Debola Spa (Taipei, Taiwan - Banqiao District)
If you are ever in Taipei, Taiwan's Banqiao District and you have time, please visit Debola Spa to relax. I had the best spontaneous experience there!
I was on my way back to UZ Hostel (another post) when I decided to stop in to request a massage appointment, for the following day. I passed the building each time I left and returned from the nearest MRT Station. I read the sign directing me to the 7th floor and got on the elevator. I arrived just before 6:30pm UTC, on a Saturday. There was one wonderful employee that spoke enough English for my request to be understood; she introduced herself as Sharon. Because I was visiting during a holiday weekend, the spa was scheduled to be closed. However, the lovely manager offered for me to come in right then. After a long day of exploring the city and visiting 4 temples, a museum and botanical garden my legs and feet were exhausted.
I was given a pair of slippers to change into before going to the locker room. It felt good to finally slip off my rain boots, that started to feel heavy within the last hour or so. I was walked into a calming space, given a locker with a key on a wrist band. I unlocked my locker and Sharon took out my towel, robe, basket and a fresh pair of disposal thong underwear. I was shown to a private changing area and asked to shower then report to my room number. I undressed and put the robe on so that I could put my clothes in my locker. With my basket in hand, I walked down a short hallway to the showers and toilets section. The clean showers were equipped with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The body wash was the only one I used. There were shower shoes to put on as well. Afterward I put my towel and underwear on. I remember thinking, it is smart to use thongs, because they will likely fit most body sizes. Once the massage started I realized the real reason for the type of undies.
I came into a small, dimly lit room with soft therapeutic music playing. Sharon had a saucer of oil for my massage that included Lavender. She explained that the manager had her add the scented oil at no additional charge as an apology for the language barrier. I felt honored and embarrassed at the same time. [The Asian countries I have traveled in have so many citizens that are apologetic about not knowing English, yet I feel it is I who should be ashamed that I only know the one language.]
Sharon and the crew were equipped with radios and earpieces to quietly speak to one another. She tried to ask me if I wanted something done, which I could not understand. As I slipped off my shoes and sat on the massage table she radioed a coworker to have them look up a word. I told her that I wanted attention paid to my hands and feet, along with the rest of my body. She acknowledged my request. I heard the phone of her coworker say the word "chest". Then she asked me if I wanted my chest done. I pondered for a few seconds and agreed. I have never had my chest included in a massage before, but I decided that I wanted the full experience. She asked me if "it's okay" a few times, regarding the pressure. It was harder than I am used to, but because I was sore from all the walking I had done it felt good. Sharon started with the sheet over my naked body and pressed nearly every inch of my body to prime the muscles for the massage. She then used a good amount to start with my shoulders and neck. The only thing that was different with this massage was that she massaged my abdomen and chest. There was nothing sexual about the areas being serviced. It was relaxing and probably in need of the healing technique. During the massage, the space was not completely quiet; there were three or four children present who I could hear talking and playing during my massage. However, they were not a nuisance and seemed to regularly be a part of the atmosphere. They were not loud. In fact, I feel asleep a few times during my massage.
After my back, legs, feet, arms, hands, fingers, toes, stomach and chest were renewed and tension-free, Sharon told me "finished" and directed me back to the shower. I showered again, feeling like silk! By this time an hour and a half had passed. The other employees were cleaning up the area and directing the children to help, for closing time at 8pm. No one was in the way of another. There were 2 other women receiving services so we shared the mirror and counter. There were cotton swabs, face and skin moisturizers and powder available. I used the facial lotion and returned to my locker to retrieve my clothes. After getting dressed, I went to my locker for the last time to collect my purse and bubble tea (purchased just before stopping in). I returned to the lobby to find a treat waiting...
Afterward the much needed relaxation massage, I was given tea and soup. While I ate my soup and sipped my tea another female patron (an English teacher) told me that I am the spa's first foreign customer. I was delighted! We laughed and took a picture...it might end up on the company's FB page or website. I look very sleepy in the picture. Also, I am not wearing any makeup or jewelry, so I have chosen not to post the picture on this post, for obvious reasons, lol. #vain #shouldhaveputmyearringsbackonforthepic
I was charged 2000 TWD or $65 USD, for the best treatment I have received in a spa, thus far. In PA I paid $50 per month as a Massage Envy member, along with a $10 to $15 tip for each spa visit. I only ever received 60 minute Swedish Massage and facials. Based on what I read on a few websites, tips are usually included in price in Taiwan, so I did not offer additional money and there was not a reference made to it when I paid for the services. I used my Korean bank card which worked without fail; days before my trip I visited my bank to inform them of my trip so I would have access to my funds. From the time I walked in until the moment I exited on the elevator, the staff was polite, attentive and accommodating. Debola Spa staff were patient in waiting for all of the remaining customers to finish their meal. I ended up leaving close to 8:30pm. It was the perfect ending to my long, adventurous day!
