From a humble spa to Spa Riviera Prime
For the last 20 years, Spa Riviera has helped men and women relax, rejuvenate and get back on their feet again to face their daily responsibilities.
They started as a humble spa with only foam, bean bags, and fresh air to make their clients comfortable. Now, Spa Riviera has become a premiere Iloilo spa with modern amenities, innovative services and three branches - General Luna, Jaro, and their soon-to-open Spa Riviera Prime in SM City Iloilo Southpoint.
But, the journey was dotted by challenges. Anna Marie Rivera-Wharton, founder and CEO, shared how the company started as a humble spa whose pioneer members were her students in Taebo class.
"Back then, I was a single mother who would look for work but nobody would accept. I can still recall the times when I carried my three-year-old daughter Anja with me around the city to look for money so we could feed ourselves. I began offering home service facials to get by. Then, I taught Taebo. When I decided to open Spa Rivera*, my first clients were my Taebo class students who eventually invited other friends to patronize us," she said. (*Note: the brand name was Spa Rivera back then)
"We did not have beds but just foam and we did not have aircon," said Ruby Guimaray who started as a therapist in 2000 and who is now their Director of Operations. She narrated that both the therapists and clients would perspire during their services. "We just open the windows to let the air come in as we are located at the top floor of the building," she said.
Rilen Tylos, who also started as a therapist and is now Director of Marketing said that it was hard to market a spa back then because it was something new to the Ilonggos.
"I would go to companies and government agencies to give free service to employees. Our goal then and until now is to give quality service. We consider our clients like family and we want to give them the best. We offer five-star service even if we are not a five-star spa," she said.
She narrated how an article about her by a writer-friend Hazel Villa in the Philippine Daily Inquirer caught the attention of Tony, a businessman who decided to invest on the company. That's when the company changed its name to Spa Riviera and eventually grew. Tony has passed away five years ago.
Rivera-Wharton remains extremely grateful to Tony. She also expressed gratitude to clients for their loyalty over the years. "Thank you for coming back, for bringing your friends and for your loyalty," she said.
"So much has changed now and we are thankful to God despite the difficulties. We are also thankful that God gave us another branch," Guimaray said, referring to Spa Riviera Prime.
A baby boomer who has issues with taking the stairs? No problem, as Spa Riviera Prime is accessible through the elevators and escalators in many points in SM City Iloilo and SM Southpoint.
Got errands to do before or after your service and would rather not commute again? No problem, as the mall is a few meters away.
The other perks are (1) security, parking, and zen space or garden provision by SM Southpoint, (2) late night closing, (3) separate locker rooms for males and females with a hot and cold shower and sauna, and (4) couple rooms/family rooms.
For Spa Riviera Prime, they will offer "Charlotte Plus" for both males and females (P6999) starting August 2019. A Charlotte Plus member will receive a card that comes with 35 spa services of choice with each service costing only P199 compared to the regular price of service (i.e. massage P350), and 20% discount.
They boast of their signature massages - Gayuma Massage and Hupay Massage. They will also launch their own version of the Ilonggo Hilot.
Rivera-Wharton highlights the fact that they hire neophytes and train them to ensure that they provide a uniform Spa Riviera sequence. This is one way they maintain the purity of their signature services.
"We follow the 100% money-back principle and provide free service if you are not satisfied," said Rivera-Wharton.
Rivera-Wharton stressed that Spa Riviera continues to innovate to serve the growing needs of its diverse clients.
Spa Riviera Gayuma Massage | Spa Riviera’s J Facial | Rewarding Myself at Spa Riviera | A Luxurious Experience at Spa Riviera Jaro | The Massage and Happiness Connection | Ways to Have a Relaxed Body and Happy Skin
Email: sparivierailoiloinc@gmail.com
They started as a humble spa with only foam, bean bags, and fresh air to make their clients comfortable. Now, Spa Riviera has become a premiere Iloilo spa with modern amenities, innovative services and three branches - General Luna, Jaro, and their soon-to-open Spa Riviera Prime in SM City Iloilo Southpoint.
But, the journey was dotted by challenges. Anna Marie Rivera-Wharton, founder and CEO, shared how the company started as a humble spa whose pioneer members were her students in Taebo class.
