A Birthday Wellness Spa Retreat: My Mindful Kawa & Milk Bath Experience at La VeryOls

Birthdays are not just about celebrating another year, they’re an opportunity to pause, reflect, and practice self-care. This year, I wanted to treat myself something more meaningful than material things: a moment of peace, relaxation, and mindfulness. So, I treated myself and my daughter to a wellness spa day at La VeryOls in Tagaytay, where we immersed ourselves in a kawa bath infused with a milk bath, followed by a whole-body Swedish massage—a perfect way to nurture both body and mind.

Now, let’s be real—sitting in a giant kawa (cauldron) over an open fire made me feel like I was part of some magical cooking ritual! 🤣 For a moment, I wondered if I was the secret ingredient in a relaxation potion. But jokes aside, the moment I sank into the warm, soothing bath, all I could feel was pure bliss and tranquility.

We availed the Kawa Hot Bath Package A, which includes a 45-minute kawa bath with a milk bath followed by a 1-hour full-body massage, perfect for a day tour of relaxation and self-care.

A Chilly Morning Perfect for a Wellness Retreat

On the day of our visit, Tagaytay greeted us with cold, cloudy weather, adding an extra layer of coziness to our morning wellness spa experience. The cool breeze and overcast sky made the warmth of the kawa bath even more comforting. It felt like the perfect timing—soaking in the steamy herbal bath while enjoying the chilly morning air made the experience even more soothing and rejuvenating.

Booking in Advance: A Must for a Seamless Wellness Experience

Since I wanted everything to go smoothly, I booked this appointment one week before my birthday. As far as I know, booking in advance is preferred to secure a schedule, especially during peak seasons. If you’re planning to visit La VeryOls, I highly recommend scheduling your spa day ahead of time to ensure availability and a hassle-free experience.

My First Kawa Hot Bath Experience: A New & Unique Wellness Ritual

I’ve been to many wellness spas before, enjoying various massages and self-care treatments, but this was my first time experiencing a kawa bath—something completely new to me. I’ve always been curious about this unique traditional Filipino bath, and what better time to try it than on my birthday?

The kawa bath was unlike any other spa experience. Sitting in a warm cauldron filled with herbal-infused water and a soothing milk bath, I could feel my body releasing tension with each passing minute. But what made this experience even more magical was the stunning nature and mountain view right in front of us.

As we soaked in the comforting warmth of the bath, we were surrounded by lush greenery, fresh mountain air, and the peaceful sounds of nature. It felt like a perfect harmony of mindfulness and relaxation, reminding me to slow down and appreciate the present moment. The combination of the warm water, creamy milk, and the breathtaking scenery made this self-care ritual even more special. My daughter and I couldn’t help but take deep breaths and enjoy the kawa bath experience and nature in front of us.

La VeryOls' Safety Measures: Waiver for Skin Allergies & Sensitivities

Before our wellness experience began, La VeryOls required us to sign a waiver to ensure that we had no skin allergies or sensitivities that could be affected by the kawa bath or other treatments. I truly appreciate this extra step, as it shows their commitment to guest safety and well-being. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or health concerns, I highly recommend informing the staff in advance so they can provide guidance on the best experience for you.

A Whole-Body Swedish Massage for Ultimate Relaxation

After the kawa and milk bath experience with a view, we continued our wellness journey with a whole-body Swedish massage. The gentle yet firm strokes helped release tension from my body, leaving me feeling completely refreshed. Every movement of the massage felt like a reminder to let go and relax, making it a perfect way to complete the experience.

A Birthday Celebration Rooted in Mindfulness & Self-Care

This birthday wellness retreat was more than just a spa day, it was an act of self-love, mindfulness, and deep relaxation. Instead of rushing through life, I chose to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace this moment of peace.

I also want to thank the wonderful staff at La VeryOls for their warm hospitality and for assisting us in capturing this beautiful experience through photos and videos. Their kindness made our spa day even more special.

Located in Tagaytay, La VeryOls offers the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with themselves. With its peaceful natural setting and breathtaking mountain view, it’s truly a sanctuary for relaxation. We truly enjoyed our time here, and we’re already looking forward to coming back again! They also have veranda rooms for those who want to stay overnight and fully immerse in the relaxing ambiance of La VeryOls. However, we didn’t stay there as we had already booked a place nearby at La Bella Tagaytay, which is conveniently located close to the spa. Maybe next time, when we return, we’ll consider staying overnight to experience it fully.

Out of all the wellness spa experiences I've had, this was truly the best! The combination of the warm kawa bath, the soothing milk bath, the breathtaking mountain view, and the relaxing full-body massage made it an unforgettable self-care retreat. It was exactly what I needed to celebrate my birthday in the most mindful and rejuvenating way.

I highly recommend this wellness spa experience to anyone looking for deep relaxation, self-care, and a mindful escape. If you’re searching for the perfect retreat, La VeryOls is the place to be!

The Benefits of a Kawa Bath for the Mind & Body

A kawa bath is more than just a unique and relaxing experience—, it offers several wellness benefits for both the mind and body:

Relieves stress & promotes relaxation – The warm water and steam help relax tense muscles and calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
Improves blood circulation – The heat from the bath helps improve blood flow, which can promote better oxygen delivery to the body.
Detoxifies the body – The herbal-infused water may help flush out toxins and promote skin health.
Eases muscle tension & body pain – The warmth of the bath can be beneficial for those experiencing body aches, stiffness, or fatigue.
Enhances mindfulness & well-being – Soaking in a kawa bath, especially in nature, encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully embrace the present moment.

Disclaimer: The kawa bath is a relaxing wellness experience, but it is not a medical treatment. If you have any existing health conditions, high blood pressure, or skin sensitivities, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying a kawa bath. Prices may change over time. It's best to visit La VeryOls' official website or contact them directly to check for the most updated rates and package details.

Have you ever treat yourself a mindful self-care experience? Share your thoughts in the comments!