Monica R. Lopez / Writer and photographer
A BITE or two of chocolate is an instant mood lifter, but nothing screams pure indulgence than getting lathered in chocolate.
The Chocolate Latte Foot Scrub and Spa is a 45-minute treatment. It uses high grade coffee granules to exfoliate the skin, topped off with a chocolate wrap containing a cocktail of vitamins and minerals using the purest cacao for that velvety and revitalized finish. This is a must-try for chocolate lovers.
A quick search on the internet will tell you the benefits of chocolate from the lowering cholesterol levels to it containing high levels of antioxidants. A delight once deemed “food for the gods,” it’s only fitting to find it in Afternoon Tea Spa, a place that promises treatments fit for royalty.
The spa was founded by Jerry de Leon, an entrepreneur who began dabbling in business at the age of 25. Established last Sept. 25, 2016, the spa is a venture realized when de Leon’s love for the United Kingdom grew after each visit. One could call the spa a keepsake from those travels, with traces of British elements seen on the interior. In addition, it was also a dream come true from his desire to make his college feasibility study come to life.
The concept of the spa was inspired by the English tradition of enjoying a leisurely afternoon drinking tea, with a three-tiered selection of sweet and savory treats. In this case, Afternoon Tea Spa offers a pampering session paired with tea; which to de Leon, was vital to the experience.
“The flavors of our tea must translate to the treatments we are offering,” de Leon said. Afternoon Tea Spa carries tea from the brand Whittard of Chelsea in different flavors including English Rose, Chelsea Garden, and the spa’s signature tea called Mango & Bergamot, a green tea blend—de Leon’s personal favorite. The spa uses the finest teaware for that elegant touch. Once the tea is set, the experience begins.
Indulge in its other treatments including the signature foot stone massage, hilot, volcanic foot spa and scrub, and its pro-sleep treatment, highly recommended for those experiencing jet lag.
Afternoon Tea Spa prides itself in offering a curated selection of treatments that provide benefits other than the feeling of relaxation. At the same time, the spa uses ingredients from trusted brands like The Chocolate Chamber, Human Nature and Young Living, to promote not only physical pampering but also the holistic approach to well-being. Its location in Chong Hua Medical Hospital - Mandaue City is not only a prime spot but is also advantageous as it can also cater to those in the medical field and patients’ companions, apart from walk-ins.
“I thought that it would be unique to open in a hospital because the traffic is high. I also wanted to establish a therapeutic spa, so the hospital was really my first option. With this location, I tell my customers that we are giving the best treatment in town since we are inside the hospital. It promotes healing and wellness. We remove the minor discomforts of our guests may they be knee, leg, upper back, lower back pains or a stiff neck,” explained de Leon, who shared that Afternoon Tea Spa also keeps track of previous services its patrons had during their last visit to make note of their preferences for a more personalized touch.
Afternoon Tea Spa is located on the upper ground level of Chong Hua Medical Hospital - Mandaue City, and is open daily from 12 noon to 9 p.m.