11/03/2025
Set deep in the lush landscape of Pampanga, accessible only by 4WD or jeepney on rocky/dirt/mud road, lies Puning Hot Springs. It’s location at the base of Mt. Pinatubo taps in on the water of the Sacabia river warmed naturally by the active volcano which last erupted in 1991. The naturally heated water flows over rocks and waterfalls into pools of varying warmth. Nearby, a second station at the Resort offers a sand spa where healing ash and sand is warmed from beneath and you may be buried up to your neck, cocooned in warm sand. Then you are walked on by a professional foot masseuse who knows exactly where to step to release tension in muscles and joints. I have never experienced anything like this massage, it was transcendental and magic! Finally, you may have your face and body coated in a clay of volcanic ash which contains healing properties. Then a return to the starting point for showers and a delicious buffet. All in all, this tops my list of best spa and massage experience in the world! .tpb
