5 Hours of Pampering: A Comprehensive Review of Golden Leaf Health Spa

Welcome to the first review of my SPA DETECTIVE series.  As promised, I will give you a comprehensive review of the Golden Leaf Health Spa in Marcos Highway, Pasig City and ta-da!  Here it is!  If you will come from Masinag Market and you will go to Cubao, you will notice the sign at the right side. The spa is on the 3rd floor of the Semicon Bldg. (just before you reach Ayala Feliz Mall).

A few days ago, I booked for body scrub and deep cleansing facial by texting their number.  The receptionist has successfully confirmed my booking for yesterday’s treatment at 11am.   Because I knew that I had to be on time, I even texted them while I was on my way to the spa– I got no reply.   When I reached the third floor, I thought that I had opened the glass door by mistake because it looks like an abandoned place, then I saw the Golden Leaf Spa sign– I was relieved that I came to the right place.   I was expecting that they knew about my appointment, but there was no receptionist when I came.  There were two ladies who entertained me and it was strange that they do not know about the services and packages that they offer.  They had to verify by calling the receptionist about the packages.

My first impression:  The reception area was just fine, but not that impressive.  In the metro area, I should say Z Spa has the coziest and most relaxing ambiance so far.  The place was big though, and I was excited to explore it.  There were decorations and floral arrangements, but the furnishings and accents are not as modern as what Z Spa and Soulscape Spa use.  Well, I knew that i couldn’t judge just because of the first impression and I waited patiently to find out more if I would enjoy the experience.

reception area

facial area

dining area

While the two ladies (which I found out to be food servers) were contacting the receptionist, they ushered us to the dining room area where they turned on the television and offered us glasses of iced tea and mini siopao.

After drinking the complimentary refreshments, Ms. Ruth ushered us to the Female Sanctuary wherein the wet area is located.  The place reminds me of Baguio City wherein the furnishings are quite old and worn-out, but I must commend them for having a wet area which is FREE usage in most of the services and packages that they offer.  Actually, that is what I am looking for in a hotel or fitness club– a functional wet area.  We were given the locker key and she assisted me with the use of the steambath, sauna and jacuzzi.

In the locker, there was a pair of old gold robe and shorts, old white towel, a bottle of mineral water, a pair of blue slippers and a mint.

The place needs a TOTAL RENOVATION and MAKE-OVER as well as UPGRADE in everything that they use in the spa.  Theres should be new and fresh towels and linens.    In the wet area, there is one toilet, 3 shower areas, steambath, sauna and a jacuzzi.

the vanity

the shower area

When I arrived at 11 am, I was the only one there so I had the wet area only to myself.  After almost ten minutes in the steambath and sauna, I had a hot shower and used the jacuzzi!  The good news is that I was the first one also to use it 🙂

After few minutes, I talked to Ms. Percy, their supervisor/manager and clarified about the service I booked.  Originally, I booked for body scrub ala carte for P650 and deep cleansing facial for P350–that already includes the wet area usage.  What I wanted was to find out if they have other packages close to my budget.  If I will use a private room, which I really wanted because of privacy, I need to add P300 and the total bill that I have to settle is P1300.  I was informed that there is a package amounting to P1499 which includes 24k facial plus body scrub and usage of private jacuzzi.  (I was thinking that it would be practical to avail this since I will just add P200).  My mind was already set that I will be having that package instead.  I knew that I only had the jacuzzi for myself that time, but there might be customers who will use the wet area in a while, and I will have NO MORE privacy at all.

When I was already prepared for the body scrub, I was confused because they led me to a room with a curtain.  I was thinking that I would be in the private room, but I also thought that probably, they a room intended only for body scrub. In my mind, I knew there was something wrong already because if I chose a private room with private jacuzzi, why don’t they let me use the room for the body scrub so I can have my privacy?

Because it was already past 12nn, I decided to eat first.  We had our unlimited dimsum which was also included in the package.  We had bowl of goto and glass of iced tea.  They have food servers to assist you with the food and drinks.

After lunch, we went back to the Maple room and I was surprised to see what they are using in their body scrub.

