Finding a state of calm

By Pranz Kaeno

We live in very stressful times that we ought to unwind every now and then. While there are many ways to restore our inner balance, a trip to the spa right in the middle of a paradise island could prove to be a good start.

After a zesty flight and an exhilarating speed boat ride, I, together with other journalists, reached the white shores of Boracay around noon. The friendly personnel of Boracay Regency Resort and Convention Center greeted us with a warm welcome and some chilled fruity refreshments. We had buffet lunch at the Seabreeze Caf? before we surrendered ourselves to the comforts of our cozy rooms. During evenings we would return to the caf? for dinner and to watch the nightly fiery performances.

The Kai Regency Spa is the latest addition to the sprawling Boracay Regency. It is located on the third and fourth floors of the Garden Wing. According to Henry Chusuey, chairman and president of the Triple A-rated resort, the spa?s name originated from the Chinese word which means ?soothing.? Echoing the company?s motto of ?providing luxury rooms and services to tourists at a fair rate,? Chusuey added that ?A visit to Kai assures you of an unforgettable experience into serenity without spending too much. Value for money is still the key word.?

Kai?s extensive lineup of services and treatments includes a selection of soothing massages, hand and foot treatments, facial treatments, body scrubs, and body wraps. Inside there are separate male and female thermariums each with a huge Jacuzzi, dry heat sauna, and hot steam.

The spa has a total of 22 rooms categorized according to their functions: Considered the ?VIP room,? the Imperial Suite has two beds and a shower room. The spa?s guest can opt to have the ?sanctuary? all to him or her self, or he or she can share it with a companion. Designed with couples in mind, the Suite Haven features a king-size bed. For body scrub treatments, there is the Tropical Suite. It has a hydro bath and a body scrub bed. The Dynasty Hall is fitted for foot and hand treatments. It can accommodate six guests at a time. The Emperor?s Courtyard is the common room for basic treatments. A Thai-inspired room, the Royal Sanctuary has four beds. The Facial Verandah houses special equipment for facial treatments and can take in two guests at a time.

On my first night, I tried the Kai Signature Massage. After a relaxing cup of warm lemongrass tea, I was led to one of the Imperial Suites. The Asian-inspired room had an air of oriental mystique?the mood lighting, Chinese inscriptions on the wall, lanterns made of wagasas hanging upside-down, and capiz windows reminiscent of ancestral Filipino homes. Being inside it was almost as calming as the massage process itself. My therapist started by washing my feet with crystals while reciting lines that could have come from an ancient spiritual rite. I was transported into another world and another time. Best of all she made me feel like royalty. With her trained and skillful hands she banished my stress away. The hot pouch she placed on my body heightened the sensation of relief.

The next day I had the Kai Purifying Facial at the Facial Verandah. After an hour of deep cleansing, we went back to our rooms reinvigorated.

Another latest addition to Boracay Regency is the VIP room where valued guests could lounge. My colleagues and I stayed there for some friendly chat and merienda. The perky attendant with her disarming smile served us coffee, biscuits, and burgers. We spent our last night partying at the resort?s MO2 Wave bar. Calmed and renewed, we were ready once again to take on life?s challenges.