While that overnight stay at Hof Gorei last weekend provided a welcome respite for me, the succeeding few days brought some of the stress back right away. Deadlines and hours in front of the computer left my back and neck screaming for release. So off to BodyBliss.

I could’ve gone to my usual and reliable massage clinic, but I thought I’d try this new place for a change. Thankfully, no regrets. BodyBliss — highly recommendable if you’d rather not spend too much on a good massage. No sauna or even showers at this place, though, but the treatment you get is satisfactory.

BodyBliss is right beside Netfront Café on C.M. Recto St., across the street from Aldevinco Shopping Center. The place is clean and presentable, just like any reputable spa. It’s not very big but at least each table is curtained off for privacy. My only complaint is that the massage table’s hole for your face isn’t large enough.

I had the full body massage. It’s a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai techniques. It was very relaxing and soothing, especially because my masseur was obviously trained well and went about the whole routine in a fluid and unhurried manner. Oh by the way, the body massage (Php250) lasts for an hour and 45 minutes! Now that’s pampering.

BodyBliss offers three other therapies: back massage with oil (same style as the full body), for Php150 (45 mins); back dry massage (Shiatsu + Thai) for Php100; and, foot massage for Php150 (45 mins).

For reservations, call 300-0300. Or if you walk in and the place is full, they have the perfect waiting area: an Internet café that doubles as a coffee shop with the perfunctory free wifi access.