Massage/Spa for beginners

Wanna try having a massage but not sure how to go about it? Don't worry everybody starts somewhere. And if you reading this post, you're on the right track. Massage parlors or spa are not just for stressed people. Some have their massage for therapeutic (e.g.,blood circulation) purposes.


The going rates for spa is 250, 300, 500 and 600 pesos. Amount varies because of the facilities the place offers (e.g., sauna, VIP rooms, food, jacuzzi, etc.), space (some are spacious, some are small), and location and competition (if there are many competitor spas near it, chances are price is cheap).

Before your massage, an attendant may ask you if you want to shower or use their jacuzzi, sauna or steam bath. Better that you take shower first so you'll feel refresh and to remove make ups, lotions, and dusts from your body. It is also ok not to take a shower.


A jacuzzi is a hot pool with bubbling water. You just sit in there for 15 - 45 minutes. Taking jacuzzis requires one to go naked or wear a bathing suit (for those who are not comfortable being naked, like me, in front of other people).

A sauna is a heated room for those who want to sweat. Steam bath is also a heated room but with steam (i love steam baths better than saunas!) You may enter a sauna or steam bath naked (I only do this when I have my private room) or, as what I usually do, wrap myself in a tower and sit in a corner. Attendants MUST offer you a glass of water and cold towel when you go for sauna or steam bath. You'll perspire a lot so better that you replace body fluid lost.

The amount of stay you can do in a jacuzzi, sauna or steam bath is usually 15mins to an hour. If there are more customers, chances are you will be given just 15 minutes. Once you're done, you may proceed to your room for a massage or you may take a hot shower again. Either wear a towel or bath robe is ok as you go to your massage room, really depends on what you are most comfortable with.

There are different types of massage but the most common ones being offered are Thai, Swedish and Shiatsu. Thai does not use oil. Swedish uses oil (aromatherapy massage uses scented oil). Shiatsu involves stretching. A combination of Swedish and Shiatsu means that you will be massaged with oil and stretched. Massage are basically using lots of palm presses. Massage is usually an hour. But some guests opt to have 1.5 hours to a maximum of 2 hours. Going beyond that is not relaxing anymore. 

For first timers, it is ok to ask attendants for assistance or do what you think is more comfortable for you. Always check first the spa prizes or packages they offer.