SPA REVIEW | (Defunct) Yamachu Spa (Mabini, Manila)

When reflecting on Yamachu Spa, my mind often wanders to its glorious days, a time when both locals and expats would regularly patronize this establishment. One of its distinctive features was the availability of sleeping couches, catering to those who wished to extend their relaxation experience overnight. Notably, they even offered a promotional rate from 3 am to 3 pm, allowing patrons to indulge in their services for PHP 600 during these hours. The spa provided comprehensive toiletries, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay. Additionally, guests could savor delectable food offerings in the welcoming ambiance of their lounge.

Regrettably, the onslaught of the 2020 pandemic compelled Yamachu Spa to close its doors. The challenges posed by the global health crisis forced the spa to suspend its operations, marking the end of an era for this once-thriving establishment.

How To Reach

• Take the LRT and get off at Quirino Station.
• Walk towards Mabini Street.
• At Mabini, turn right and walk a few meters.
• There should be a big green sign that says 'Yama Chu' (impossible to miss)

Location: 1766 A Mabini Street, Manila Philippines

Phone: (02) 354 5094

Getting Started

• At the reception, ask for the spa menu that contains the rates
• Once you have chosen, pay at the same reception
• Vouchers are available from discount websites such as metrodeal
• VIP room has an extra 50 PhP if you want more privacy
• Remember: The rates are good for 5 hours only, any excess time will be chargeable
• You will be given locker keys which you are supposed to wear on your wrist to avoid losing them
• For male clients, walk upstairs to get to the locker room
• Collect your towel and strip off your clothes, and use the slippers under your locker
• Head to the wet area
• Leave your shoes at the entrance

Taking Shower

• It is imperative to take a shower before using any of the wet area facilities
• Shower cubicles are available
• It is not important whether you close or not the shower door; you are supposed to be naked so no need to be too fussy
• Take short showers; some people might need to use the cubicles, be considerate
• Once done, you can walk out with or without your towels
• Remember: Nobody cares if you are naked or whether you are covering your genitals; This is a spa

The Jacuzzi

• There are three pools: (1) Cold pool; (2) Hot pool; (3) Hotter pool
• Never ever dip into any of the pool with your towel; it is considered very unhygienic
• Never ever dip into the pool without taking shower
• Refrain from chit chatting too loudly when in the pool; you might distract the others
• Soak in the cold pool for a few minutes, and then transfer to the hotter pool; this way you can stay longer in the hotter pool

The Dry Sauna

• The dry sauna has a high temperature
• Be sure to stay inside within your given limits (do not overdo the sauna, you might feel dizzy or nauseated)
• Refrain from chit chatting inside the sauna
• Once done with the sauna, cool down outside and drink water
• Take a quick shower

The Steam

• Yama Chu has a spray steam, meaning the steam comes out from the steam machine
• Stay inside the steam room as much as you can, but be considerate of the other clients
• Remember: Since you only have 5 hours, make sure to stay in the wet area for only one hour so you can maximize the other services.

The Massage

• Yama Chu Spa only has 1 male therapist, and the rest are female (why, I also don't understand but it must be due to the fact that majority of their clients are Japanese and Koreans).
• Inform the attendant that you want to start the massage
• Change into your robes (better choose the shorts and robes that fit you well; from the same place where you get your towels)
• You will be ushered to the massage room
• Once inside the room, remove the robe and keys; leave your shorts on
• Place your garments in the basket below the bed
• Lie on your stomach and wait for the masseur/masseuse
• Refrain from chatting with the masseur/masseuse if you are in the common room
• The massage will take about an hour
• After the massage, put on your clothes and sign the tip (write the amount which you will pay later)
• Remember: Therapists do not earn much as you do, so be generous with your tip. It will help them a lot.
• Head on to the dining area for the meal

The Food

• Choose from the menu
• I highly recommend  the chicken teriyaki
• Tea is free, so you can order tea as much as you can

The Lounge

• The smoking lounge has a bigger capacity with 12 lazy boy chairs and a huge flat screen
• The attendant will serve you their signature tea which according to them is good for the skin
• Stay for half an hour in the lounge and head back to wet area to do some last sauna and jacuzzi

The Exit

• Once done with the wet area, go out and find the dressing room
• Brush your teeth (the toothbrush already has toothpaste), dry your hair, clean your ears, etc.
• Change back to your original clothes
• Walk towards the same reception where you entered
• Give the amount of tip you signed in the paper
• Walk out of the building feeling happy and rejuvenated

Recommendations

Recommended Programme:

1 Hour Wet Area

1 Hour Massage

1 Hour Dinner

1 Hour Lounge

1 Hour Wet Area

Recommended Food: Chicken Teriyaki + Green Tea

Recommended Tip: 10% of the massage price

Recommended Time to Visit: 4pm onwards

Ratings

Overall Spa Rating	3-star spa
Massage
Technique	8 / 10
Pressure & Stroke	8 / 10
Stretching	8 / 10
Facilities
Shower	7 / 10
Jacuzzi	8 / 10
Sauna	9 / 10
Steam	7 / 10
Towels	7 / 10
Floor	7 / 10
Overall Interior	8 / 10
Service
Wet Area Attendants	8 / 10
Dining Attendants	6 / 10
Lounge Attendants	8 / 10
Reception	9 / 10
Price	Reasonable

5-star : Luxury standard / Massage & facilities are excellent

4-star :  Semi-luxury / Massage OR facilities are acceptable

3-star : Standard / Massage OR facilities are acceptable but can use some improvements

2-star : Below Average

star : Poor

Photo and video reference:
www.tomohiko-terada.com/2017/03/23/japanese-spa-yamachu_manila