Surrendering to a therapeutic massage is one of the gifts you could give to yourself. Aside from our daily grind, braving the city traffic almost everyday can give us unnecessary physical and mental strain. But did you know that in the middle of the crazy busy Makati shopping district is a sanctuary called Brazil Spa?
Conveniently located at the ground floor of Prince Plaza 1 along Legazpi Street, this hidden treasure is just right across Greenbelt 5. It is the perfect location for office workers, shoppers and residents in the area. There is no signboard outside though, but you will see the dental clinic of Dra. Grace Bush, who is also a long-time friend, prominently shown outside the building. Just enter the main entrance of Prince Plaza 1, proceed to Unit G 7, and you will be personally welcomed by the owners Madame Merna Brazil and her French husband, Monsieur Didier Derouet.
 |
| Owners, Didier Derouet and Merna Brazil bring their experience in hotels abroad to Brazil Spa. |
Brazil Spa offers one of the best therapeutic massages I have experienced. I am not exaggerating. I made sure to have a massage every time I travel to another country, specially counties in South East Asia. The staff are professionally trained by Merna herself, who is an experienced therapist working at the Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. The place itself may not be large, but do not be fooled by its size It is large in service and the facilities are very clean, orderly and tranquil.
 |
| The shower room is similar to those at Bali resorts in a smaller scale. |
There is a full routine that will be experienced by each client. It starts with the welcome drink, which is carefully prepared by Didier, who is, by profession, a chef in five-star hotels prior to opening the spa. This refreshing drink is a mixture of calamansi, lemon grass, ginger and honey, infused in Perrier sparkling water. You have then a choice to take a shower, which I should mention, looks like an exotic shower room straight out of Bali.
 |
| Each cubicle has its own wardrobe, where clients can conveniently keep personal belongings. |
 |
| New and very clean facilities are the assets of Brazil Spa. |
At the massage cubicle, I was impressed by the layout of each space. What caught my eye was the small wardrobe with a mirror inside of each piece. This is a very good idea, as it functions well to make our clothes and things organized inside the little space. Plus, the dividers are not made out of curtains, but sliding doors, which gave me more security and privacy.
 |
| World-class Pevonia products are generously used on clients. |
I was given a whiff of lavender to relax my mind. The sweet almond oil used on my body was wonderfully infused with lavender and ilang-ilang. My therapist was really good, just giving the right pressure, and yet I can feel my tight muscles loosen up and the coldness melt away. To complete the full spa service, I highly recommend availing the facial massage (Php 800). Brazil Spa only uses the best products, and in particular, it is the US-made Pevonia product line.
A 60-minute massage service range from Php 350 to Php 800, depending on the type of treatment. Reflexology for 30 minutes starts at Php 300, while body scrubs are from Php 550.
Spa Party
Brazil Spa also offer spa parties. This is quite a steal as I have mentioned, Didier is an experienced French chef who worked at five-star hotels all over the world. He is currently the Executive Pastry Chef of Novotel Araneta.
 |
| Pork-loin with baby aragula and baguette slices with butter. |
 |
| Tender pork- loin on baguette with green curry sauce. |
 |
| Healthy shrimp cocktails. |
Didier personally goes to the market to shop for the best ingredients, prepare and cook the dishes meticulously. The spa party package starts at Php 1,800 per person, including the therapeutic massage. You may also bring your own drinks, and the whole place is exclusively just for you and your guests for a couple of hours.
 |
| Chef Didier personally serves for his guests. |
Discovering Brazil Spa is one of the best things that happened to me this week. I now feel fully recharged. I can't wait to go back to this sanctuary.
Unit G7, Prince Plaza 1
Legazpi St., Legazpi Village
Makati City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 921 5728408
Like Brazil Spa on Facebook, here.
