I love getting pampered at hotel spas, but my experience at Terazi Spa in Discovery Primea last year was definitely one of a kind. Terazi Spa is the only establishment in the city which offers an authentic Turkish bath. I had read about this exotic procedure before so I was really curious to try it out for myself.
Discovery Primea is a five star serviced residences situated right along the busy Ayala Avenue in the Makati Central Business District. I had a holiday staycation here two years ago (Read: Refreshing and Lavish Urban Escape at Discovery Primea), but I wasn’t able to try their signature Turkish bath treatment that time. So my fiancé and I finally scheduled a 2-hour couple’s Hammam with Signature Massage last year and it was a totally unforgettable experience.
Terazi Spa perfects the art of blending luxury, privacy, and excellent service. It features their signature Turkish bath or Hammam treatment and a menu of traditional and natural healing therapies which were carefully designed to restore the body’s balance and rejuvenate the spirit. The spa can be found on the third floor and is open daily from 1:00pm to 11:00pm. Hot tea and cold face towels were served to us before we were led to our room.
Intimacy marks the Terazi Spa experience with its limited number of treatment rooms, exclusive steaming facilities and soaking tub. We first went to our shower room which was connected to the Hammam area. After leaving our things here and showering, we then went to the next room for our Turkish bath.
The Hammam is Terazi Spa’s version of the near-mystical traditional Turkish bath. This method of cleansing and relaxation became popular in Western Europe during the Victorian era. The specially designed facility houses a traditional marble-lined bathhouse which is the only one of its kind in Makati. The treatment begins with a full-body steam as the room became one big sauna where we couldn’t even see each other. The room is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing the bather to perspire freely. This was followed by a dousing of cold water to prepare us for the relaxation ahead.
We both laid down on the heated marble bed where the therapists proceeded to do a “wet massage.” This is a deep body exfoliation using the traditional ‘kese’ mitt to cleanse every inch of your body. We were both covered in a cloud of soapy bubbles, to wash away dead skin cells.
The treatment was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was like I was floating on water, with soap and bubbles all around me. However, due to the heightened temperature, the Hammam is actually not advisable for those suffering from hypertension, heart disease, skin ailments, and asthma or those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure. Good thing I was already more than 6 months away from my hip replacement surgery so this was doctor-approved.
After our Turkish bath, it was now time for the dry portion of our treatment. We were led to the couple’s massage room where our memorable experience continues with the Terazi Signature Massage.
This air-conditioned room was a welcome retreat from the warm Hammam area. We were both given cold refreshing drinks to relax our bodies and get it ready for the massage. A warm foot bath was given first before we laid down on the massage tables.
Guests are given a choice of treatment oils for their massage. The treatments use naturally-sourced ingredients from flowers, plants and fruits, all prepared and administered by well-trained expert therapists. The delicate strokes had me falling into a deep and relaxing slumber.
After the treatment, hot tea will be served at the The Terazi Tea Lounge. This was truly a unique spa experience that no other hotel can offer. If you are looking for a memorable activity to spend with your significant other, then the Hammam with Terazi’s Signature Massage (P5,800++, 120 mins) is probably the best gift you can find. They also offer the Hammam (P3,800++, 45 mins) by itself if you prefer to skip the massage. Come to think of it, this would be a nice birthday gift to my fiancé (and me) once the community quarantine is lifted.
