By ROSARIO T. GALANG

Anyone who watches the NHK on cable TV would know that Japanese tourists invariably visit scenic spots, bathe in hot springs and exclaim "oishi" on freshly prepared lunches or dinner that feature local fish catch or locally grown vegetables.

I myself enjoy watching those shows and together with the featured tourists vicariously enjoy the good food and service, amazingly simple yet so satisfying.

An invitation from Boracay Regency Hotel to experience their newly opened Kai Regency Spa and their newly opened Zhu restaurant offering Chinese food showed how simple pleasures can make the difference between a so-so and a fantastic vacation.

We were treated to a buffet of not only lovely food but of spa services ranging from facial, full body massage to care and pampering of hands and feet.

Kai is a P50 million investment of Boracay Regency, transforming the third and fourth floors of its new Garden Wing into 22 treatment rooms.

Men and women are treated separately in different wings, but couples can request for one of the four Suite Havens-cosy, relaxing rooms that provide privacy.

There are 50 therapists who trained for more than six months with a consultant expert in Swedish, Shiatsu and Thai massages.

The therapists, lissome young girls with gentle touch pamper guests after a day of swimming, walking and sunbathing.

You may wonder how would one massage differ from another say done in Chi in Shangri-La Edsa or your suki blind masseuse in Robinson's Galleria, or maybe the foot reflexologist in SM Cebu?

Some will say it is the ambiance, the fact that you are on vacation, ready to enjoy and appreciate simple pleasures.

In Kai, therapists lead you to a common room where you can take a shower, enjoy a sauna or Jacuzzi before your treatment.

While waiting you are given tea or orange juice.

Before the treatment, your feet are scrubbed, and massaged.

You lay on the bed and the therapists starts by ringing a small bell and wishing you peace and tranquility. Rites observed in all upscale spas.

As in all spas, your treatment will depend on how good is therapist. Luckily for me in Kai, the young girl who gave me the Aroma hot stone massage has soothing hands with sure strokes. The orange oil they burn is also soothing and relaxing.

The diamond peel treatment was novel for me at least, being the first time I had my face vacuumed. The treatment nevertheless left my face feeling smoother.

Therapists swear by the green tea facial, they said it is best for sunburned skin.

Kai also offers the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, and the four hand harmony massage.

It also offers tropical fruity scrubs, honey almond cream polish, anti-cellulite volcanic mud wrap and the dead sea aroma mineral wrap. Don't miss out on the scrubs, try any of the services offered and it will be time and money well spent.

Boracay Regency is partnering with South East Asian Airlines to let travallers avail of a special promo package until September 30.