Sofitel Philippines Plaza takes wellness to new heights

MANILA- With medical tourism on the rise throughout Southeast Asia, Sofitel Philippine Plaza has jettisoned the traditional spa playbook, teamed with one of the country’s most renowned wellness experts and opened the doors on a health and aesthetic institute, the first inside a hotel in Asia.

“Manila is a tremendous destination for international travelers who want cost-effective aesthetic treatments,” said Goran Aleks, general manager of Sofitel Philippine Plaza. “They stay with us all the time. Watching them exit the hotel for wellness clinics (downtown) sparked an idea: Why not take it to the next level, and develop a concept that goes beyond the quick fix to full-on behavior modification?”

Called Vietura, the new facility offers an array of customizable programs designed to help clients look better and live healthier. Services range from weight-management tools such as Calloblock to anti-aging procedures that involve the administration of medication directly into the skin. Vietura also has tried-and-tested remedies for complexion problems and digestive disorders.

All solutions are non-invasive and begin with a full-body assessment — the first step in Vietura’s three-step ‘Measure, Mentor and Monitor’ philosophy. “Vietura is not your typical medical spa; it is a lifestyle experience,” Aleks said. “It is a long-term holistic approach that results in a more natural glow and prompts friends to ask, ‘Where did you go on vacation?’ instead of ‘What surgeon did you just see?” 

Vietura’s concept was developed by its chief practitioner, Dr. Mary Jane Torres, a Filipina who spent years studying mesotherapy methods in Europe and is a hard-core believer in non-invasive, non-surgical solutions. In addition to Mrs. Torres, Vietura’s staff consists of 12 registered nurses, a dietician and a lifestyle coach.

Their workplace is a collection of 20 treatment rooms located in a strategic and discreet corner of Manila’s only bayside hotel. The facility’s position means it can be accessed via the back of the property — a feature Aleks expects will entice local business. “It’s a very private setting so guests can be assured of anonymity,” Aleks said. “That’s a big deal to some people, especially those in the public eye.” Vietura design was imagined by Gruppo Espazio, a famous Manila-based interior design firm that also conceived the stylish LeSpa at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

In November last year, the hotel officially reopened Spiral restaurant after a year-long, US $11 million renovation. The culinary marvel now features 21 dining ateliers helmed by Eric Costille, the regional executive chef for Sofitel Asia-Pacific.

Built in 1976, the Sofitel Philippine Plaza has long been the address of choice for guests of the country’s capital. With 609 rooms, the property is the biggest in Sofitel’s portfolio and, in true Sofitel spirit, exudes a combination of French savoir faire and authentic local touches.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews