Experiencing Ace Water Spa

As a Christmas bonding and a relaxing trip for my family, my mother and I thought of going back to Wensha Spa and buying vouchers from Metrodeal. We had gone there twice with my younger sister.

Wensha Spa in Pasay

But then, we would be doing this so-called family bonding without my father again and I kinda feel bad about my dad always being left alone at home while we're having all the fun (my mom doesn't like my dad to usually go with us because my dad is either a killjoy or is always thinking, "I thought we didn't have the money"). And so, I convinced my mom that we should instead go to Ace Water Spa since it would defeat the purpose if we went to Wensha and just be separated from my dad (FYI: In Wensha Spa, you go into hot/cold jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna naked; so, obviously, men and women are separated).

Ace Water Spa makes use of hydrotherapy massage. According to its website's FAQs, it is a kind of therapeutic massage that utilizes "Ultrasonic Jet System" that massages specific areas of the body with its aquatic jets strategically located to relax and soothe tired and aching muscles.

Hence, I searched for discounted vouchers in Metrodeal. Metrodeal offers discounted rates to Ace Water Spa that you can avail most of the year, so be sure to check it out before heading out. (Here's the link where I got ours: Ace Water Spa discount) 

I got a 37% off the actual price, which is Php550 for adult (Kids 4ft. below pegged at Php250 so it would be better if you buy there than in Metrodeal) so we only paid Php349/head. With that amount, you get to enjoy their amenities for 4 hours. Actually, we didn't finish the whole 4 hours in the pool since it was too much. I think we stayed for 3 and a half hours inclusive of changing and taking a shower afterwards.

While processing the vouchers, you would be prompted what branch you would like to use the vouchers with. Although I'd like to experience the bigger Pasig branch, we opted the Quezon City branch since it's more convenient for us coming from the north. Trivia: QC branch is its first branch.

Preparations

The following are a few things to remember in preparing to go there:

1. Make sure to wear the proper swim wear.

In the vocabulary of Ace Water Spa's management, proper means fitted swimwear with the material made of nylon or polyester but preferably spandex. Fitted means no boardshorts for boys and no cover-ups for girls.

Just a fair reminder to the ladies, although wearing a two-piece is definitely a proper swimwear, just make sure that you have a "reliable" knot/enclosures on those as some pool areas would have a strong water pressure equivalent to a hard massage (the knot on my top did not come off but the actual cup got blown off and slid sideways. Craaay! Luckily, I recovered really fast and, since the water pressure is strong, there were lots of bubbles so my right boobie was safe from the limelight. Whew!).

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE FITTED?

Simply because you don't want to look like SpongeBob getting bloated with water inside him (water pressure is really strong in some areas as it is equal to a hard massage) hence exposing what's underneath that not-so-fitted swimwear (since you cannot wear any undergarment). Also because, according to Ace Water Spa's FAQs, this is in order for you to get the maximum health benefit derived from the spa.

ARE THEY STRICT WITH THE PROPER ATTIRE?

Yes!

If they saw you wearing cotton material or a not fitted swimwear, they would courteously ask you to change, even if you were already long enjoying their amenities. In case you didn't bring any spare swimwear, you can either buy or rent from them. Rent fees are as follows, if my memory served me right:

       Trunks - Php100.00

       Swimsuit - Php250.00

       Kiddie Swimsuit - Php150.00

In addition to proper swim attire, they don't allow any underwear. For instance, while in the pool, I heard two women beside me say to their male companion that they had to go back to the changing room (they were already in the pool) to remove their bras and panties underneath their rash guard and cycling shorts as one of the life guards noticed them. Lucky for you if ever you got away with wearing undies. Teehee.

2. Bring your own towel
Unlike other spas where you are provided with the towel, here you have to bring your own. Don't worry if ever you forgot it since they have a towel for rent at Php150.00. But then again, would you like to waste that money? Naah. So just bring one.

3. No need to bring your own swim caps
Upon check-in, you would be given their red swim caps but you need to return it before you go. A basket is place at the foot of the stairs leading to the changing rooms where you can return the swim caps. However, if you find it gross, you are free to use your own.

4. You can bring salbabida as well! 
Just like a typical pool, you are free to bring your arm rings, inflatable floaters and swimming boards. You can even bring your goggles.

5. No need to bring flipflops
Even if you were wearing sneakers or high heels going to Ace Water Spa, no need to bring a pair of flipflops. Upon entering the changing room, you will be asked to deposit your footwear. Then you have the choice to wear their (humongous) rubber slip-ons or not. Either way, you can only wear those slip-ons while inside the changing room and not when going down to the pool area.

6. No need to bring toiletries
If you don't mind using a "head to toe" liquid soap, then no need to bring shampoo and soap! But let me just remind you that your hair (especially for the girls) will definitely be dry and sticky. So, you may want to at least bring a sachet of conditioner.

7. Don't bring too bulky stuff
Just a heads up, if you intend to bring like half of your closet (I understand the feeling of being I-am-clueless-so-I-might-as-well-prepare-for-the-worst), then don't. The provided locker is small, about the size of a regular square throw pillow. During peak seasons, you may even find yourself sharing a locker with your companions. So if you have a car with you, you might want to leave non-essential things in your car. If you don't have one, then just bring the important stuff rather than risk leaving your belongings with the busy personnel at the footwear deposit area.

