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I had my facial and massage treatment at Institut Santre last November 29, 2011 and I would say, it was impressive.

Too bad though, because Institut Santre closed already. November 30, 2011 was their last day. Anyway, I want to share with you my experience, who knows, they might open again next year.

I was given a very unique robe. It wasn’t too comfortable though but it looks stylish.

My treatment started with the massage. It didn’t start on time since I had to wait for the person in charge of me. The place was very clean and well organized. The waiting area was not too spacious but the sofas were comfortable.

My massage ended after an hour. It was just ok. I would still go for the traditional hilot massage at Shui Hilot Spa (will blog about it more soon). But my facial was highly recommended.

I really hope they would open again soon. Probably in a mall or somewhere strategic? I’m looking forward to that!

Institut Santre
2nd floor, 22 Jupiter st. cor. Galaxy st.,
Bel-air, 1210 Makati, Philippines

I have a thing with traditional hilot, probably because after having shiatsu and swedish massages for years, I suddenly wanted the traditional massage which can only be found here in the Philippines.

The Spa’s traditional hilot massage is a Filipino therapeutic massage using virgin coconut oil with medium to deep pressure strokes to relieve stress and restore health and well-being.

What is hilot, anyway?

Hilot (/hee-lot/) is an ancient Filipino art of healing, commonly used today to relax stressed muscles. Manghihilots (Hilot practitioners) as well as arbularyos are usually cheaper alternatives to medical doctors in the Philippines, especially in very deep rural areas. Hilot employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments. They also have been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones. Hilot tend to be chiropractors while arbularyos tend to be herbalists. Midwives are also called hilots.

Don’t you just love it? I do! So I availed of the traditional hilot at The Spa last Mother’s Day as the Hubby’s gift for me. It was bliss!

Reservations can now be done online, except for weekends and holidays.

The Spa’s Lobby at the Acropolis Branch

I love the the 75-minute session! It was definitely my kind of massage after being so stressed out for weeks. I can’t wait for another massage hopefully in the next few months.