Karlo Pacana
My Mogambo Springs Experience
A snap of a finger, that’s all it took for us to teleport from a panoramic lagoon estate to a Japanese-inspired village. Well, not really, but close enough.
After donning our yukata with our swimwear underneath, we immediately buzzed in for our in-resort shuttle that would take us to Mogambo Springs, the spa at Plantation Bay (resort info).
We really didn’t know what to expect, just that we have a complimentary full body massage that we can avail all throughout the course of our stay.
Since we planned on doing all of the resort activities right after breakfast, we decided to schedule our spa appointment at about five in the afternoon.
Are we in Japan?
Fully exhausted but with smiles on our faces, we miraculously arrived thirty minutes earlier to have a closer look around the area.
For a minute, I actually forgot that we were at Plantation Bay Resort in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines.
Tranquil with a Zen-like atmosphere, it felt as if we were on the set of The Last Samurai.
Asking our friendly guide, I learned that the surrounding brick huts with the towering Pagoda as centerpiece actually served as private massage suites for couples and groups.
There are also guests who can choose to stay at one of the rooms at Mogambo Springs for a more immersive spa experience.
Let’s Go, Spring Hopping!
Aside from the sprawling greenery, inside the spa are three springs and a waterfall where guests are allowed to avail of on the day of their spa appointment.
Leaving our things at the locker area, we then headed to the first spring. Lukewarm with just enough heat, it was like an appetizer for what lies ahead.
Among the three, it was the only spring under a roof. If ever it rains, at least you won’t get wet here.
After spending a good ten minutes, we transferred to the second spring which was shaped like a cloud or for lack of a better visual, a bubble gum splattered on the floor.
I just can’t believe that it was actually possible to sweat while bathing. I’m willing to bet that if you submerged an egg here for thirty minutes, you’ll get yourself a snack afterwards.
Wait a minute. Don’t immerse yourself to the third one just yet or you’ll be shocked with the drop in temperature. If only it was allowed, I should’ve brought some canned soda on this ice-cold magnesium salt infused spring to pair with my supposed ‘snack’ from the previous hot Jacuzzi.
Beside it is the man-made waterfall where we were able to harness the downward force of the water which we used to massage our backs.
I decided to close my eyes and focus on the water’s impact on my entire body to better appreciate the moment which aligned to the Taoist Ideal, “To the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders.”
Snapping back to reality, I looked around and realized that our therapists were already waiting for us at the edge of the waterfall. It was time for our massage.
Mogambo Springs Experience
Checking out the brochure of Mogambo Springs placed in our Lagoon View Room, I realized that it’s not only a spa but also a salon because of a number of spa packages you could choose from where they combined massages with face and body treatments.
The one that stood out from the rest was clearly the Ultimate Mogambo Springs Experience that would take six and a half hours which includes a pool massage, body scrub, foot therapy, aromatherapy oil massage, facial treatment of your choice, paraffin wax treatment and nail care.
If I knew the exact moment I’ll meet my soul mate, I guess I’ll avail of this package the day before.
Anyway, I chose a combination of Japanese Shiatsu and Swedish full body massage which already includes the use of aromatherapy oils in one of the air-conditioned brick huts.
Wet from the spring, I was then informed by my therapist that I could take a quick shower in the suite if I so desired, slip on a disposable underwear underneath my yukata and tell her when I’m all set.
I can’t help but laugh to the weird feeling of wearing briefs again. I felt like Gardo Versoza in one of his iconic roles in Philippine cinema.
Looking around the suite, the oriental interior design was really on point with a very inviting ambiance.
The background music consisted of relaxing forest sounds and wind instruments. Listen to the song Aqueous Transmission by Incubus and you’ll understand what I mean.
The massage started with a quick foot wash. I was then guided to lie face down with the scent of lavender coming from underneath the bed. For the next hour, I just surrendered to the moment.
Like a Yin and a Yang, the experience was a balance between an energizing and a relaxing massage.
Final Thoughts
Sipping my tea after a few minutes at the sauna which smelled of freshly baked bread, I can’t help but think that Mogambo Springs was by far the best spa experience I’ve had in Cebu.
Any other worthy contenders? I’m open for suggestions.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Plantation Bay Mactan Is Not For Everyone
