Ever since I caught the banya bug (if that's even a real term) back in 2022, I've made it a point to try new wellness experiences wherever I travel. During my recent visit to the Philippines, I finally got the chance to try the famous Korean Spa in Makati called New Lasema Spa. With its onsen pools and jjimjilbang setup you often see in K-Dramas, let me share what the hype is all about!
đź’ˇ Want to read more wellness travel experiences? Here are some authentic and budget-friendly spots abroad for another soothing soak:
- Almaty, Kazakhstan: Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex (my favorite!)
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Garden Spa, Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur, & Zhirgal Banya
- Moscow, Russia: Sanduny Baths
Spa Information and Location in the Philippines
Since the Philippines is a tropical country, we don’t really have a sauna culture compared to colder regions. Most spas here are even considered a “luxury hotel experience.” But thanks to K-Dramas and social media, many of us were introduced to the concept of a jjimjilbang (Korean public bathhouse) and onsen pools (Japanese hot spring mineral baths).
New Lasema Spa brings both experiences to Manila, offering an authentic Korean spa setup — complete with jjimjilbang rooms, kiln saunas, and onsen-style soaking pools — all right in Makati.
Tucked quietly inside a residential area, New Lasema Spa is within walking distance (based on MY appetite, at least) from Chino Roces Avenue, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, and Ayala Avenue. If you want to pair your visit with a little sightseeing, you can also check out the Yuchengco Museum, Salcedo Weekend Market, or even go on a mini food crawl in Poblacion.
For public transportation, the closest stop is Buendia Avenue, where regional buses and the PNR train pass through. And of course, you can always book a Grab — which is exactly what we somehow did, plus a LOT of walking lol.
Costs
Unlike the banyas I’ve visited abroad, New Lasema Spa offers several packages depending on your preference. Based on reviews (and recommendations from other visitors), we chose the Jjimjilbang Package, which costs ₱1,050 per person (weekday rate).
This package gives you up to 12 hours inside the facility and includes access to:
- Jacuzzi & Onsen Pools
- Steam Sauna (similar to a Hammam)
- Hot & Cold Shower Area
- All kiln rooms: Amethyst, Himalayan Salt, Ochre Hot Kiln, Pine Tree Kiln, and the Ice Room
- Sleeping Cave
- Gym
- Entertainment Area
- Snack Bar
They also offer packages that include full-body massages, perfect for individuals or couples. Feel free to customize your experience depending on your budget and how long you want to stay.
Before You Go: Tips for First-Time Visitors
While I'm no banya or sauna expert, here are a few tips if it’s your first time visiting a sauna:
- Bring cash. They don’t accept cards or digital payments, so make sure you have cash ready to pay for your package and for your extra purchases.
- Allow at least 4 hours. Anything less might feel rushed — you’ll want enough time to explore everything and experiment with a routine that works for you.
- Bring (or buy) water. Stay hydrated between breaks because you’ll be sweating a lot.
- Try the Korean towel sheep head. Wear it inside the kilns — it protects your hair from heat and helps keep sweat off your face.
- Carry a hair tie and conditioner. Your hair can feel dry after showering multiple times, so it’s good to have these with you.
Inside New Lasema Spa in Makati
Beyond the fancy reception area on the 2nd floor, there are two separate entrance doors for each gender that lead directly into the locker rooms. There were more than enough lockers — honestly, I’m pretty sure the space is even bigger than the locker area at Sanduny Baths in Moscow
Inside, you’ll find toilets, a powder room, and the hot-and-cold shower zones. The jacuzzi area (aka their onsen pools) sits on both sides, with the steam sauna placed right in the middle.
Since phones aren’t allowed at all, I couldn’t take any photos — but the onsen pools contain different minerals, each believed to offer various health benefits. After trying some of them a bit, I headed to the 3rd floor where both genders can finally relax together.
Although I haven’t been to an actual jjimjilbang in South Korea yet, the space genuinely looked like what you see in K-Dramas. There are several kiln rooms to choose from, each with different temperatures ranging from 59°C to 90°C. There’s also an Ice Room at -9°C… but my boyfriend said it does not feel like -9 at all (well, he's Russian, so he knows better than me).
We tried all the rooms (with rest breaks in between), and explored each corner like we were sightseeing. The gym, playground, sleeping areas, and the mini Hanok village + Korean character standees were such a fun touch. It oddly made me want to book a trip to South Korea right then and there.
After exploring everything, hunger finally hit us — especially since we had just come from a morning hike at Masungi Georeserve. We ordered ramen and tteokbokki, and honestly, it completed the whole Korean spa experience we never knew we needed.
Overall Experience in New Lasema Spa Makati:
Even though our visit was short, New Lasema Spa in Makati left a lasting impression. The onsen pools and steam sauna were easily my favorite parts — familiar, comforting, and exactly what my body needed after a morning hike at Masungi. The kilns didn’t feel as intensely hot as the Russian or Finnish saunas I’m used to, and the layout made it a bit tricky to follow my usual routine, but that’s part of experiencing a different wellness culture. With more time, I think I’d adjust and appreciate the flow even better.
One thing I do wish I checked was whether they offer professional body scrubs, similar to the strong, skilled ladies in Central Asia’s banyas. I attempted to scrub myself, but it’s never quite the same!
Overall, we truly enjoyed our stay, and I’m already planning to return — this time with a longer schedule so I can fully maximize the experience. And if you know any similar Korean-style spas or jimjilbang-inspired wellness spots around Metro Manila, drop your recommendations in the comments. I’d love to explore more.
