PICTURE this: a soul- and mind-soothing massage with a loved one in an Asian spiritual culture-inspired spa atop a hill and overlooking the breathtaking view of a majestic sea. Add to this perfection the peace and quiet of nature, the gentle caress of the wind, and the calming smell of perfume oil on the skin as devoted therapists pamper you and massage all your stress away.
Surely, such a place does not exist in a hustling and bustling place like Boracay Island—except that it does.
Tirta Spa is an award-winning premier spa in Boracay that promises not only to relieve physical stress, but also to restore the balance between the emotional and spiritual well-being of its guests.
Located 15 minutes away from Stations 1 to 3, it is almost impossible to tell that one is still in the vicinity of the party center of the island as it has a breathtaking view overlooking Crocodile Island and the waters of the Sibuyan Sea.
As soon as guests set foot in the property and see the impressive façade reminiscent of Thai and Balinese temples, they are welcomed with an enchanting gong sounds to ward off the negative energies from the body, aiding in the spiritual grounding and helping achieve a higher sense of calm and serenity.
The architecture is inspired by a blend of diverse Asian cultures: Balinese, Thai, Indian and Filipino. The interior—furniture, drapes, fixtures, Buddhist sculptures and relics reminiscent of ancient temples—complete the perfect ambiance of a paradise.
Inside, guests are attended to by therapists, who are all able to explain in detail every oil and treatment, and even offer suggestions according to what the guests need, making them feel assured of the quality of service they will be getting.
The business was developed by the owner, En Calvert, who—driven by a vision to help improve the lives of others—spent years of intensive study in Hong Kong, and eventually graduated with diplomas in physiology, anatomy, holistic massage techniques, aromatherapy and spa management. She is also certified by both the International Therapy Examination Council and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, the world’s two most respected bodies in these fields.
Tirta, which means “holy water” in Hindu Sanskrit, offers therapies that are focused on the art of cleansing oneself from negativity to achieve a whole sense of wellness and tranquility.
Whether alone, with a partner or with their whole family, guests are sure to find the perfect treatment package—from simple scalp or facial massage and foot reflexology to luxurious four-hour, whole-body massages. They may even customize their own package for a more effective treatment.
For honeymooners, “Pulot Gata” ritual is designed as the ultimate spa experience for their special day that will begin with a body scrub of turmeric and curcuma spices and herbs that exfoliate and cleanse the skin while releasing body odors. This is followed by an application of yoghurt milk and rinsing under a Vichy rain shower. They then immerse in an Egyptian milk bath and experience the Golden Caviar facial, and end with the soothing Tirta Signature Massage.
Natural high aromatherapy is also offered, wherein the package begins with a flower body scrub, followed by a luxurious flower bath using highest quality efficacious aromatherapy essential oil blends that will leave guests with a feeling of natural high.
Tirta Spa also makes use of Filipino healing touches in its packages, such as the two-hour and thirty minute-minute luya and calamansi body scrub with hilot, and the three-hour and 30-minute “Mount Banahaw” package that also make use of Banahaw herbal tea bath, pandan body wrap and hilot.
All these and a variety of treatment packages are done in Tirta Spa’s luxurious Royal Suite Villas that are designed for couples, all with a private bathroom and changing area, an outdoor bathtub, and a Vichy shower. Each villa also has a Koi carp pond, completing the ambiance of clam and serenity.
For bigger groups, guests can be pampered in the Prashant Spa Pavilion, which is divided into two massage salas, one for men and one for women. Each sala can accommodate up to six persons. Here, they may choose from an array of treatments: Shiats-Oil massage, Head-to-Toe massage, Scalp Rituals and Massage, Hot Puka Shell Combination, or a combination of these massages.
There are also two outdoor Thai Pavilions, where one can enjoy a spa treatment while taking in the surroundings and the view.
Indeed, there are so many things that make Tirta Spa stand out from the rest. In fact, it has won several local and international awards, such as in the recent 2014 World Luxury Spa Awards, as well as numerous citations in TripAdvisor, AsiaSpa Baccarat Crystal Awards in Hong Kong, Crystal Awards in Singapore, and Asia Spa and Wellness Festival Gold Awards in Thailand—all validating the spa’s world-class service.