Confession time: I am not a massage girlie. I don’t know why I am never used to the idea of a complete—albeit professional—stranger touching me. It never stopped me from getting a massage once or twice though. It’s just that I was never the type to put massage on top of my list of things to do when I want to take a break.
When the invite from Payapa Wellness & Spa came along, curiosity beat preference as I made my way to Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City, where the spa is located.
Payapa Wellness & Spa clinched a good spot in the Scout area. It is nestled in a place famed for having every other comfort and craving for the urban lifestyle. Payapa Wellness & Spa is in the middle of a bustling hub so it’s accessible enough for that midday reset. It can also be where you reward yourself after running errands or a way to cap off a girls’ day after going through QC’s beloved cafés and restaurants.
Payapa Wellness & Spa immediately transported me into a resort-quality facility with minimalist, nature-inspired interiors that featured lots of warm light and plants. The place immediately changes your aura as you settle on the couch to wait for your masseuse. You get a sense to slow down immediately and escape the hustle. The massage rooms remind me of quaint boutique hotels with sage green curtains and wood side tables. Payapa offers solo rooms but there are also options for couples who want to get their messages together.
There are three different signature massages: Laya, Daloy, and Payapa. Laya is a dry massage that’s focused on stretching and muscle recovery. Daloy is for relaxation and takes its name from the massage strokes it employs, mimicking a river’s peaceful flow. Payapa combines Daloy and Laya. It is the massage I chose as someone who exercises regularly but also needs a good massage to zone out. You can opt for either a 75-minute session or a 105-minute session.
Upon entering the premises, you’re given a form where you will indicate the massage you want, the body parts you wish the masseuse to focus on/avoid, and your desired intensity level. I appreciated this very much as you let your masseuse work their magic. I find that constantly being asked questions while being massaged, although well-meaning, can be unnecessary. It snaps you out of zone-out mode. I like the intuitiveness of Payapa’s staff as they massage you, pausing only once or twice to ensure you’re comfortable.
Every massage also starts with a foot soak and a guided meditation through pre-loaded earphones. A jade mask is placed over your eyes as you lay on your back, and mango biko with your choice of warm water or tea is served at the end. These little touches help you mentally check in to bliss and check out of racing thoughts.
Payapa also offers Premium Massages like Siklab, which is their take on a hot stone massage, and Hiraya, which is their approach to ventosa. Each Siklab or Hiraya session is 105 minutes long.
They also have a 45-minute foot massage, a 45-minute back & shoulder massage, and a 60-minute foot, back and shoulder massage. You can add these to a Signature or Premium Massage or schedule it for a quick fix in between your commitments.
Prices for experience and the services are well worth it. The Signature Massages are at PHP1,050 for 75 minutes and PHP1,550 for 105 minutes. Premium Massages are PHP1,625 each, while their other services will only cost you PHP800 at most. Right now, they have a 20 percent discount on all their services for their soft opening promo.
You also can take with you some good juju as they keep wellness treats like Pastel Pocket Inhalers and N LifePlus Black Glutinous Rice Shampoo for purchase by the cashier.
Overall rating? Payapa Wellness & Spa might be your new favorite hangout in the busy city.
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