Spa Review: Alon Spa (Bacau Bay Resort Coron, Palawan)

Alon Spa

One of the highlights of my 4-day, 3-night stay in Bacau Bay Resort Coron was my relaxing spa treatment at the 32 sq. m. Alon Spa.  

Located just above the Amihan Restaurant, it has two massage rooms but you can also have your massage at the comfort of your room or in one of five outdoor massage cabanas.    

As with most spas, I was first asked to fill up a questionnaire regarding some personal medical history in order to avoid any problems with my treatment as some products are quite specific and prescriptive.  Answers also allow their therapists to target my specific conditions, tailor my treatment and ensure they are aware of any contra-indications before starting.

One of two Massage Rooms

The spa offers a variety of massages as well as head massages and body scrubs (to slough away dull, dry skin). 

·         Alon Signature Massage –PhP1,400 for 1.5 hours and PhP2,000 for 2 hours.

·         Volcanic Rock Massage – uses hot and cold volcanic rocks to help relieve stress, promote deep relaxation and remove negative energy.  PhP1,400 for 1.5 hours and PhP2,000 for 2 hours.

·         Traditional "Hilot" Massage – used for generations to ease strained and tight muscles, it uses banana leaves and warm virgin coconut oil to heal the aches and pains of the body.  PhP1,400 for 1.5 hours and PhP2,000 for 2 hours.

·         Swedish Massage - - the most relaxing massage, it uses gentle strokes and various pressure techniques (gliding, kneading, tapping, friction and light shaking) to relieve stress, stiffness and pain, rehabilitate injured muscles and improve the immune system. PhP800 for 1 hour, PhP1,200 for 1.5 hours and PhP1,600 for 2 hours.

·         Shiatsu Massage – Japanese for “finger pressure,” it is best for people suffering from fatigue.  Rhythmic pressure is applied on the acupressure points to relieve blockage, restoring chi (the body’s vital energy). PhP800 for 1 hour, PhP1,200 for 1.5 hours and PhP1,600 for 2 hours.

·         Thai Massage – also known as Thai Yoga massage, your body is compressed, pulled and stretched to correct blockages, deficiencies and imbalances in the flow of energy.  Here, the therapist uses her hands, knees and legs to move you into a series of yoga-like strectches and apply deep muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure.  PhP1,300 for 1 hour and PhP1,700 for 1.5 hours.

·         Combination Massage -  a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques to trigger your acupressure joints, it relieves all tension and knots in your muscles.  PhP800 for 1 hour, PhP1,200 for 1.5 hours and PhP1,600 for 2 hours.

·         Ayurvedic Head Massage – originating from Indian culture, this massage, with the help of almond oil, increases oxygen flow in the head; and helps release accumulated toxins,; relieves migraine pain, neck and shoulder stiffness and problematic knots in the muscles.  PhP800 for 1 hour.

·         Oriental Food Massage –PhP800 for 1 hour.

·         Thai Foot Massage – a stick is used to stimulate the accupressure points.  While your feet is soaked, the head and shoulders are also massaged.  PhP800 for 1 hour.

·         Sea Salt – exfoliates dead and dry skin; replenish and renew skin cells and improve blood circulation. PhP900 for 1 hour.

·         Hot Chocolate or Sugar -  this light exfoliating, moisturizing and hydrating scrub meant for people with sensitive skin.  P1,100 for 1 hour.

·         Coffee – best for reducing cellulite, impurities and improving blood circulation, the coffee’s aroma and antioxidant properties help makes the skin younger and smoother. PhP1,200 for 1 hour.  

The choice of massage oils

I opted for the Alon Signature Massage, the most rejuvenating of their various offers.  But, before anything else, I was made to choose between Lavender Oil (anti-inflammatory, it treats anxiety, insomnia, depression and restlessness), Lemon Grass Oil (soothes aching muscles and tendons; purifies and tones skin and releases negative energy) and Peppermint Oil (helps digestion and respiration and relieves headache, stress and sore muscles).  I chose the first.

Oriental Foot Massage

Before my massage, I had an Oriental Foot Massage.  My feet were soaked and my calves were massaged, with pressure applied to stimulate the nerve reflexes to promote good blood circulation.    The Alon Signature Massage is a combination of spa techniques (Thai, Ayurveda, Shiatsu and Swedish).  As my muscle still ached from the previous day’s island hopping activity, this massage did wonders to rejuvenate my body, leaving me invigorated and in an uplifted mood.

Alon Signature Massage

Bacau Bay Resort Coron: Governor’s Drive, Sitio Jolo, Poblacion 5, Coron 5316, Palawan.  Mobile numbers: (0995) 760-3444 and (0995) 760-3445. E-mail: info@bacaubaycoron.com.    Website: www.bacaubayresortcoron.com. Open from 11 AM to 12 midnight (last call at 10 PM).

Manila Sales & Marketing Office: Anya Hospitality Corporation, 5/F Pilgrim Building, 111 Aguirre St., Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63-553 8888 loc. 34-36.  Fax: +632 874-0426.  E-mail: reservations@bacaubaycoron.com. Website:www.anyahospitalitycorp.com.