Waree Thai Spa finds stronger demand amid Sinlaku recovery

Waree Thai Spa weathered Super Typhoon Sinlaku with only minor damage and emerged from the disaster busier than before, thanks to an early reopening, extended operating hours, and increased demand from first responders, recovery workers, and residents seeking relief after weeks of cleanup and rebuilding.

Located along Beach Road in Garapan, the Thai massage business reopened last April 20, just days after the storm, despite operating on generator power and facing water shortages in the immediate aftermath. The business sustained minimal damage, primarily broken windows and damage to items outside the building.

“Luckily our building shape is kind of like an L-shape,” said front-desk receptionist Chanika Mangara. “We had just had some like a broken window and then some stuff outside was damaged. So that's, it's pretty minimal. So, we were okay.”

Mangara said repairs to the damaged windows cost roughly $900. The business avoided flooding because of its elevated location and the layout of the property.

One of the biggest challenges following the typhoon was securing water for daily operations.

“We needed water,” Mangara said. “So, we were getting it like the places where it had open water sources and we would just bring the gallons, like jugs of gallons and just bring it there.”

Like many businesses across Saipan, Waree Thai Spa initially relied on generator power. The spa temporarily modified its operating schedule, closing briefly during the day so generators could cool down before resuming evening operations.

Despite those challenges, customers returned almost immediately after reopening.

“In the beginning, after the typhoon, there was still like a regular amount,” Mangara said. “But then after, I think, like a month, we had more customers than before.”

She attributed the increase to first responders, relief workers, and residents engaged in labor-intensive recovery efforts.

According to Mangara, the spa now serves roughly 20 to 40 customers daily depending on the day of the week, compared to fewer customers before the storm.

“Now we're more busier than before,” she said.

Waree Thai Spa opened in late 2016 after the owners expanded from operating Waree Thai Car Wash. Mangara said the idea grew from observing customers waiting for their vehicles and looking for a way to relax while services were being completed.

A unique feature of the business is its operating schedule. Waree Thai Spa is open daily from 9am to 11pm, making it one of the earliest-opening and latest-closing massage establishments on Saipan.

“We always want to be open for them to always come and, you know, relax or want to help fix issues when they are available,” Mangara said.

The business currently employs nine certified massage therapists, including two Filipino male therapists and seven female therapists. Staff members received professional training and certification in Thailand and the Philippines.

Services include traditional Thai massage, foot massage, head and shoulder treatments, foot spa services, body scrubs, facials, sauna sessions, and cupping therapy. The spa also offers gift certificates and service packages.

Looking back on the recovery process, Mangara said the typhoon changed her perspective.

“What we learned, honestly, was that it's just to appreciate life, life and what we have on island,” she said.

The business plans to continue serving residents and visitors while remaining mindful of the lessons learned during the recovery period.

As part of its recovery, Waree Thai Spa also credited Docomo Pacific for helping restore critical internet connectivity after the typhoon.

Mangara said the business initially had to operate on a cash-only basis because internet service disruptions prevented electronic transactions.

“But they really helped us with the internet by providing us with a router,” she said. “It was really helpful for us to let the business go more smoothly because some people only want to pay with card only.”

Mangara said reliable internet service remains an important part of daily operations.

“So it has really helped us, like, let the business go very smoothly,” she said. “No issues at all.”

Waree Thai Spa can be reached at (670) 233-1673 or (670) 588-7979, and customers may also contact the business through its Facebook page for appointments and inquiries.