december-2011

1
chikka buzz
Om for the
holidays
De-stress amid the fl urry of the season
with these relaxing ideas
GET ON THE MAT
Say “namaste” to reclaim your cool at
Urban Ashram Manila. The Philippines’
largest yoga studio boasts the best in-class
facilities (award-winning Filipino designer
Kenneth Cobonpue collaborated with the team
to develop the design philosophy) and highly
qualifi ed Yoga Alliance-registered teachers.
What’s more, it’s the fi rst and only yoga studio
in the country that is a member of the Green
Yoga Association, a global community of yoga
studios and teachers who are committed to
earth-friendly and responsible practices.
New to the discipline? Don’t let that stop
you. Sign up for their signature FNR series
— Flexibility Not Required — for a fun way
to get started in yoga while learning its basic
foundations for a properly aligned and
fl exible body.
More advanced students can also opt
for their Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Ashtanga and
Hatha classes, before winding down at the
community lounge and browsing through their
All Things Yoga boutique afterwards. Drop in for
a session for PHP500, or sign up for a package
that suits your needs. Urban Ashram Manila
– Center for Yoga, Suite 302, 3 Brixton St,
Kapitolyo, Pasig City (across Pioneer Center),
tel: +63 (2) 661 YOGA/377 YOGA/+63 (917)
881 YOGA, www.urbanashrammanila.com
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Manila from
16 international destinations. www.
cebupacifi cair.com
Check out this
eco-friendly
yoga studio
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LIVE BY A
BEAUTIFUL
LAKE
Chill out at Fleur de Chine, which is located
on the north peninsula of the dreamy Sun
Moon Lake in Taiwan. While there, you can
can immerse yourself in the local culture
through experiential programs: a Yuchih
Township tour for Assam Black Tea; pottery
making; a visit to a museum fi lled with Sun
Moon Lake’s legendary artifacts; and rock
climbing with a view of Sun Moon Lake. A
vacation package for two includes breakfast
and dinner. www.fl eurdechinehotel.com
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Taipei from Manila.
www.cebupacifi cair.com
3 RE-BALANCE
WITH
A RUBDOWN
If the whirl of activity is driving you cuckoo,
head to the Melo Spa at Hyatt Regency
Hong Kong, Shatin — their winter spa
packages will restore your sanity and make
you feel amazing. Choose from the 1.5-hour
Melo Cocoon Retreat, an invigorating body
polish; the Enzyme Silky Body Wrap &
Scalp Massage; and the Anti-Chill Massage,
an anti-stress back massage. At HK$1,200/
PHP8,336; to book, call +852 3723 7684
or visit www.melospa.com
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Hong Kong from Cebu,
Clark and Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com
TEXT MAYA O CALICA PHOTOS JUAN RAMON MITRA AND JOSEPH SAWIT (URBAN ASHRAM)