| Now, even the average Boracay tourist can get pampered
One of the country's top stylists, Victor Ortega, has a vision: to make Boracay known as "Victor Ortega island. When Russians stay for a month in Boracay, some visited the spa almost daily. Ortega said tourists soak their hair in saltwater all day, so they come to indulge in a hair treatment while getting a good rubdown. After an hour, the hair is rinsed and styled. The clients feel the head-to-toe refreshment. It's one big communal space with 42 beds and 40 full-time massage therapists to accommodate tour groups, corporate accounts and bridal showers. The rattling of the maracas also has a soothing effect. When Ortega opened this flagship venture, other spas tried to follow the concept. Maracas massage One of its special services is the signature maracas body massage, sometimes referred to as the African Khanya energy balancing massage. But beyond relaxation and moisturizing the skin, it boosts the oxygen level in the blood, reduces muscle toxins, and improves flexibility while easing tightness. At sunset, guests can relax sipping iced coffee or kamias shake at the balcony café that overlooks Boracay's main thoroughfare. Giving back Victor Ortega Salon and Spa Premiere has been getting all manner of bookings. He doesn't report to work in his own salons, and the services and clientele are different from those of Emphasis. "It's my advocacy. Meanwhile, he plans to add a gym and transform his flagship venue in Boracay into a wellness center. For his coterie of 70 in-house and on-call therapists, Ortega is happy to provide livelihood. Ortega Salon and Spa Premier to his portfolio. The spa offers a variety of Asian massages such as Thai, Balinese, shiatsu, and hilot at an affordable P500 per treatment. It uses lavender, peppermint and jasmine, which also rehydrate the dry skin. Customers with sunburned faces opt for a facial with a cooling menthol. He then decided to shift careers by studying all areas of salon services, from hairdressing to makeup and manicures. Then the hotels would call me to provide therapists for their room services or for the beachfront. While most of the famous spas in Boracay cater to high-end clientele, Ortega created a niche by catering to the middle-class tourists who came in droves. "When Koreans come off season, we would get a booking of 40 at a time," he said. He cited the Taiwanese as the biggest market for the hair wax/massage treatment. The Chinese and Thai tourists like to come in groups. Since work in Boracay is seasonal, Ortega is smart enough to get good business even during the low season. "It cures our clients' migraines and sinuses," she said. Still, Ortega maintained his Victor Ortega salon along Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, which provides work to 80 employees. He said there is no conflict of interest with Emphasis. Ortega feels blessed with his success, despite his modest beginnings. Off-duty, he would help in the beauty salon beside the hospital and get generous tips. |
Saturday 31 March 2012
Now, even the average Boracay tourist can get pampered