Going there

If you got a car, no problems going there as it is an easy to reach place being at a convenient location. But if you were only commuting and you don't know how to get to Del Monte Ave., then better follow these:

From North

1. From Munoz market/Roosevelt Ave., ride a southbound jeepney plying the routes Blumentritt, Quiapo or any jeep going to Manila; you can also find those jeepneys near S&R along Congressional Ave. or in front of Green Paddle (aka Jackman Plaza) along EDSA northbound.

BUT, to be sure, ask the driver first if it would be via Del Monte Ave. 

2. Get off at Ace Water Spa. You should see it at your right side.

The red X mark points to Walter Mart.
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Walter Mart to Ace Water Spa.)

You should only pay the minimum fare (currently at Php7.50). Travel time should just be around 10-20 mins.

You would know if you're near when you saw Savemore then Sienna College, both at the left side of the road.

From South

1.1 From Blumentritt LRT 1 station, cross the street and walk towards 7-Eleven. There should be jeepneys waiting for passengers going to Munoz/Frisco.

You should only pay the minimum fare (currently at Php7.50).

The red X mark points to 7-Eleven at Blumentritt Road.
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Blumentritt to Ace Water Spa.)

1.2 From Divisoria/Taft Ave./Manila City Hall/Quiapo, ride a northbound jeepney with a signboard Munoz/Frisco.

Sorry, but I'm not sure how much exactly the fare would be since I went there from the north. But according to the rates in the LTFRB website:

from Divisoria: Php12.50.

from Vito Cruz (via Sta. Cruz): Php23.50

from Manila City Hall (via Sta. Cruz): Php17.50

from Manila City Hall (via Quiapo): Php13.00

The red X mark points to Manila City Hall
(Sorry for the faint gray line marking the route from Manila City Hall to Ace Water Spa.)

Either 1.1 or 1.2, to be sure, ask the driver first if it would be via Del Monte Ave. 

2. Get off at DSL Building (houses a laundry shop) which is the establishment in front of Ace Water Spa.

Either 1.1 or 1.2, you would know if you're near when you saw RCBC adjacent to PSBank on the right side of the road then China Bank. You should also see Z Square Mall at the left side of the road after a few breaths. Teehee.

Ignore all the banners; I wasn't able to take a photo. That is what you should be expecting to see. As you may notice, parking space may be a problem during peak season.

A Few Reminders

1. Ace Water Spa is open everyday even on holidays. Business hours start as early as 6 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. but every Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 11 p.m.
2. If you bought a voucher, you cannot avail their service on holidays but you may do so any day, even on weekends!
3. You cannot bring food/snacks in there. If you were able to, you cannot eat or drink it once you got in. If you got too thirsty during the treatment, there are available drinking stations.
4. It is advisable that you do not eat 30 minutes prior to the spa treatment. This is just like the typical reminder that you should avoid eating prior to water activities. But more importantly, since many treatment are focused at the torso, you might vomit due to the water pressure.
5. Taking photos are not allowed. Perhaps it's because of its strict rule on swim wear. So you might be able to take some covert shots while inside the changing room or at the top of the stairs going to the spa area but, mind you, the personnel are really vigilant.
6. You might see a lot of kids with their goggles on their heads milling around. They might be taking swimming lessons from Bert Lozada Swim School offered at Ace Water Spa. After all, it got a lap pool.
7. If you bought a voucher, make sure to print it at home since they don't tolerate copies in tablets or asking them to print it for you at the reception.
8. There is a separate lane accommodating Metrodeal voucher holders and walk-in guests. During peak season (like when we went there which was December 26), the line for voucher holders would be really long. And during peak season, I think, the staff prioritizes the walk-in guests.
9. During peak season, it could take almost an hour to line up then wait for a key for your locker. Lockers may also be for sharing at times like this.
10. For most, you need to press a button to activate the water treatment at an area (I know it goes without saying but I just want to make the list 10. Teehee).

Boon or Flop?

My family and I will definitely visit Ace Water Spa again. It's really relaxing and convenient place to go to in case you suddenly need a quick breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. And you really get the value for your money since it's affordable (especially if you availed of their discount vouchers).

However, there is still, of course, room for improvement. I'd say they should ask voucher holders to call beforehand to schedule their visit if they intend to visit the place during peak season just so the guests could avoid really inconvenient queue that could take an hour, not to mention sharing of lockers.

I also don't know how they are able to identify which among the guests already used up all their 4 hours. So perhaps it would be better to remind the guests upon checking-in how they would be reminded.

Even if they are not scowling, the staff at the reception do not look friendly and accommodating. Maybe it's also because of the crowd when we went there. Even so, they should still maintain their smiles and accommodating gestures.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay there and positively achieved our goal: family bonding. :)

Here are some pictures we sneakily shot inside:

We were in front of the doors leading to the changing rooms. Beyond the "no to everything" signage at the background would be the stairs going down to the spa area. As you can see at the signage, taking of pictures are not allowed. Teehee!

We were towards the end of the changing room and beyond the curtain at the back right side would be the hallway towards the stairs leading to the spa area.

And this is my family at the facade:

Photos not mine:
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