Sanctuario Spa receives three nominations at the prestigious AsiaSpa Baccarat Awards 2008. The AsiaSpa Awards were created in 2005 in order to give recognition and thanks back to the sensational spas that Asia is blessed with. Setting a great benchmark for spas in the region as well as around the world, the AsiaSpa Awards also help put the spot light on Asia’s best spas around the world. This year, 29 judges from almost every country in Asia who are experts in the field of spa, healing and beauty objectively select the spas most deserving of their nominations, from both their home destinations and the rest of Asia.

For the second year in a row, Sanctuario Spa is nominated as Spa for Men of the Year, in recognition of its body and facial treatments that are designed specifically for men.

Sanctuario’s signature massage called the Sacred Tantric Massage, is also nominated as Holistic Treatment of the Year. This unique style of bodywork incorporates the use of Reiki energy, breath, tone and long flowing movements that work with the body’s natural flow and rhythm. The massage starts with a Reiki treatment of the chakras. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.

The performance of the sacred tantric massage aims too awaken the Kundalini, which is a very powerful kind of energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. When the Kundalini is awakened, it shoots all the way up through the body, through the main microcosmic spinal channel, and out of the Crown chakra. When this energy is tapped, specific healing channels and chakras are been opened, and you gain access to the unlimited healing energy from within yourself and the environment.

Jomar Fleras, president of Sanctuario Spa and past president of the Spa Association of the Philippines is again nominated as Spa Personality of the Year. Jomar Fleras was responsible in securing a European Union grant of Euro 578,197 that aims to internationalise the operation of spas in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The grant will be used to enhance the capacity of 200 spa operators from the spa associations of the four countries in providing spa services that conform to European standards of spa operations and safety. The grant will also organize 8 business meetings between spa operators and travel operators that will help increase spa visits by European travellers. Over 4,000 spa therapists/trainers will be trained on European treatment and therapy techniques.

Sanctuario Spa is one of the Philippines’ premier spas. It is known as a holistic center for the promotion of oriental healing traditions that cater to the body, mind and soul. Sanctuario Spa is a member of The International SPA Association (ISPA), the voice of the spa industry which represents more than 1,700 health and wellness facilities and providers in 49 countries. It is also a founding member of the Spa Association of the Philippines and is accredited by the Department of Tourism. In 2005, Sanctuario Spa was voted as No. 1 Spa in the Philippines by the Consumers Choice Awards. It was also nominated for the Baccarat Awards of Asia Spa for Best Spa Treatment in 2005. In 2006, Sanctuario Spa was chosen as Asia’s Most Innovative Spa by the Global Excellence Awards. In 2007, Sanctuario Spa was nominated for Spa for Men of the Year and its CEO, Jomar Fleras was nominated as Spa Personality of the Year by Asia Spa Magazine. That same year, Fleras was given a Presidential Award as Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year by President Gloria Arroyo.

Sanctuario Spa’s main branch is cocooned at 1829 Jorge Bocobo Street, in the bohemian district of Malate, Manila. A majestic ancestral mansion built in the 1940s has been converted into a sprawling spa complex. Another branch is located at Canyon Woods, a posh residential golf resort overlooking the famed Taal Volcano. Its newly opened branch is at 30 Esguerra Street, South Triangle Quezon City. For more information call 4501127, 5219904 or Email spa@sanctuario.com.ph. Website is www.sanctuario.com.ph

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