A Day Away at Nurture Spa

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“Why does it feel like time goes by slower when we’re away from the city?,” my friend asked.

“I think it’s the energy,” I replied. She looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I shared more of my thoughts with her. “Think about it. Everything is so fast-paced here. You can’t help but walk fast otherwise you’d get run over by a bus, or maybe even worse, fellow pedestrians. You eat fast, talk fast. The buildings are so tall and the streets swamped with cars you hardly feel a calming breeze on your face. And we work in the city so we can’t really just la-la-la-lounge around.”

The city buzz is energizing, but it also means one can get tired easily. This is why H & I welcomed the chance to be whisked away to Nurture Spa, Tagaytay. We needed to get away from the crazy city energy.  So two weekends ago, off to Nurture Spa we went!

It was a sunny Sunday, and we were so glad to be out of the blazing Manila heat! Upon entering the Nurture Spa grounds, we could feel the city buzz fade away from our tense minds. The greens were so relaxing, the shades of the trees so inviting. Aaaah, I could already feel time slowing down.

This Nurture Spa experience was enjoyed with fellow bloggers. We were welcomed with a suman (sticky rice snack) and mango treat accompanied by hot chocolate. It was a simple and healthy meal that helped put us at ease after that long journey. Out came our cameras as soon as we got settled, and we were awed by the calming details around every corner of the place.

Nurture Spa is a wellness destination. From its name, you can gather that they offer spa treatments. H & I were giddily looking forward to our massages! He chose to go for Hilot Kagalingan, as his body had been aching from an intense boxing workout. Hilot is a healing Filipino massage. If the Thais have their signature Thai massage and the Chinese have their Reflexology, we Filipinos have our Hilot to be proud of. I chose to go with Aruga, a full body relaxation massage. Aruga translated means “To care for” and I did feel calmed and cared for. I fell asleep quite easily, and didn’t want to get up when my massage was done.

This is the Couples Room where H & I got our treatments. It was so gorgeous. The deep emerald greens of the wall and dark wood made the room feel more intimate and calming. There was a jacuzzi and a shower area in the room too. Our treatments didn’t call for the use of the jacuzzi, darn. Maybe next time!

Lunch was served after our spa treatments. The meals were healthy and filling, but this refresher stood out. It’s a Carrot Dalandan shake! Looks like a carrot shake, tastes like dalandan. Carrot has a very light sweetness to it, but this drink was dominated by the delicious fresh dalandan. Healthy and yummy!

After our meal, Nurture Spa founder Dr. Mike Turvill told us more about Nurture Spa. I was very impressed with his and his wife’s genuine sincerity and dedication to putting Filipino wellness on the map. What stood out for me in his talk were three things: Filipino. Heart. Community. The spa treatments are inspired by Filipino customs and healing traditions, the fixtures and accessories proudly Philippine-made. The Nurture Spa therapists are trained to excellent standards and also hired based on their healing attitude. It was interesting to note how very particular they are about this. One cannot be nurtured by one without a nurturing soul after all. The Nurture Spa staff are also from around the Tagaytay area. The wellness destination gives back to its neighbors by tapping talent within their community and training them.

We went on a tour of the grounds after our talk. This path leads to the Ifugao Huts, naturally-ventilated accommodations where two persons can spend the night in. These are authentic Ifugao huts! Climbing into it reminded me of my childhood, when my cousins and I would hang out in similar huts in our Batangas province. It was so cozy and cool! H felt a little claustrophobic though so he promptly stepped out the hut. If you’re looking for intimacy, this is a great nook to be in. But if you’re claustrophobic, you may want to consider the cottage or room accommodations instead.

Heart-spotting! This path is love.

These little huts seat two people, and you can also choose to have a spa treatment here. It’s a refreshing alternative as you get to enjoy the breeze on your face and listen to the birds chirping during the treatment.

Shall the King and Queen of Spa Treatments stay here? 😉 I don’t think I’d feel comfortable sitting here while I get a foot spa. While staff and customers do go around quietly, I’d feel self-conscious with my foot propped up for the world to see! But this sweet nook does look very inviting when you just need to sit back and get some quiet time.

Here are the nurtured bloggers. From left to right: Byahilo, Noemi, Jher, Dr. Mike Turvill, myself, Butch (Noemi’s husband), Claire Agbayani and Cathy. Check out their blogs to read about their Nurture Spa experiences. Thanks to Claire and Dr. Mike for having us that Sunday!

Nurture Spa promotes wellness for self, for partners and for friends! Cathy and I are all-smiles as we plan for our next Nurture Spa trips with our husbands. A day away here could also make for some great barkada bonding.

I see you too, Jher!

Overall, I enjoyed my day at Nurture Spa, Tagaytay. It was relaxing, quiet and yes, re-energizing. Time does slow down and gives that hyper city energy inside you some quiet time. If you need to get away from the city and explore something new, it would be a good idea to drop by this place. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home, the greens will relax you and the sincere, calming ambiance of the place simply, happily nurtures you.

If you want to know more about Nurture Spa, visit their website here.

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.

20 Comments on A Day Away at Nurture Spa

  1. Jerome aka Bridget
    September 10, 2008 at 11:56 am (16 years ago)

    wow! husband finally has proof that he was there. hahahaha! i hate the fact that i was not able to go. although, i would have died from being massaged. I am a walking tickle machine. (pouts)

    Jerome aka Bridgets last blog post..Busy Busy Busy

    Graduate ka naman eh. 😀 We missed you though!

