5 Wellness Destinations You Didn't Know Existed in the Country

It's the busiest time of the year indeed! With so much to do for the holidays, it’s inevitable to get burnt out. But thankfully, with wellness becoming more and more accessible to all of us, there are always ways to relax and unwind whether you’re in the city or going out of town.

But while wellness spas and clinics have all been the rage these days, there are under-the-radar spots that offer a completely different experience that will have you craving for more treatments. Think: perfect isolated locations, wonderfully still and serene atmosphere, and most importantly, one-of-a-kind offerings that soothe, heal, and restore not just your body, but your mind and heart as well.

If you’re looking for a break that will give you a unique experience, we listed down five wellness destinations that may not be as popular, but will totally give you a restorative pause unlike any other.

AGUILAR, PANGASINAN

Pangasinan isn’t the first place that comes to mind when it comes to a wellness escape, but a few hours drive north to Aguilar brings you to a sanctuary of calm and recovery. Enter Hiraya Wellness Resort & Ecopark, a must-visit resort that encourages practicing slow living. Apart from being surrounded by lush greenery and reveling in the goodness of their spa offerings and other wellness activities like yoga, the resort will also offer their farm-to-table experience as they go to their next phase of development. Don’t miss out on their Aruga Spa package, which will pamper you with an inclusion of traditional hilot or stone massage, as well as their Tea Alchemy and Meditation activity!

BADIAN, CEBU

Cebu is one of the top destinations in the country, and rightly so—with all its crystalline beaches and the province being a nature-filled sanctuary that refreshes and invigorates its visitors. But you'll fall even harder for Cebu when you step foot inside Badian Island Wellness Resort and revel in the goodness of the waters. Or more specifically, their Thalasso Waterfalls! This facility makes use of filtered seawater, which contains a complex blend of natural minerals and antibacterial properties while also giving the benefit of relaxation. Guests will also receive a holistic wellness experience as the resort integrates healthy practices in their offerings, such as yoga, natural spa treatments, and organic eating.

STATION 3, BORACAY ISLAND

Away from the bustling and boisterous area of Boracay, you’ll find Mandala Spa & Resort Villas tucked within the quieter hillside of the island. Surrounded by lush gardens with a view of the sea, the healing environment complements the facility’s excellent spa treatments that pamper guests from head to toe—from massages to scrubs and even facials! They also offer personalized yoga classes and serve sumptuous healthy gourmet meals, using herbs and fresh produce from their own garden and sourcing other ingredients from nearby farms and shops to support local businesses!

DAUIS, BOHOL

It’s definitely worth exploring the other side of Panglao, far from the frenzy of crowds. Secluded away from the touristy White Beach, Mithi Resort & Spa charms in its mesmerizing landscape—and more. As a healing sanctuary, soak in the goodness of nature and the ocean all in one private space where you can enjoy solitude, good food, and a bunch of activities that will melt the stress away. Their spa also carries an interesting menu of treatments, where you can choose and experience premiere massage treatments from around the world, including Japanese Shitao massage, Indian Ayurveda Wellness massage, and, of course, our traditional hilot!

DAUIN, NEGROS ORIENTAL

There are well-hidden destinations that are just waiting to be discovered, including the quiet town of Dauin in Negros Oriental. Just two hours away from the city of Dumaguete, witness a calming retreat with the best of rest and relaxation at Atmosphere Resort and Spa. Apart from accommodations and even scuba diving experiences, the resort also emphasizes on achieving balance in our life. Build your form in the most enjoyable way with yoga, running, and fitness classes, indulge in Atmosphere’s detox, nutrition, and wellness packages as well as other yummy meals (with vegetarian and vegan options, too!), or forget the world for a few days and relish in the award winning The Sanctuary Spa. They don’t just offer premium massages, but also facial and body treatments, and more. We recommend trying the water shiatsu, a unique treatment that combines elements of massage, yoga, shiatsu, muscle stretching, and dance. A great way to rev up the senses and recharge!

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