Press Center
The TREEtment Project
BORACAY Island, Philippines – Mandala Spa & Villas, rolls up its sleeves to plant a tree for every spa treatment and for every room night booked at the Philippines’ multi-awarded destination spa. Their green initiative called the TREEtment Project aims to save the planet, while connecting spa guests with nature, inspiring them to act on the earth's wellness as they do on their own.
Each seedling is planted and cared for by the Mandala staff in Boracay’s protected areas and government-designated reforestation sites on the Aklan province mainland. Through the Treetment Project, each resort and spa guest gets a rare opportunity to connect with nature, when they come to enjoy Mandala’s soul-connecting therapies, and while immersing in nature’s beauty. Guests can opt to name their tree and be given updates on its growth and development through a website that will enable tree owners to keep a profile page of their trees and the corresponding statistics (name, type of tree, height, location).
The idyllic sanctuary that rests on 2.5 hectares of lush tropical vegetation is a hilltop haven overlooking Boracay’s world-famous White Beach, consistently voted as one of the Top Ten Beaches of the World. Mandala Spa & Villas reflects the philosophy and lifestyles of its founders, Karen Villarica and Dieter Schrottmann, whose vision for Mandala was to provide an authentic experience of Boracay in its natural grandeur. Being both long time residents of Boracay, Karen and Dieter felt that it was of importance to preserve a piece of the serenity and tranquility that the island became known for in the “early” years.
The architecture is based on blending a seamless flow of the natural environment with open spaces, and structures built to provide a continuous flow of energy with the indoor spaces where one enjoys the healing wonders of nature that surrounds them.This respect for nature paves the way for the inner landscape – one’s personal space that Mandala opens gently, inducing a unique journey for the senses, where the chemistry of perfectly blended scents and oils, freshly prepared natural ingredients derived from Asia’s rich plant heritage, hand-picked flowers to wash your feet, and the therapist’s healing touch are your stepping stones. As a guest so eloquently put it in a Tripadvisor review, “(Mandala is) like a nest in the middle of the forest…a place of silence, respect and peace.” The sophisticated spa menu harmonizes one’s quest for personal well-being and indulgent pampering, while the natural spa environment provides a refuge where one can reflect on the quality of one’s life and achieve spiritual rejuvenation.
According to Dieter Schrottmann, Mandala’s indefatigable Director, owner and “Green Guru”, the inspiration for Mandala’s Treetment Project comes from their belief that “Wellness is a way of life that is intractably connected to the health of our planet. How can we ever lead a healthy life when the air we breathe is polluted, our water contaminated and our neighborhoods are socially dysfunctional. As a leader in the world of wellness and spa, we are doing our share in healing the planet and creating a better world for all through our Treetment Project and our community outreach programs.” These include free daily beach Yoga sessions for kids and the basics of Yoga for adults through “The Five Tibetans” and Sun Salutations, and free sunset Reiki sessions on the beach, which are all open to the public.
At Mandala Spa & Villas, planting trees and nurturing them is a simple yet powerful way of honoring the source of all life, the same life force energy that so abundantly nourishes the body and soul, from which their therapists likewise derive their healing touch and provides the revitalizing all-natural ingredients used in each and every spa treatment. Not only are seeds set on soil, but the Treetment Project continues to sow the seed of environmental awareness. Finding a “spa” is so easy these days, with one around every corner. The decision lies not only on the quality of the spa experience you are looking for, but on what one values beyond the self. Through the Treetment Project, consumers are given an intelligent choice, to support the environment through organizations that not only provide quality services, but empower each one with a lasting and invaluable opportunity to make a difference. In short, the Mandala Spa customer has the power to decide the future of our planet!
However, one need not be a Mandala guest to participate. Mandala likewise gets the Boracay community involved through regular tree-planting activities where 1,000 seedlings are planted in two days, allowing participants to spend time with nature and bond with other “green” volunteers. Another way to support what is fast-becoming Boracay’s pet community environmental cause, is by purchasing limited edition Treetment Project sarongs and t-shirts, or by making donations in fund boxes at partner resorts. Proceeds go directly to the Treetment Project Fund which is used to subsidize various tree-planting activities.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and the best place to start is in our own backyard. In fact, sales & marketing manager Abegale Clarino takes the Treetment Project home by literally planting a tree in her backyard every weekend. Mandala is about making a difference in a person’s life, if only to plant a seed that will eventually lead to a better quality of life for every individual and for the world at large. Schrottmann reiterates, “We believe that in our commitment to a better world, we will have made a difference.” Every person’s Treetment experience is unique, with new lessons learned each time, but one thing remains the same – that heartfelt connection with our true nature and the source of all life!
Mandala Spa & Villas also honors those silent heroes that make a difference by treating members of environmental organizations to their choice of a complimentary added value for every spa booking.
Among its many spa service and travel industry accolades, Mandala Spa & Villas received the Boracay WOW Award for Most Outstanding Business Establishment, from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, two years in a row (2006 to 2007). This is in recognition of its commitment to helping preserve the island by implementing an excellent waste management system and eco-friendly practices. The Treetment Project also received the InterContinental Hotels Group’s Hospitality Award 2009 for Best Initiative in Sustainable Development.
The unmistakable Mandala healing touch and legendary service with a soul can also be experienced at Discovery Mandala Spa at Discovery Shores Boracay, with select spa treatments and unique tropical indulgences that promise to deliver a level of luxury that will continue to position Boracay Island as a first-tier destination for business and leisure travelers.
For more information on Mandala Spa & Villas and Discovery Mandala Spa, please visit www.mandalaspa.com or email info@mandalaspa.com.
%file_271%
Back
