Into the Deep
If you thought that nothing could beat waking up with the
view of the ocean outside your window, then you’re wrong. How about waking up
underneath it? At Hotel H20—the first aquatic-themed boutique hotel in the
Philippines—revel in a vibrant array of visual delights that can only be seen
on Manila’s ocean floor.
As you
sink into the duvet covers of Hotel H2O’s Aqua Club suite, allow your body to
relax and your mind to be hypnotized by the more than 2,000 species of colorful
tropical fish darting back and forth over your head. The electric hue of deep
blue envelops the room and sets the mood for a quiet, relaxing moment of
solitude. The ocean floor and the life in it has never been more inviting… or
fascinating.
In
another room, for a more psychedelic trip, enjoy a soak in a deep hot bath
while gazing at the jellyfish tank. Feel as if you’re in a drug-induced stupor
as hundreds of jellyfish change color and dance in languid fashion.
From
the blue frosted accents of the suites to the undulating fluid designs of the
outside lobby’s interiors, the water inspiration for the themed boutique hotel
is undoubtedly taken to new creative level. “We wanted to create a hotel that
was different in design,” says H20’s proud general manager John Eric Mendoza.
“We want people to take one look anywhere around the H20 complex and know that
it’s H20. In design and in service… H20 is meant to be different.” With H20
being the first hotel of its kind, the team enthusiastically took to the
challenge of setting the bar.
“H20
was set up to augment and be part of the Manila Ocean Park,” Mendoza explains.
“While Manila Ocean Park offers the fun, Hotel H20 provides the rest and
relaxation. We wanted to complete the tourist experience by creating an
integrated resort theme park.” Which is why, Mendoza adds, with every suite
booked, H20 offers complimentary tickets to the Manila Oceanarium.
Designed
by GSN+P Architecture and managed by China Oceanis Philippines, H20 houses a
total of 114 rooms and 33 suites which are connected by the long aquarium wall
of tropical fish. If aquariums are not your thing, choose from suites that have
views of the fantastic Manila Bay sunset overlooking Manila Park or the
Olympic-sized swimming pool where the Musical Fountain Show is staged during
evenings (Wednesdays to Sundays)
Zenyu
Eco Spa
Beyond
the comforts of the room, serenity extends towards the boutique hotel’s other
amenities, especially the Zenyu Eco Spa. As he walks through the labyrinth of
low-lit frosted glass hallways, Mendoza reveals that the entire hotel is
painted with an eco-paradise bio sealer from Japan, a paint that reduces stress
and improves skin circulation by emitting negative ions. “Negative ions or
deoxidizers are the same particles that are present in the vicinity of a waterfall
or in the rainforest. These promote wellness and healing and stabilize the
production of free radicals in the body. It keeps one from aging.” Mendoza and
Dr. Eric Tan of Zenyu Eco Spa insist that this is more than just a marketing
ploy.
Dr.
Tan narrates that in an experiment, he placed a raw egg, a piece of meat and
some cheese in a box painted with the eco-paradise bio sealer. After more than
a year inside the box, the ingredients have not yet rotted. No ghastly smells,
no mysterious growths, he claims. “We put the money where our mouth is. Though
we cannot attest to the exact count of negative ions that are emitted by the
bio sealer—the number is in the millions—we have proven without a doubt, as you
can see from the contents of the box, that there is a real healthful benefit in
using negative ions,” Mendoza says.
Taking
advantage of the healing, rejuvenating powers of water’s natural deoxidizers,
the Zenyu Spa launched the Hot Bed Therapy service, wherein guests can indulge
in the potent powers of negative ions. Much like a sauna, the Hot Bed therapy
releases large amounts of negative ions, which are absorbed into the body
through the skin.
In
return, the body is able to flush out toxins for better blood circulation,
better metabolism and lowered blood pressure. (Another unique therapy service
worth mentioning is the fish spa. Take a relaxing dip in a pool filled with
doctor fish and have them gently exfoliate your skin to reveal a younger,
healthier looking you!)
Taking
inspiration from the infinite beauty and the healing power of the ocean, Hotel
H20 provides the perfect setting for one to indulge in the complete ocean
experience—from sleeping with a view of vibrant marine life to finding much
needed pampering and rejuvenation under the sea. .
Article first published in PeopleAsia
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