Tired feet deserve a pampering spa treatment. (Photo by RUDY LIWANAG)

Water is one of the most essential elements to human survival. It is an answer to people’s quest for life of health, wellness, and energy. In ancient Rome and Japan, it has been used for therapies to heal the sick and as treatments for diseases and injuries. Greeks took therapeutic baths, while ancient Chinese used it for their healing systems.

Through the ages, people searched for an elusive elixir to eternal youth and vitality. But what they don’t know is that it can be found in the Earth’s simple and abundant natural element, water.

In Marriott Hotel, one can find a “source of pure water” that offers an oasis of healing and rejuvenation. The Quan Spa celebrates the power of water and its healing and wellness properties.

A Chinese word that means spring water, Quan draws in the restorative properties of water into their treatments. Its basic philosophy revolves around the idea that water is at the core of the ultimate health-enhancing experience.

More than just a sanctuary from the urban sprawl of the metropolis and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the spa intertwined indigenous Filipino treatments such as hilot, baños, and dagdagay into their therapy.

A journey to blissfulness

The beauty ritual begins with a cold welcome drink, concocted with pineapple juice, ginger tea, and lemon, mixed with crushed mint leaves and a touch of honey. It is so refreshing that it actually primes the body for the unique spa experience that would follow.

Ambience is important to ensure the best experience. Quan Spa has a luxurious and contemporary interior, with subdued lighting that  provides a cozy atmosphere for the guests.

After a refreshing cocktail, immerse yourself (literally and figuratively) in one of their deliciously scented baths in the Bathing Suite for one hour. Guests can choose among "Connect," "Dream," and "Nurture". "Connect" is aromatherapy milk float which uses a potent milk emulsion applied to the body, and infused purifying oils in the bath.

"Dream" is a deep sea submersion with pure marine and mineral elements, combined with softening oils; while "Nurture" uses a cocktail of marine and mineral extracts and a potent combination of hydrating and renewing oils.

The healing touch

Next in the spa journey is the massage therapy. One of the oldest therapeutic remedies known to men, the act of human touch has the ability to connect, stimulate, relax, and regenerate the natural healing process of the body.

At Quan, guests can opt for the Aroma Fusion Massage, Deep Renewal Massage, Earth Stone Massage, and Hilot. Aroma Fusion lets one discover the ancient arts of aromatherapy and Swedish massage. Quan uses different essential oils at different times of the day.

If you like to have a deep massage, Deep Renewal Massage is definitely for you. It loosens the tense muscles after a long and tiring day, after a game of sports, or after a trip, and increases blood circulation and energy flow. 

In Earth Stone Massage, hot stones are used to stimulate circulation and transport oxygen into the various body areas. It combines two micronized minerals, malachite and zincite, as well as aromatic massage oils for that relaxing effect.

Of course, don’t forget those tired feet. Quan has several spa remedies for those legs and feet such as Dagdagay, Spa Foot Ritual, and Thai Foot Massage. An authentic Filipino tribal foot and leg massage, Dagdagay is a combination of the foot soak which uses guava leaves, an application of purifying natural clay, and a deep massage.

A footbath and nature-based exfoliation begins the Spa Foot Ritual. The legs and feet are first wrapped in detoxifying black Moor mud wrap, before the relaxing massage. Thai Foot Massage, on the other hand, is a traditional massage technique characterized with the application of  gentle pressure on the reflex points of the feet.

Scrubs, wraps, and masks

Contemporary art of body and beauty therapy combines luxurious treatments of polishes, scrubs, wraps, and masks. Exfoliate your skin using the Fresh Coconut Polish, Fresh Coffee Scrub, or the Tropical Renewal.

In Fresh Coconut Polish, the coconut meat is used to exfoliate. It is not too abrasive and has hydrating benefits as well as high antioxidants and vitamins. Since it’s a tropical fruit, it is refreshing to the skin.

Experience the good taste and aroma of kapeng barako in Fresh Coffee Scrub. Freshly ground coffee beans are scrubbed all over the body which enables the skin to absorb the aromatic scent and medicinal properties of the coffee.

Using tropical salt mousse that has been enriched with mango and passion fruit extracts, Tropical Renewal provides a full body exfoliation and a sublime massage.

As for wraps, choices are Banana Leaf Wrap, Seaweed Detoxifier, Papaya Wrap, and Water Lily Hydrator. In the traditional Banana Leaf, the body is exfoliated using cucumber juice and rice powder before it is wrapped in a heated banana leaf, allowing the body to sweat and release toxins.

Enjoy a blissful treatment in Papaya Wrap as the skin is exfoliated using rice powder, then wrapped in fresh papaya. The papaya contains enzymes papain and bromelain (which mimics alpha-hydroxy acids) that can revitalize the skin.

A facial for the body, Seaweed Detoxifier entails an anti-stress body wrap using marine and botanical elixirs sourced from France. Seaweed is known to improve circulation and reduce fluid retention, perfect for toning and firming.  A hydrating body treatment, the Water Lily Hydrator combats dryness by using Asian water lily.

Extra special care

Like the eyes, the face reveals all – emotions, personality, etc. It definitely needs special care. At Quan, faces are also pampered with Age Intervention Facial, which is an anti-ageing marine-based facial using seaweed from Brittany’s Sea, and Aroma Fusion Facial, a personalized facial where pure essential oils are chosen and blended to suit the skin’s need. Prior to all facial treatments, Quan’s Arizona Desert Mud Spinal Pack is applied to the spinal area to relive aches, pains, and tension.

For that extra indulgence, opt for the Luxury Caviar Facial. The unique combination of caviar, pearls, and Es-cotox (a derivative to Botox) helps improve elasticity, increase oxygenation, counteract sun damage, and deliver intense hydration to the skin.

Quan Spa also offers spa packages for those who want to try different treatments in one go. All packages can be upgraded to include poolside lunch where the executive chef will create a special spa-inspired lunch menus for that holistic experience.

Marriott Hotel is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, near the Ninoy International Airport.