MANILA, Philippines – For couples seeking a serene escape without straying too far from the city, Qi Wellness Living in Tagaytay is a spa option that doesn’t require much planning and preparation prior; a quick day-trip retreat may be all you need for some R&R.
Located quietly along Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay Maharlika East beside popular restaurants and hotels, this wellness spa may appear unassuming from the outside, but this “hidden gem” has become a long-standing wellness fixture in Tagaytay.
Known for its aged Asian charm, oriental interiors, and stunning panoramic views of Taal Lake, Qi Wellness Living is a simple sanctuary for those looking to unwind and relax with a view.
Founded in 2013 by Eric and Jerry Choa, Qi Wellness Living draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine and the philosophy of balance and harmony. The spa combines ancient healing practices with modern wellness treatments.
Its business philosophy — and name — centers around the idea of “qi” or life energy, which is believed to nurture both body and mind to promote overall well-being.
Qi Wellness Living is one of the oldest wellness destinations in Tagaytay. Over the years, it has preserved a rugged, old-world Asian aesthetic — quite worn around the edges, but, in a way, adding to its eclectic character.
The spa doesn’t try to dazzle with polished minimalism and flashy newness. Instead, it offers an ambient experience rooted in tradition.
One of Qi’s highlights is the Yin Yang Experience, The Bathouse’s signature package for couples.
The concept of “yin” and “yang” believes that seemingly opposite forces (darkness and light, hot and cold) complement each other and are needed for harmony and balance.
The spa experience starts with a dip in their yin-yang soaking pools — one is incredibly hot while the other is shockingly cold. According to Eastern medicine, alternating between heat and cold stimulates circulation, relaxes muscles, and brings balance to your energy.
It was jarring at first, but letting myself slowly sink into the heat and then acclimating myself to the cold — alternating between extremes — did provide some comfort and revitalization afterward, even easing any tension physically and mentally, especially thanks to the tranquil view.
The package allows up to 45 minutes for this activity. It’s also a private time slot, so there won’t be any other guests around.
After the soak and a quick shower, I was led to a dimly lit couples’ room for a 75-minute massage — you can choose from either the Qitranquility for relaxation, Qivitality for invigoration, or Qiharmony, which is done on recliners in the open air, overlooking Taal Lake.
Part of the Yin Yang Experience is a three-course meal at The Teahouse, located by the entrance and also overlooking the same view through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The menu changes once every few months — the set menu we tried was only until June. We started with fried eggplant and shiitake mushroom rolls, made with doubanjiang (hot and savory Chinese bean paste) and minced pork.
The no-fuss main course, a tender braised beef rib in Sichuan sauce, came with a generous serving of egg fried rice, enough to share between two.
Dessert was a refreshing calamansi puff, a light choux pastry with calamansi gel and ice cream.
The three-course meal may seem pricey on its own at P1,600+ per person, but as part of the Yin Yang package, it makes sense.
Qi Wellness Living’s Yin Yang Experience costs P8,280 per couple, which includes the soak, massage, and meals for two. Meals can be served before or after the soak and massage from 11 am onwards. The last call for meals is at 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com
Qi Wellness Living is located at Kilometer 58, Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Maharlika East, Tagaytay City, Cavite. It is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. Guests can book a reservation via www.qiwellnessliving.ph or +63 917 522 6969.
