With the spa industry booming worldwide, it’s no wonder that copycats also proliferate. A dilettante would readily accept a sophisticated or posh massage center, or even a ceremonial beauty salon as a spa, but would, naively, be missing out on the vital components. With the entry into the market of Tirta Spa on Boracay, the island has become affiliated with the international array of genuine spas.

Tirta Spa is the fruition of years of rigorous research and extensive travels to, literally, the four corners of the earth by its creator.

Strategically nestled on a hill at Malabunot, Tirta provides a spectacular north-easterly view of the Sibuyan Sea with Crocodile Island in the foreground. It’s a sanctuary away from the hubbub of White Beach, a location so unique that a stimulating sunrise can be enjoyed to the east or, later in the day, one can meditate, with silhouettes of Asian architecture, on the crimson sunset to the west. All day long, cool breezes freely waft from any direction. The breathtaking panorama and ambiance enhance one’s psyche in preparation for the mystical treatment.

According to its owner En Calvert, the basis of an ideal spa is the physical ambiance that enhances the preparatory mood for relaxation. This explains the harmonious location, lay out and architecture of Tirta, which En herself conceptualized and designed.

Cleansing from negativity starts even before entering the Hindu inspired gates of Tirta Spa, as one steps on the yin and yang circle fashioned from delicate pebbles. As you enter the gates, gong sounds, not only to announce your arrival, but also to ward off negative energy. The ascending path is lined with Koi carp ponds, the colors and gentle rhythm of which add to the calm and serenity of this holistic retreat.

Tirta’s treatments offer a variety of creative and internationally accepted therapies that can last from ninety minutes to four hours, held in any of the Royal Suite Villas designed with a blend of architectural styles - Balinese, Filipino, Indian and Thai. The therapists are very warm and friendly and highly- trained by En Calvert herself.

“In fact, they have to undergo three to four months of training, including guest relations, and English language enhancement,” says En.

En also revealed that it was at Tirta that the Boracay Sunrise and Sunset Treatments were created. The former is a pre-tanning method consisting of a facial and full-body exfoliation, using Dead Sea salt, complimented by wild honey to prevent dehydration and aimed at facilitating a smooth, even tanning.

The latter uses of pink clay from Australia, as an after-sun conditioner to rehydrate, replenish and hasten regeneration of the epidermis. En has developed this innovative therapy from her own personal beauty ritual, which she follows every time she goes out into the sun.

Tirta’s treatments all start with the “grounding ceremony” – a small gong is sounded to drive away negative energies - a delightful footbath and gentle massage of the feet with rich organic cream, reconnecting the otherwise anxious and stressed spirit of the guest with nature. The studied ritual of massaging body muscles in soft gentle to medium strokes to loosen tight muscles, lulls one to blissful peace and off to dreamland.

As an aromatherapist, En herself blends the essential oils which are sourced from many different parts of the globe. “These oils are designed to nurture the skin during treatment. They have a tiny molecular structure and are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when applied, thus relieving tension, improving blood circulation, detoxifying and enhancing one’s mood and senses.”

This 8th of April 2008, Tirta Spa celebrated its first year of fruitful service and encouraging acceptance by spa connoisseurs worldwide. There is no doubt that Tirta Spa is emerging as the country’s leading path to wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Tirta Spa is located at Sitio Malabunot, Barangay Manoc Manoc, Boracay Island. Tel. Numbers +63 (0)36 260 2488, 288 6841.

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