It was drizzling as we wended our way through Boracay's narrow alleyways. It was our last day on the island and after our hectic tour around Ilig-Iligan and Puka Beach, zip-lining across Boracay Fairways, and jetskiing our way across the rolling waters of Laguna de Boracay, it was finally time to relax.

RAINY MORNING AT THE BORACAY WHITE BEACH

For three nights, we stayed at the Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, and while they do offer spa services, we wanted to relax near the beach; Boracay's White Beach, in particular.

One of the things we really looked forward to during our Penang revisit was the beach at Batu Ferringhi. While we were able to check it out during our first time in the city, it was quite brief. This time we planned on fully exploring Penang’s famous shoreline. But before all that, we decided that all that walking around Georgetown deserves another reward of its own. Besides Penang food, a full body massage, perhaps?

LOUNGE AREA WITH TWILIGHT GLASS WINDOWS

We stayed for a couple of nights at Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi, it sits right by the beach and has a really nice pool, well-appointed rooms, good restaurant, and, yes, a spa! Being on the tail-end of the Malaysian leg of our Beach Hop Asia 2016 tour, this couldn’t be more perfect.

► LONE PINE HOTEL PENANG REVIEW

Dipping your feet on foot-high water and having it nibbled by three-inch fishes is not for everyone. It may look as simple as say, having your nails trimmed, but for some people, it’s as unbearable as having a mountain lion gnaw your arms.

Well, okay that’s too much.

But heck, the screeches I heard from some of my companions while we’re having our fish spa would really make you think twice before dipping your foot down for them fishes to feast on.

►EXPLORE: ANTIQUE TRAVEL GUIDE

Being on the road for a week; exploring dark caves, riding raging waters on a rubber raft, speeding on mini F1 racers and doing all sorts of sporty adventurous stuff that I’m really not used to makes me yearn for a bit of respite. A soft comfy bed at night or better yet a full body massage perhaps.
On the seventh day of the Lakbay Norte loop, I got my wish; the group was gonna be treated for a full body pampering at the Ritz Tropical Spa in Subic. Everyone was looking forward to this part of our trip and we were hopping down our tour bus like rabbits after a carrot as we stopped in front of the spa.
The Ritz doesn’t look like much outside, their signboard needs a bit more glitz and the façade is pretty nondescript; mottled yellow walls, woven sawali ceilings and to make it more confusing two Shishi Chinese lion guard its entrance.
Everything changes though once you enter their glass doors; their lobby is beautifully decorated. Amber-colored wall line the octagonal lobby, softly lit by luminous capiz windows framed by billowing white curtains and glowing golden leaves overhead. The effect is calming, as if giving us a good preview of the next hours in their hands.
After a quick shower, some headed for their bubbling Jacuzzi before trooping to the massage houses located at the maze of seemingly old and rustic cottages at the back of the spa.
Named after spices and flavors, the cottages are finished in rough concrete painted in vibrant hues of yellows, greens and blues. Old wooden doors, capiz sliding windows, rusty vintage lamps, weathered lintels and carved railings saved from old houses are all charmingly incorporated in the design.
Dressed in robes, we were asked to lay face down on the massage beds, we’re gonna be treated to a Swedish massage. Cool minted oil was slathered on my body and the graceful yet strong hands of my masseuse started gliding over my haywired muscles. I felt every fibrous strand of my muscles relax as she expertly applied pressure all over my body.
I was trying so hard not to fall asleep, wanting to savor every relaxing stroke over my tired body. And as far as I can recall, I didn’t or at least I think I did not. It was hard to notice the passing minutes and before I knew it, she was saying we were done. I can’t believe an hour has already passed, it was over much too soon.
We then tried their sauna afterwards but I can only stand sweating rivers for ten minutes and had to get out and shower after.

Fully rejuvenated from our weeklong fun and strenuous loop around North Luzon, I was thinking maybe we can extend our tour and do one more week; and perhaps we can visit The Ritz in Subic afterwards again haha.

    The Ritz Tropical Spa
    Blk. 76, Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, CBD
    Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
    Telephone: (047) 252-6088 | (047) 252-3342 | (047) 252-3347
    E-mail: the_ritz_tropical_spa@yahoo.com

    GPS Coordinates: 14.824133,120.28951 | Click to view location on Google Maps