REVIEW: R Oriental Spa: P190 African Coffee Body Scrub with Massage (P600 Value) from CashCashPinoy!

I almost forgot that we had a body scrub voucher that will expire this March 2013. Good thing, we had no issues in reservation even if our preferred date was a weekend. R Oriental Spa is located at Arnaiz Avenue corner Osmena Highway. From Makati, you may ride a jeep at Washington-Dela Rosa, or at Waltermart - Pasong Tamo. It is just right after crossing Osmena Highway, at the left side.

Before going, we researched about R Oriental Spa - how to go there, reviews and comments from people, etc - just so we know where we are going and what to expect. There were some comments that made the place appear shady. Still, I wanted to give it a chance before judging. Upon entering the place, the first thing I noticed was the interior. It tries to give the "oriental" look through bamboo seats and stair railings, Buddha pictures, capiz windows, and other decorations. We were asked to go upstairs as the rooms are located there. Upstairs, I noticed the well air-conditioned place, dim lights, red walls all over, and... the "Careless Whisper" music. Might just have been a coincidence, but this arose suspicion. Later on, it was changed to bosa-type of music. There were a number of people who don't seem to be customers, yet not in uniform to be considered therapists. Since R Oriental has male therapists, we were given the option to choose between masseur or masseuse during the reservation, wherein we chose female attendants. Yet when we got there, they informed us that only one female and one male therapists are available, and so we just settled on what they have. Massage rooms are divided by wooden walls. The sign "Strictly for clean massage only" was catchy yet made questions in my mind. 


*The Body Scrub*

Starting with my back, African Coffee scrub was rubbed against my skin. It was coarse and I like its texture as a scrub. It made me feel being cleansed thoroughly even with gentle application. The scent of coffee also had a relaxing effect. The attendant was gentle and careful not to cause too much pressure, yet knows what areas should be focused on such as knees and elbows. After applying scrub all over my body, I was left for around 5minutes. It looked as if I was covered in mud. After which, I was asked to rinse off the scrub. It seems they only have one shower room but hot shower is available. 


*The Massage*

The massage started on my back, then my arms, then back again, and lastly legs. There was no head massage which has been my usual favorite, yet more focus on the back was done. The strokes were more of pressing and upward sliding motion. There were kneading and some stretching at times. What I like about it is the right amount of pressure the masseuse had placed on from the start even without asking me about it. She also gave attention to parts that have nodules especially on my back and shoulders. After the massage, she wiped off the oil in my body using hot towel. 



There may have been things going on in my head before I had the treatment because of the comments and what I have observed when I got into the place. I cannot say that my suspicions were all cleared but with the treatment I had, my 190Php was worth it. I love the coffee scrub, I enjoyed the therapy, and the service was good. 




R Oriental Spa

4926 Arnaiz Ave. cor Osmena Highway Pio del Pilar, Makati City 

+632 621-6339; +63917 858-3102; +63908-867-6492
Mondays to Sundays 9AM to 7AM (the following day)



Image from
CashCashPinoy