There’s something heartwarming about places that carry stories. Some cafés were born from passion, and some resorts started with a dream. But Tenderbody Therapeutic Massage & Spa? This one was born out of love, literally.
This isn’t your usual spa story. The Tenderbody branch in Raintree used to be the Sunday afternoon tambayan of the current owner’s parents. It was their go-to date spot; massage first, maybe dinner after. The Tamiya branch in Lapu-Lapu City was the couple’s go-to for their weekday dates. Years later, after the mother passed away, the father bought the spa out of pure sentimentality. “This is where our love grew,” he must’ve thought. He kept the name, Tenderbody, a mouthful but heartfelt, and turned it into something more. When he too passed away, the responsibility (and the legacy) was passed on to their child, who now continues to run the business with the same love it was built on.
Now with three branches, Tamiya and two in Raintree Mall, Tenderbody isn’t just a spa. It’s a space filled with stories, family ties, and a lot of warm oil.
Changing the Spa Narrative, One Honest Massage at a Time
Let’s address the elephant in the room. When people hear “spa” in Cebu, there’s unfortunately still that lingering assumption that services go beyond what’s on the menu. Tenderbody Therapeutic Massage & Spa wants to end that.
This is a clean spa. No extras, no shady business, just good old-fashioned hilot and healing hands. All therapists are certified with NC-II training. More than that, they’re mothers, breadwinners, grandmothers, and even survivors of abuse. Each massage is given not just with skill but with strength, respect, and dignity.
“It’s not easy to touch other people’s bodies, especially when it’s sore. It’s not for everyone. And we want to show everyone that Cebu has clean spas”
“I was never an entrepreneur,” she added. “I just decided to continue this for the love my parents had.” And that love is felt in every aspect of Tenderbody Therapeutic Massage & Spa, from the way the therapists are respected and empowered, to how returning customers feel like old friends. It’s not just a business; it’s a living tribute to love, healing, and human connection.
Must-Try Services
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, here are our personal picks and client faves:
Tenderbody Signature Massage (2 hours)
A blend of Swedish massage, pressure point work, and stretching. It’s their gold standard.
Swedish Massage (best-seller!)
Oil-based with long, relaxing strokes. Perfect for muscle knots and tired souls.
Pinoy Hilot
Old-school, warm oil massage just like how our lola’s used to do it by heating an oil in the old-fashioned way and massaging it onto our backs.
Hot Stone Massage
Great for “frozen shoulders” and those who just want to melt into bed.
Foot Massage (Raintree branch best-seller)
Targets pressure points. Ideal after a long day of walking or standing.
Aromatherapy Massage (Tamiya’s favorite)
Perfect for bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone who needs serious muscle work.
Ventosa
A combination of cupping therapy and a full body massage—relaxing and detoxifying.
Other services also include facials, paraffin treatments, and waxing (Raintree branch exclusive). Products used are from NU Skin Manila, and they only use oils and tools they trust.
Something New: Gift Certificates and Loyalty Cards
As of June 1, 2025, Tenderbody launched Gift Certificates, the greatest gift of relaxation for friends and family who might not usually treat themselves. These GCs are valid for 6 months and serve as a lovely introduction to the spa.
They also have a Loyalty Card now! For regulars, it’s a fun way to earn a free massage. Every visit gets you closer to that reward and lets you know that loyalty does pay off.
We Got Massaged, Ventosa’d, and Almost Didn’t Want to Leave
We came to Tenderbody Therapeutic Massage & Spa out of curiosity, and left feeling like warm, happy marshmallows. That’s the best way to describe the experience, light, relaxed, and stress-free.
Joshua, our social media manager, booked a foot massage and almost didn’t make it past the first 20 minutes as he got *that* relaxed. He had to fight off sleep just to enjoy the full session. Grace, our head of sales, wasn’t as resistant. She chose the hot stone massage and completely knocked out mid-session. She woke up dazed, dreamy, and swore she’s never felt that kind of calm in weeks.
Cody, our ever-game team manager, tried the head and full-body massage. He was giggling half the time as it turns out he’s a little ticklish, but even he admitted he’d do it again in a heartbeat. As for me, I went all in with the ventosa massage, a combination of cupping therapy and full-body massage. Every cup, every glide, every release of pressure felt like someone carefully untying the knots in my soul, and inside every muscle on my back!
What made it all better was the space itself. The moment you step in, you’re greeted with the soothing scent of peppermint, dim lighting, calm music, and a peaceful energy that makes your brain stop racing. It’s the kind of place where your shoulders automatically drop, your phone stays in your bag, and your only task is to breathe and let go.
We’ve been to quite a few massage spots around Cebu, but Tenderbody stands out. There’s no gimmick here, just sincere service, skilled hands, and an atmosphere built for healing. It’s a spa with heart, and you can genuinely feel it from the moment you lie down.
So yes, we got massaged, ventosa’d, and pampered. If you’re overdue for a good reset, trust us, this is the place to go.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
OTHER INFORMATION
Facebook Page: Tenderbody Therapeutic Massage & Spa (https://www.facebook.com/TenderbodyTherapeuticMassageSpa)
For the Raintree Mall Branch Near Greenwich
- 09616035619.
- From 12noon to 12 midnight
- Monday to Sunday
For the Raintree Mall Branch Near the Ice Castle
- 09674582604.
- From 12noon to 12 midnight
- Monday to Sunday
For Tamiya Branch, Lapulapu City (second floor of BDO Tamiya)
- 09636452973
- From 11am to 11pm
- Monday to Sunday
