Seeking the most coveted R&R experience while on vacation in the mountains of Cordillera, I stumbled upon North Haven Spa two years ago. It was located in an unassuming residential area, housed in what looks like a rustic vacation house (smells like old pine, dimly lit, lovely wooden floors creaked, the works). Being the country's strawberry capital, I went for a Baguio strawberry scrub with the quintessential massage package (for only Php 990.00!!!) and the rest was history. As I keep saying, I am no spa connoisseur, but this spa was love at first sight.
I did some research and found out that this spa is owned by Ms. Lala Gonzalez, who also invested in learning massage techniques of our very own brothers and sisters in the north. No other spa facility offers treatments like this. It has then gained popularity by being named one of the best spas in the country.
Main branch of North Haven Spa is located at #21 Avelino Street, Ferguson Road, Baguio City. Come here early because: 1) I think it closes at 10:00 PM, most treatments take 2 hours minimum, and 2) it is very difficult to find a cab in this area. There's also one other branch beside Casa Vallejo (across SM Baguio). This is where my sister and I went kasi it was walking distance from the hotel.
This branch is open 24 hours, call ahead and book your appointment (walk-ins are welcome also).
A very humble reception area. Products on display are for sale.
Very professional therapists.
Ambiance is very soothing, their MP3 collection is for sale also.
My sister.
This is the spa menu.
You will get into a happy state of confusion because every item screams of 100% pampering.
I went for the usual (Scrub was green tea this time - Destressing is the key!).
It was my sister's first time at a spa (too bad for the next spa she visits -- mahirap sundan ang winner).
She got the signature strawberry scrub kasi sabi ko when in Baguio, go for strawberry.
A feast for the senses
I have no photos of the spa area kasi I went there to relax (not to document, haha). But I will tell you that our therapists made sure that we were receiving the best services possible. Both scrubs we chose were cold to the touch (if you prefer warmer scrubs, I think passion fruit is ok -- too sweet for my smell though). It was a full-body scrub and we were also treated to a honey mask (with cucumber for our eyes). We felt VIP kasi after the scrub, we spent 15 minutes in the sauna, showered, prepped for the massage and since it was late in the evening, I think we had the spa area to ourselves. I asked our therapist what the massage was called after the session. I recognized a few Swedish techniques, but for the rest, I am not sure. She said it was a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu (kaya pala may parts with a small degree of ouch factor) and Thai (stretching and yoga-ish movement). We didn't want to leave yet, but Dad was outside fetching us already (kasi it was 1:00 AM na!).
Again (and again and again), North Haven Spa has delivered.
Not sure when we'll come back so we brought home aromatics and scrubs that would remind us of our home away from home.
My sister's french vanilla candle
Mom's lavender conditioner (it was brand-new stock, no sticker yet)
I missed this. Silky, smooth and sweet! (Php 195.00)
To remind me of my first spa date with my sister. (Php 195.00)
To know more about the spa, click
here.
