Fab fun!

AN IMAGE that would typically come to mind when one says “spa” is that of a semi-nude person lying face down, with perfectly-shaped stones lined up neatly on her back.

It is called a hot stone massage, a therapy treatment started by native Americans way back, now used as a trademark service of sorts for many spas.

It is from this that Osheila Panal Boag got the idea in naming her all-in-one lifestyle hub, Hot Rocks Spa Salon & Fitness Plus. More than offering the exotic massage however, Hot Rocks is a one-stop destination that caters to fitness, wellness and beauty needs.

Should one wish to sweat it through a good workout, unwind with a relaxing body massage, or make a statement with funky nail art—then this place has it covered.

Hot Rocks’ gym is set with the basics. It has cardio machines like treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes, as well as an extensive selection of strength training equipment. Then for those who prefer the cheery feel of a group exercise, the gym also houses a spacious studio where they hold classes in aerobics, zumba, hip-hop, belly dancing, ballroom, tae kwon do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay Thai.

Meanwhile, on the spa side, Hot Rocks has a variety of treatments namely facials, foot and body massages, body scrubs, body bleaching, diamond peels, sauna, and the “cupping” therapy ventosa. As for the salon, it offers the essentials such as mani-pedi, haircut, hair treatments, styling and the like.

As many Cebuanos dive in to fast-paced lifestyles, having a place like Hot Rocks around is handy. No need to hop from one spot to another. One can easily spend the entire day there, and by the time she steps out, she will be feeling good as new.

What’s more, Hot Rocks’ owner and manager Osheila is very hands-on in managing the place. Being a fitness and wellness buff herself, she is very familiar with the needs of her clients.

Osheila says, among other things, that she is very particular with the skills of her personnel, cleanliness, security (in-house CCTV cameras), and the availability of parking.

At present, Hot Rocks is visible in two ends of the metro. Operating since 2009 is the main branch located at Robinson’s Lawaan in Talisay City; while the second branch, which recently opened last August, is at Insular Square in Mandaue City.

Quality gym, spa and salon amenities and services at pocket-friendly prices— that should be enough reason for one to drop by Hot Rocks. In this generation of busy schedules and traffic jams, this kind of all-in-one refreshing experience is sometimes simply what’s much needed—with “hot stones” or without.

Hot Rocks Spa Salon & Fitness Plus is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Mondays through Saturdays.