Please note: I am not sure if Debola Spa caters to men. I did not see any men; although, there was a separate entrance in the lobby that could have led to a men's locker room and spa section.
I was on my way back to UZ Hostel (another post) when I decided to stop in to request a massage appointment, for the following day. I passed the building each time I left and returned from the nearest MRT Station. I read the sign directing me to the 7th floor and got on the elevator. I arrived just before 6:30pm UTC, on a Saturday. There was one wonderful employee that spoke enough English for my request to be understood; she introduced herself as Sharon. Because I was visiting during a holiday weekend, the spa was scheduled to be closed. However, the lovely manager offered for me to come in right then. After a long day of exploring the city and visiting 4 temples, a museum and botanical garden my legs and feet were exhausted.
I was given a pair of slippers to change into before going to the locker room. It felt good to finally slip off my rain boots, that started to feel heavy within the last hour or so. I was walked into a calming space, given a locker with a key on a wrist band. I unlocked my locker and Sharon took out my towel, robe, basket and a fresh pair of disposal thong underwear. I was shown to a private changing area and asked to shower then report to my room number. I undressed and put the robe on so that I could put my clothes in my locker. With my basket in hand, I walked down a short hallway to the showers and toilets section. The clean showers were equipped with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The body wash was the only one I used. There were shower shoes to put on as well. Afterward I put my towel and underwear on. I remember thinking, it is smart to use thongs, because they will likely fit most body sizes. Once the massage started I realized the real reason for the type of undies.
Building entrance, directing one to the 7th floor |
I came into a small, dimly lit room with soft therapeutic music playing. Sharon had a saucer of oil for my massage that included Lavender. She explained that the manager had her add the scented oil at no additional charge as an apology for the language barrier. I felt honored and embarrassed at the same time. [The Asian countries I have traveled in have so many citizens that are apologetic about not knowing English, yet I feel it is I who should be ashamed that I only know the one language.]
Sharon and the crew were equipped with radios and earpieces to quietly speak to one another. She tried to ask me if I wanted something done, which I could not understand. As I slipped off my shoes and sat on the massage table she radioed a coworker to have them look up a word. I told her that I wanted attention paid to my hands and feet, along with the rest of my body. She acknowledged my request. I heard the phone of her coworker say the word "chest". Then she asked me if I wanted my chest done. I pondered for a few seconds and agreed. I have never had my chest included in a massage before, but I decided that I wanted the full experience. She asked me if "it's okay" a few times, regarding the pressure. It was harder than I am used to, but because I was sore from all the walking I had done it felt good. Sharon started with the sheet over my naked body and pressed nearly every inch of my body to prime the muscles for the massage. She then used a good amount to start with my shoulders and neck. The only thing that was different with this massage was that she massaged my abdomen and chest. There was nothing sexual about the areas being serviced. It was relaxing and probably in need of the healing technique. During the massage, the space was not completely quiet; there were three or four children present who I could hear talking and playing during my massage. However, they were not a nuisance and seemed to regularly be a part of the atmosphere. They were not loud. In fact, I feel asleep a few times during my massage.
Recommendation: Sharon's business card |
Post-massage hot tea and vegetable soup :) |
Afterward the much needed relaxation massage, I was given tea and soup. While I ate my soup and sipped my tea another female patron (an English teacher) told me that I am the spa's first foreign customer. I was delighted! We laughed and took a picture...it might end up on the company's FB page or website. I look very sleepy in the picture. Also, I am not wearing any makeup or jewelry, so I have chosen not to post the picture on this post, for obvious reasons, lol. #vain #shouldhaveputmyearringsbackonforthepic
I was charged 2000 TWD or $65 USD, for the best treatment I have received in a spa, thus far. In PA I paid $50 per month as a Massage Envy member, along with a $10 to $15 tip for each spa visit. I only ever received 60 minute Swedish Massage and facials. Based on what I read on a few websites, tips are usually included in price in Taiwan, so I did not offer additional money and there was not a reference made to it when I paid for the services. I used my Korean bank card which worked without fail; days before my trip I visited my bank to inform them of my trip so I would have access to my funds. From the time I walked in until the moment I exited on the elevator, the staff was polite, attentive and accommodating. Debola Spa staff were patient in waiting for all of the remaining customers to finish their meal. I ended up leaving close to 8:30pm. It was the perfect ending to my long, adventurous day!
Please note: I am not sure if Debola Spa caters to men. I did not see any men; although, there was a separate entrance in the lobby that could have led to a men's locker room and spa section.
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