"Back then, I was a single mother who would look for work but nobody would accept. I can still recall the times when I carried my three-year-old daughter Anja with me around the city to look for money so we could feed ourselves. I began offering home service facials to get by. Then, I taught Taebo. When I decided to open Spa Rivera*, my first clients were my Taebo class students who eventually invited other friends to patronize us," she said. (*Note: the brand name was Spa Rivera back then)
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| Rilen Tylos, Director of Marketing; Sheila May Sumagaysay, Spa Riviera Director in Customer Service; Anna Marie Rivera-Wharton, CEO; and Ruby Guimaray, Director of Operations during the media launch of Spa Riviera Prime, July 19, 2019 (check out more photos below) |
"We did not have beds but just foam and we did not have aircon," said Ruby Guimaray who started as a therapist in 2000 and who is now their Director of Operations. She narrated that both the therapists and clients would perspire during their services. "We just open the windows to let the air come in as we are located at the top floor of the building," she said.
Rilen Tylos, who also started as a therapist and is now Director of Marketing said that it was hard to market a spa back then because it was something new to the Ilonggos.
"I would go to companies and government agencies to give free service to employees. Our goal then and until now is to give quality service. We consider our clients like family and we want to give them the best. We offer five-star service even if we are not a five-star spa," she said.
An Angel Partner
"God's faithfulness is seen in our journey. God promised to provide for our needs and He did," Rivera-Wharton stressed.She narrated how an article about her by a writer-friend Hazel Villa in the Philippine Daily Inquirer caught the attention of Tony, a businessman who decided to invest on the company. That's when the company changed its name to Spa Riviera and eventually grew. Tony has passed away five years ago.
Rivera-Wharton remains extremely grateful to Tony. She also expressed gratitude to clients for their loyalty over the years. "Thank you for coming back, for bringing your friends and for your loyalty," she said.
"So much has changed now and we are thankful to God despite the difficulties. We are also thankful that God gave us another branch," Guimaray said, referring to Spa Riviera Prime.
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| Artist's perspective of Spa Riviera Prime in SM Southpoint |
Spa Riviera Prime
Spa Riviera Prime provides convenience and flexibility because it is located in a mall.A baby boomer who has issues with taking the stairs? No problem, as Spa Riviera Prime is accessible through the elevators and escalators in many points in SM City Iloilo and SM Southpoint.
Got errands to do before or after your service and would rather not commute again? No problem, as the mall is a few meters away.
The other perks are (1) security, parking, and zen space or garden provision by SM Southpoint, (2) late night closing, (3) separate locker rooms for males and females with a hot and cold shower and sauna, and (4) couple rooms/family rooms.
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| Artist's perspective of Spa Riviera Prime's massage room |
Charlotte Membership
Last year, Spa Riviera launched the Charlotte membership which is exclusive for women. Priced at P5000, it includes 35 spa services (valued at P150 each and transferrable), 50% discount cards, 20% off on regular services, and twice-monthly use of the sauna. This was revealed by Sheila May Sumagaysay, Spa Riviera Director in Customer Service during the media launch, July 19, 2019.For Spa Riviera Prime, they will offer "Charlotte Plus" for both males and females (P6999) starting August 2019. A Charlotte Plus member will receive a card that comes with 35 spa services of choice with each service costing only P199 compared to the regular price of service (i.e. massage P350), and 20% discount.
Signature Services
Spa Riviera offers varied services such as (1) massage - Swedish, Shiatsu and combination massage, Asian massage (hand and feet), (2) innovative skincare services that include facials and body or foot scrubs.They boast of their signature massages - Gayuma Massage and Hupay Massage. They will also launch their own version of the Ilonggo Hilot.
Rivera-Wharton highlights the fact that they hire neophytes and train them to ensure that they provide a uniform Spa Riviera sequence. This is one way they maintain the purity of their signature services.
"We follow the 100% money-back principle and provide free service if you are not satisfied," said Rivera-Wharton.
Rivera-Wharton stressed that Spa Riviera continues to innovate to serve the growing needs of its diverse clients.
Spa Riviera Reviews
Below is a list of reviews and articles written by me and other Spa Riviera clients.Spa Riviera Gayuma Massage | Spa Riviera’s J Facial | Rewarding Myself at Spa Riviera | A Luxurious Experience at Spa Riviera Jaro | The Massage and Happiness Connection | Ways to Have a Relaxed Body and Happy Skin
For reservations and inquiries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparivierailoilo/Email: sparivierailoiloinc@gmail.com
