My Go-to Home Service Massage: VIP Wellness

I've enjoyed getting a massage since a friend took me to a spa. It's been one of the ways I would destress healthily. It's also a good way for my body to recover after weeks of grueling workouts at the gym. And it's just been a way for me to pamper myself. 

But then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and all non-essential businesses which included spas were forced to close. And even when it finally opened, I was scared to go. It's a good thing I found out about VIP Wellness. 

What is VIP Wellness? 

VIP Wellness is a home-service massage that services clients in select Metro Manila areas such as Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Taguig, Pasig, and Manila. Their claim? Book VIP Wellness if you want a home service massage like no other. It's luxurious, complete, and safe. 

photo grabbed from VIP Wellness Facebook 


In terms of service offerings, they have classic massages like Swedish, Specialized such as Deep Tissue Massage, Pre/Post Natal, and even a kiddie massage. They also have combo packages if you can't decide on just one or if you're like me who feels that one type of massage isn't enough especially when I'm trying to treat my body to a pampering session when it's aching all over. 

They have massages that can last from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. And all massage services come with a timer that has a spa music, an aromatherapy lamp warmer, 24k gold collagen-infused facial mask, premium massage oils an epsom salt foot bath, and fresh towels. 


My Experience with VIP Wellness 


I've been an avid customer of their sister company, VIP Nails before they started offering VIP Wellness service. They do an impeccable job and safety has been highlighted as a priority for them which is so important, especially during pandemic times. Their employees were vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested often to prevent them from spreading the virus when they do client servicing at home. That's what convinced me to give home service massage a try. 

Setting an Appointment

Booking their service is so easy. I often get in touch with them on Instagram. I simply provide my details such as name, address and contact number, the date and time I'm looking at booking and the type of service I'd like to avail. When my therapist is available on that day, my booking is confirmed. 

Payment Methods

To finalize my massage appointment, full payment is required before the service. This is also an easy experience because there are several ways payment can be sent: BDO, BPI bank transfers, or Gcash. Before paying, they send you an invoice detailing your service request plus a transportation fee so you can double-check to ensure you're getting the right service. 

The Massage Service




Every massage experience I have had with them has been a wonderful one. Their therapists are very good! They're able to give a massage that's with the right pressure to ease the tension of my muscles. I always feel well-recovered and pampered. 

I also love the added touch of the mood light and spa music. It gives that spa ambiance even though I'm just home. The facial collagen mask is a plus. Actually, it used to be that they even offered ginger tea after every massage and I loved that. It's too bad that it's no longer part of their service. Still, I get them because I love that they have combo offers. My favorite is the Ultimate Reset, a combination of hot stone + deep tissue massage. It's the ultimate pamper-me experience - a perfect way to recover from a work week!

The best part about VIP Wellness is that they are affordable! A fraction of the cost if I go to a premium spa place. 

If you want to treat yourself to a great massage experience, I highly recommend checking out VIP Wellness. 





 
 









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My Somerset Millennium Makati Experience

My friends and I have started an annual tradition wherein we have a staycation every December. It serves as our Christmas get-together. Last year, we booked an overnight stay at Somerset Millenium Makati. 

About Somerset Millennium Makati



Somerset Millenium Makati is a serviced residence hotel located in Aguirre street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. It has several spacious and contemporary apartment types with room amenities such as a kitchenette, separate living and dining areas and en-suite bathrooms. It also has a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and even a barbershop in the residence, open daily. 

The hotel has a convenient location near Greenbelt Mall, a posh and premium shopping mall, a convenience store, banks, and coffee shops. 

First Impressions on Somerset Millennium Makati

Somerset Millennium Makati has been around for a while now. My first job was at Aguirre Street so I often see the hotel on my way to the office. The street has seen many establishment changes but Somerset Millennium Makati remains strong. 

Even though it's been around for years, the hotel's facade still looks nice and inviting. When I entered the hotel, I was also impressed to find an inviting lobby with good lighting that brightened the room. There are a few seats where guests can stay if they are waiting, whether coming or going. 


  
In the lobby, you'll also find some of the causes that Somerset Millennium Makati supports from a green environment, animal welfare to a community of disabled artists. 



Drop your plastic water bottles in the bin for recycling or donate items to support the animals of Pawssion Project. 



These handpainted bags make for a great pasalubong or for your own fashion statement. Every purchase of these upcycled eco-bags will directly benefit talented artists with disabilities allowing them to continue their artistic journeys and feeding children in Gawad Kalinga.  

Kudos to Somerset for supporting all these causes. 

The staff at the hotel were accommodating and friendly. The hotel recep made small talk with me while she assisted me with the check-in. She asked how my Christmas holiday was going to which I answered "What Christmas?" Ha! Ha! I honestly didn't feel the holiday as I had a lot of work to do. That elicited a laugh from her. 

The doorman gave me directions to go to Greenbelt as I told him I was going to run a few errands. HE probably thought I didn't know the area. I appreciated that of course. 

The Stay Experience 

I got to the hotel earlier than the check-in time of 2PM. I still had errands to do at the mall e.g. last minute gift shopping, bank errands etc.. I hoped I could check in the room early to leave my stuff.  But it was Christmas season so the hotel had a lot of guests. The room wasn't ready but the hotel reception already assisted me in registering our rooms so that come check-in time, we could just pay and get our room keys.

The room I stayed in was a deluxe 2-bedroom with a living room, dining area, and kitchenette. 







Our room was big and cozy. Doesn't look at all like the place was a years-old hotel. The room had Wi-Fi, the bathrooms had a shower and bathtub, and the beds were comfortable. I had a good stay at Somerset Millennium Makati. 

Room for Improvement

While overall, Somerset Millennium Makati is still a good service residence to stay at, it is an old hotel, Some details should be looked into to improve a guest's overall experience. 

Air conditioning - My friend and I both have a less tolerance for cold. Whenever we have a staycation, we always adjust the air conditioning in the room to make it less cold. The one in our room couldn't be adjusted no matter how much we pressed the remote control or the manual buttons. 

Wi-Fi - As I mentioned, we got a two-bedroom. Even though there is Wi-Fi in the room, its signal doesn't cover the entirety of the area. At certain parts of the bedroom, the Wi-Fi goes weak which is a bummer. 

However, I also encountered a weak Wi-Fi signal when we stayed at Somerset Central Salcedo two years ago. Maybe Somerset should look into having wifi mesh for their hotels to boost the signal. Almost everyone these days scrolls online on their phone while in bed. 

Toiletries - It's standard for hotels to provide guests with toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. While we had those in our room, the shampoo and lotion were almost empty especially the lotion so we couldn't use much of it. This may have been overlooked since the shampoo and lotion were hung on the wall. You can only know it's empty when you pump the bottle.  

Shower - We didn't get around to trying the shower 'til the morning when we were getting ready to check out so we found out too late that our shower wasn't working. To make do, we used the faucet in the bathtub. Somerset Millennium Makati ought to check on their room amenities from time to time to ensure things are working properly. 

Breakfast - In a hotel, I always look forward to having a delicious breakfast buffet. While it's not a big deal that breakfast at Somerset Millennium Makati was plated, it wasn't the best breakfast. Almost forgettable. Honestly, I would recommend skipping breakfast there until the cooking improves and they have more breakfast offerings. 
 

My Rating of Somerset Millennium Makati

Given all that I shared about my impressions and experience staying in Somerset Millennium Makati, if I were to rate it, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5. I would still recommend a stay in this hotel. I just hope they look into checking the rooms thoroughly to ensure everything is not only spic and span but also working properly. 

 


  
     
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