World Luxury Spa continent winner marred by glitches

This is Aum Spa's massage hut by the beach.

Crimson Resort’s Aum Spa and Wellness Center was named a 2015 Continent Winner for Best Luxury Resort Spa.  Thus, I booked an appointment with great expectations.

The therapist Cheryl led me to the massage room where she asked me to be seated.  She clarified some of the items that I ticked off in the questionnaire given earlier.  Essentially, she wanted to understand how I wanted my massage to go about.  She gave three samples of massage oils to choose from. Then proceeded with a hot and relaxing footbath.

She was a well-trained masseuse and knew exactly what to do at each step, often asking if the massage pressure was still okay.  She kneaded my muscles with ease and her unique strokes were very good.  The massage bed, pillow, and eye patch were all quite comfortable.

At the end of the session, Cheryl gave a feedback form and offered some tea.  She is probably one of the reasons why the spa was given global recognition.

However, what happened before the massage session revealed some inconsistencies in service standards.

First off, I was unable to use the Jacuzzi because upon seeing it in broad daylight, I discovered that the floor of the tub had been rusting away. 

When I entered the locker area, the robe didn’t fit quite right plus a cleaner hairbrush had to be requested.  The shower also had a shampoo bottle that wasn’t refilled and had to be changed.

For some people, these are just minor issues while for others, it is an important measure of spa quality standards. Hopefully, the next visit will be closer to perfection.

At the main spa entrance, guests are welcomed with a cold towel and drink. They are also asked to answer a questionnaire about health conditions and massage preferences.

The spa is huge. Aside from the Jacuzzi as well as wet and dry steam rooms, it also houses a swimming pool and yoga center.

The huts by the pool are used for Thai massage. This can be a challenge when the weather hits 90 degrees or more.

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Notwithstanding the spa experience, Crimson Resort is a good destination in Mactan:

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