    Reply
  2. jher
    September 10, 2008 at 12:30 pm (16 years ago)

    ahlavet! wonderful photos! it was nice seeing you and hubby, toni. :-)

    jhers last blog post..A Relaxing Day at Nurture Spa, Tagaytay

    Ayan may proof ka na that you were there! ‘Twas great seeing you again. Sa uultin ha!

    Reply
  3. witsandnuts
    September 10, 2008 at 12:55 pm (16 years ago)

    It’s really good to spend time away from the busy city once in a while. We all need some pampering like Bella. Oops, I’m still thinking of her & Edward. Happy wednesday, Toni!

    witsandnutss last blog post..I’m now holding the red apple, too

    Hahaha! You go with Edward, I go with Jacob. 😀 Happy week!

    Reply
  4. sheng
    September 10, 2008 at 1:18 pm (16 years ago)

    We all need to indulge in our guilty pleasures sometimes… that’s why I am going to Boracay soon, indulge, reward myself I guess.

    shengs last blog post..Dig this…

    Yahoo! :)

    Reply
  5. chateau a.k.a. imom
    September 10, 2008 at 1:41 pm (16 years ago)

    Ooooh! I’ve never been there but it’s been on my list for like forever! I must convince hub to go with me. We’re getting to be massage addicts lately.

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos… My fave is the 3rd photo.

    Thanks Chateau! Will pass on the photo comments to H! He took them. 😀

    Reply
  6. Daphne
    September 10, 2008 at 2:21 pm (16 years ago)

    I remember Nurture Spa with fondness. My sister and I had our local themed massages there amidst that rustic setting a few months after this wellness destination opened. :)

    Daphnes last blog post..

    It was so refreshing ‘no! :)

    Reply
  7. julie
    September 10, 2008 at 3:43 pm (16 years ago)

    wow, time will really stand still there and guests would probably want to stay longer 😀

    julies last blog post..Walking on Clouds

    Yup, especially with the breeze and the birds chirping!

    Reply
  8. Sinta
    September 10, 2008 at 4:06 pm (16 years ago)

    That looks so relaxing! And I never heard of Hilot! -_- And it’s true. When I go to the beach, away from the cities, time seems to stay still. Thanks for sharing your trip. The pictures are lovely!

    Sintas last blog post..Paper Chain No. 1, Step 1 – Wicked

    Thanks Sinta! I’m itching to get out of the city again!

    Reply
  9. cathsdeen
    September 10, 2008 at 5:35 pm (16 years ago)

    Thanks to Toni and H for giving me a ride to Nurture. =) Great photos! Till next time.

    cathsdeens last blog post..Nurture Spa Tagaytay

    Next time! :)

    Reply
  11. glenville
    September 10, 2008 at 6:02 pm (16 years ago)

    i have never been to nurture spa although i have heard of the place. awesome photos by the way! they make me want to visit the place. god knows i need some good ol’ spa lovin’ pronto! :-)

    glenvilles last blog post..Disappearing Act

    Thanks! My husband took the photos. :)

    Reply
  12. dyanie
    September 10, 2008 at 8:17 pm (16 years ago)

    I already heard this place from a friend. and looking at your photos and reading your post make me inggit right here in my workstation while typing this comment hehe 😉

    nature is one of the best stress relievers then adding a massage on the side = great weekend indeed! :)

    Reply
  13. dyanie
    September 10, 2008 at 8:34 pm (16 years ago)

    I already heard this place from a friend. and looking at your photos and reading your post make me inggit right here in my workstation while typing this comment hehe 😉

    nature is one of the best stress relievers then adding a massage on the side = great weekend indeed! :)

    dyanies last blog post..How to DeStress

    Yes! Nature really recharges you, especially when coupled with a massage! Yay!

    Reply
  14. Eper
    September 11, 2008 at 9:32 am (16 years ago)

    I miss Nurture Spa! My hubby and I spent our 1st year anniversary there then we had a romantic dinner at Antonio’s! The perfect day :)

    Epers last blog post..TWTW: Lazy Week

    Ooooh that sounded like a romantic day!

    Reply
  16. odette
    September 17, 2008 at 4:07 am (16 years ago)

    i love your pictures!!!
    and you’re so pretty in your buttery yellow number. is it just me, or you’re always wearing black? :)

    i miss hilot too! like your hubby, i prefer the pinoy traditional hilot. all the time. should you be going to bohol, check out bohol bee farm, reall really good hilot too and great organic food!

    odettes last blog post..little discoveries :: wicklow mountains

    Thanks O! 😛 Hmm, coincidence I think that I usually wear black in the blog photos! I wear a lot of blue too.

    Reply
  17. Lady Spas
    November 10, 2009 at 3:15 am (15 years ago)

    I really enjoyed reading your post. Keep them coming!

    Reply
  18. Spa Waxing
    May 1, 2010 at 3:49 pm (14 years ago)

    You made some good points there. I did a exploration on the matter and found most people will concur with your blog. Thanks for sharing…

    Reply
  20. Nadine @ Cnsmedspa
    February 15, 2023 at 3:03 am (1 year ago)

    That place is really beautiful and relaxing! thanks for sharing very informative btw

    Reply

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