combo for those glued to their laptops 24/7. Namikoshi Shiatsu is a <strong>Japanese massage technique that uses thumb and palm pressure to stimulate nerves, muscles, and joints, promoting the body’s natural healing abilities. </strong>Unlike other Eastern methods, it follows Western anatomy and focuses on physical rather than energetic pathways. Recognized by Japan’s health ministry, it’s known for relieving pain, reducing stress, and enhancing overall wellness. While you doze off, your hands will be cared for and dipped into a calming paraffin wax treatment for extra suppleness, then massaged for thorough rejuvenation. That post-massage glow? It&#x27;s real.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175440564226520250805_153657.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">The couple’s massage room features covered beds and a large tub, perfect for indulging in body scrubs and a warm soak.</span></span></span>Their therapists are trained to tailor each session to your specific pressure preference and pain points, so do write your needs on the fill-out form upon entering. You’re in good hands—literally. They also have a beautiful couple’s massage room with a large bathtub and complete toiletries, perfect for a warm soak before the physical therapy. </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>A Spa for the Busy Bees</strong></div><p>One of the best things about Epione is that they respect your time. Whether you’re slipping in during your lunch break or winding down after work, everything from their booking system to service flow is smooth and efficient. The therapist also clearly communicates the duration of each procedure and even lets you know exactly when she’ll return to the room.</p><p>And for somewhere so beautifully put-together, it’s shockingly affordable—the kind of place you can make a habit without feeling guilty.</p><p>In a city that never seems to pause, Epione Wellness Spa is a soft landing. It&#x27;s for the overworked, the overwhelmed, and everyone who’s just trying to find their footing again. </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>A Satisfying Post-Massage Treat </strong></div><p>Ever wonder why you feel ravenous after a massage? That’s your body shifting into “rest and digest” mode—massage boosts circulation, relaxes your nervous system, and gets your digestive juices flowing. With stress out of the way and your body finally at ease, it’s no surprise your appetite wakes up too.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175440571764520250805_130939.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Samantha’s Cafe is quaint and cozy, perfect for good conversations and deep focus.</span></span></span>Once your tummy grumbles, try Samantha’s Cafe, a quaint space just beside Epione’s lobby, serving classics like their best-selling <strong>spaghetti bolognese</strong> (the marinara sauce is to live for, with perfectly al dente pasta), <strong>ham, egg, and cheese sandwich</strong> (farmer’s ham is delicious and the buns are soft), and their famous <strong>chewy chocolate chip cookies</strong>. Not to mention <strong>sea salt chocolate cake</strong>, a thick slice of moist yet light chocolate cake with not-too-sweet salted chocolate frosting that’s the ultimate match with a hot cup of their signature fresh brew. These dishes may seem familiar and straightforward, but when done right with no shortcuts, they are heavenly, especially after a good, stimulating massage. As for their drinks, I highly recommend the rich yet balanced <strong>strawberry matcha, </strong>the decadent <strong>sea salt caramel latte, </strong>and the<strong> refreshing horchata</strong>. </div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175440578838520250805_154136.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Every dish and drink is done well at Samantha’s, but their authentic Italian spaghetti bolognese &amp; homemade chocolate chip cookies will blow your mind (two personal favorites of co-owner, Chef Stephen).</span></span></span>The space is modest and compact, but it’s got a personality—a tiled counter, matte tables, cute framed art, and some potted greens on a hanging shelf. It’s quaint, fairly minimalistic, and fresh. I love how it’s also quiet, with ambient music that&#x27;s conducive to good conversation or deep focus. I was able to catch up on some work after my relaxing massage and filling meal. It made up a restful yet still productive afternoon.</div><p>Whether you&#x27;re coming in for a complete reset or just a quick fix for your aching back, Epione Wellness Spa delivers the kind of care that lingers long after you leave. At the same time, Samantha’s Cafe provides deliciously satisfying, honest-to-goodness food with comforting drinks for nourishment and sustenance post-massage. </p><p>Self-care doesn’t have to mean checking out of life. Sometimes, it’s as simple as carving out a few hours, turning off your phone, and letting someone take care of you for a change. And if that hour happens at Epione and Samantha’s? Even better.</p><p>***</p><div><em>Follow Epione Wellness Spa on </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/epionespaph" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Instagram</em></a><em> and check out Samantha’s Cafe </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/samanthas.cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>. </em></div>

<p>Soft lighting. Native-inspired modern interiors. Light wood tones. Natural elements. Hanging lights. A gentle soundtrack of spa music. Everything says: "It’s time to relax."</p>

Soft lighting. Native-inspired modern interiors. Light wood tones. Natural elements. Hanging lights. A gentle soundtrack of spa music. Everything says: "It’s time to relax."

Sleep and Sip: This Spa and Cafe Collab is a Cozy Break in the City

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Sleep and Sip: This Spa and Cafe Collab is a Cozy Break in the City

Danah Gutierrez

Published August 05, 2025 11:00 PM PHT

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Updated August 05, 2025 11:01 PM PHT

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