Oats and Milk Body Scrub

Oats and milk body scrub

According to Leah, our therapist, they use oats and milk to moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and smooth after the treatment.  Surprisingly, it wasn’t itchy and Ms. Leah made me feel comfortable also.  I was advised to go to the steambath and sauna again after the body scrub treatment for a better effect in my skin.  I dipped in the jacuzzi and while I was enjoying, a customer came to the wet area.  I inquired about the private room with private jacuzzi that I availed earlier.  I was aghast when I was told that I won’t be using a private jacuzzi and there was no private room either.  That particular moment, I was about to explode, but I controlled myself.  Honestly, though the place is quite old, I like their wet area and the private jacuzzi and bath tub.  I was about to complain because I was really upset how they were disorganized–suddenly, Ms. Percy appeared and told me that she already prepared the private jacuzzi.

When I asked about the facial (because I was expecting that I will have the 24k facial for 1 hour, she told me it’s the same a la carte deep cleansing facial that i will have in a few minutes and because I added a private jacuzzi, I will just settle only P1300.  It was like, “Oh no! What the hell are you talking about?  A while ago, I already told you what i wanted.  I emphasized the word PRIVACY!   How can you be guys that disorganized?”   (I was only yelling at them mentally) Probably, she could have sensed that I was getting impatient, she left to check their packages and told me that in the P1499, the inclusions are the following:  body scrub, deep cleansing facial, hot milk bath, full body massage and private room.  Only in that particular moment, we have understood each other.  As much as I wanted to complain, I didn’t ruin my day anymore– the fact that the reason I was there was to destress.  We were ushered to the Bamboo room, and prepared for our hot milk bath.

In the room, there were two beds intended for couple.  There was no door to isolate the toilet.  It’s just an open space wheiren the bath tub and shower area is located with dividers for the lavatory and watercloset.    I had the milk bath for about 20 minutes (next time, I will have it loooonger).   It was the best hot bath I had so far and I will have it again in my next visit.

After the hot milk bath, I went to the facial area for my deep cleansing facial.  It only lasted for less than 30 minutes.  Honestly, the P350 is not worth it 🙁  I would love to try the 24k Facial next time.

After the facial, I went back to the Bamboo room and got ready for the massage.  I only requested to have a back massage and Shane availed of the remaining minutes left.

I enjoyed the massage, it was too relaxing.  In other spas, you won’t feel relaxed.  On the contrary, it looks like you were beaten after the treatment.   Thanks to Leah for listening well.

After the treatment, I asked Ms. Hazel, the receptioinst for a cup of coffee in the dining area.  I was expecting her to order the servers to prepare that for me since in Soulscape Spa,  the receptionist request the hot tea/water over the phone as well as the treatments to be pfrepared.  I was even more astounded when Ms. Hazel prepared the cup of coffee herself and gave us bowls of goto, siomai and siopao.  She even served the other guests.

I remembered Ms. Leah told me earlier during our massage treatment that all the staff that I see are also massage therapists including the janitress and food servers.

Ms. Hazel

MY VERDICT:

I was satisfied with the body scrub, facial, massage and wet area, BUT there are few things that they need to improve.

1.  The staff should be knowledgeable about their spa packages.  They should be coordinated as well.
2. The receptionist should be there in the opening to welcome the guests.
3. Since they own the place, they should renovate it and give a modern and more relaxing ambiance plus an upgrade of the furnishings and almost everything in the spa.
4. Add more food in their unlimited dimsum.
5. The staff should be professional in dealing with customers.

Though I was quite disappointed, I will come back 🙂  Why?

GOOD POINTS

1.  The place is spacious enough.
2.  They have unlimited dimsum included already when you availed of their packages/services.
3. They have free usage of wet area (jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna).
4. They have private jacuzzi and bath tub in the private room.
5. Their spa packages are reasonably priced.

I definitely recommend Golden Leaf Spa; however, clarify the service that you avail to avoid confusion.

GOLDEN LEAF HEALTH SPA

3/F Semicon Bldg., Marcos Highway, Pasig City

0917-3323378