An Intimate And Revitalizing Date Idea Within The City

If you’re still thinking of what to do this Valentine’s, or wondering how to celebrate the love month with your special one, The Retreat Spa’s Couples Connect offering in the ultra luxurious Okada Manila is one to check out and highly consider. With most of us back in the grind, the gift of wellness and relaxation is a wonderful way to show our loved ones that we care.

The Retreat Spa in Okada Manila is quite impressive in terms of interiors and ambiance—I love how you immediately feel like you’ve arrived in your well-deserved luxurious day retreat as you enter. The friendly guest services took my husband and I on a mini tour to see the barbershop, beauty salon and nail art studio and the well-equipped gym. A short walk from the arrival area and you are greeted by their stunning lounge and view of the pool. It sure did feel as if we were away from the city and it got us excited for some pamper and connect time. The pool was so inviting that afternoon, however guest services hinted, “wait until you see it a night.”

We take a peak at the Wave Dream Mediation Chamber, where you immediately notice water being projected on the ceiling matched with sounds that you can relax and meditate to. I promised myself I’d go back post massage to chill and claim my head space. I was secretly thanking my partner for being here already, and to think the treatment hasn’t even started. But then I briefly say goodbye to my husband as we are brought to the relaxation zones—males and females have designated areas. I love how spacious the locker and shower areas are but I admit, I was more excited for the Aquatherapy and relaxation facilities. If your muscles are in need of recovery or have been wanting to go for a detox, their sauna, steam room, and hot jet tub are just perfect for that reset. I highly recommend you come in 30-45 mins before treatment time so you can enjoy this, but do call and inform as you book.

I rejoin my husband in the lounge and we are brought to our treatment room—a couple suite called the Sarangani room which left us quite in awe. If there’s one thing I’m learning so far, it’s that The Retreat Spa knows how to make us feel special and pampered. The suite is huge with its own shower/steam sauna, a toilet, vanity area, a two massage bed setup and a tub perfect for those luxurious soaks. I look around and realize that this suite can actually also be the perfect setup for Galentine’s! Feel free to check their other services as they do have his and her specific spa treatments.

According to their website, the Couples Connect treatment is designed for couples to reconnect on a physical, emotional, and spiritual plane. I was intrigued and got even more excited as our therapists walked us through prior the treatment. So it starts off with a cleansing Himalayan salt body scrub which left my skin feeling soft and ready after a quick shower. For the Kundalini massage, our therapist shared that if you’re tired and have been feeling emotionally stressed, this one with the gentle kneading, sound healing, and chakra balancing is perfect for restoring and reconnecting as it brings grounding to the nervous system. We face up for a wonderful facial massage and beautiful sweet smelling oils slowly poured onto our head and scalp to calm the muscles of the head, reduce mental clutter, and promote better sleep. The treatment ended with our therapist setting a love intention through mantra.

After the massage, light snacks were served by the lounge, so we stayed and chatted while sipping our ginger tea. Needless to say, we did reap the calming and relaxing effects of this one-of-a-kind couples treatment. My husband said he felt calmer, while I slept so good that night. So happy I got to experience it with my husband. Now it's your turn to experience the same!—Bianca Reinoso

Know more about this offering by logging on here, or call (632) 8555 5775. The Retreat Spa is open from 10 am-10 pm, Sundays to Thursdays, from 10 am to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Story by Bianca Reinoso. Photos courtesy of Okada Manila. Special thanks to Niza Forschler