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Spa Holiday in Malaysia
Most Malaysia spas offer a good range of
offerings, from dedicated luxury spa resorts, small spa hideaways
and traditional ayurvedic establishments, to healers and mystic
masseurs with long waiting queues. You’ll find spa menus with the
regular assortment of body scrubs, exfoliation, masks, massage,
aromatherapy, reflexology and hot soaks.
The island of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s west coast
where mythical tales, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures
offer a heady mix for all wallets. At the JivaRhu Spa, Tanjung Rhu
Resort, you’ll be pampered at one of 12 independent villas, built on
a stretch of landscaped gardens with views of the Andaman Sea.
Villas come complete with intimate open-air enclaves, private
gardens, outdoor steam rooms, saunas, showers and outdoor Jacuzzis.
Latticed woodwork roofs in the foyer and pathways create a genuinely
local ambience. Expect Malay traditional treatments like the
candlenut body scrub plus traditional remedies.
The Rainforest Shower deserves special mention. Beginning with a sea
salt scrub followed by a gentle patter of “rainfall”, it helps to
generate a meditative and deeply relaxed state. Or perk up with the
After Sun Healing package that promises to soothe your over-tanned
skin with cucumber and yogurt wrap, and an aloe vera body wash. Also
available are Thai and Ayurvedic treatments.
Spa Village, Pangkor Laut
Following a similar trend is long time favorite, Ayura Spa at
Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort, one of the island’s first
complete spa retreats. It’s a natural gem, quiet and peaceful,
nestled between lush rainforests and crystal clear waters. A
combination of unmistakably Malay influenced massages, facials, body
scrubs, wraps, hand and foot spa treatments are offered. Marine
based treatments like algae seaweed wraps are just as popular.
For a rather different flavour, pop into the newly opened Cakra
Ayurvedic & Wellness Spa, housed within the vast and very rustic
back-to-nature Kampung Tok Senik Resort. Here, it’s all about
holistic healing, utilizing the principles of Ayurveda to enhance
total well being while balancing and rejuvenating the body, mind and
spirit. Their day programme is endless; beginning with yoga, herbal
drinks, herbal packs, and mudpacks before proceeding with
personalized Ayurvedic and naturopathic treatments, acupuncture,
acupressure and reflexology. After all this, there’s meditation.
Only pure herbal and natural products are used in treatments and
portions are freshly prepared and customized to suit your individual
requirements. To savour the ultimate benefits of the Ayurvedic
experience, be prepared for a whopping seven days of therapy,
costing approximately US$157.87 a day. Sample Manasa at US$65.80.
Relax your body with an authentic Ayurvedic oil massage followed by
continuous flowing of oil on your forehead, using specially prepared
medicated herbal oil to relax the mind.
The Spa, Datai Langkawi
Other spas like the The Spa at The Andaman and the The Spa at The
Datai are all Balinese inspired in hugely atmospheric settings –
both resorts are sited in a secluded corner of Langkawi Island
within mature, protected rainforest. The Spa at The Datai is a
spoiling, upmarket, escape, all the more pleasurable if you happen
to be staying at this stunning property with its lovely beach cove.
At the luxurious Mandara Spa, a must-try is the Datai Massage: a
fusion of Shiatsu, Thai, Swedish, Balinese and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi.
Recommended is Casa Del Mar’s The Spa, where massages take place in
airy pavilions fronting the sea. Double massage sessions can be
arranged for couples to unwind together. This is a nice intimate
retreat, well worth a visit. The Heavenly Spa by Westin on the
beachfront at the The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa offers a wide
range of massages and wellness and beauty treatments. Start off with
a "Serenity Welcome" head and neck aromatic oil massage as you
ponder the menu while being fussed over by trained therapists who
will customise your session. Perhaps splash out on the 235-minute
signature "Wish" package incorporating Kese body treatment, a
"Heavenly Massage" and relaxing facial. The spa menu at Teratai Spa,
Pelangi Beach Resort is extensive with a good mix of Asian-inspired
facials, body wraps, scrubs, massages and hair care. The
Moorish-style Four Seasons Resort Langkawi has 20 villas, each with
a private spa and treatment room, as a well as a dedicated spa,
"suspended over water" - a special touch.
Penang Spa Resorts
Not too far south from Langkawi is the island of Penang, where
pampering goes hand in hand with an obloigatory bowl of steaming
laksa (noodles in coconut curry broth). Look out for the luxurious
destination spa Chi at the all-new Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort
that reopened after lengthy refurbishment and remodelling end
September 2006. The rejuvenated Rasa Sayang and Chi Spa hope to
raise the bar and energise Penang’s tourism comeback. Not to be
missed!
Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi
Penang’s latest addition is Sanjiwani Spa at Jerejak Resort & Spa.
Set in the former penal colony of Jerejak Island, the spa, perched
atop a hill, allows for stunning views of the sea, hills and
glittering lights of the city. Choose top-to-toe pampering with
traditional Javanese, Sundanese, Thai or Balinese massages, as well
as facials, body scrubs, wraps and aromatherapy. The three-hour spa
package, consisting of scrub, bath and massage, throws in a
sumptuous buffet lunch as well.
The Northam is all reflective gold and glitter on the outside but
remarkably tasteful inside. Suites are elegant with lots of gleaming
wood and sharp finish. There is a Suite Spa at Level 9 with nine
treatment rooms, all with turbo water-massage, Jacuzzi, steam room
and sauna. The stunning pool on the same level, offers breathtaking
views of Georgetown and the sea. There is a broad-timber lounging
deck if you simply wish to snooze. Close by Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang
is the Parkroyal, now renovated and known as the Grand Plaza Park
Royal. The place is cheery nonetheless and is a good Penang family
resort now with the addition of the St Gregory Spas Penang offering
everything from aromatic rubdowns to Balinese massage for harried
parents.
At the private and secluded Mutiara Beach Resort Penang at a far
corner of the island beyond Batu Ferringhi, there's an authentic
Jamu Spa, jet-fresh from Bali. Traditional Indonesian remedies
include the obligatory Javanese Lulur, Vanilla & Mocha Scrub and
papaya and mint body wraps.
Perak Spas
JivaRhu at Tanjung Rhu Resort
Privately owned Pangkor Laut basks in all the usual publicity
surrounding a top island getaway. It’s no wonder hundreds of travel
pilgrims the world over keep coming back religiously to the Spa
Village at the Pangkor Laut Resort. Spa Village has tended to the
nails and toes of some famous stars. Perhaps dangerously, on this
idyllic island, all cares (including your mounting credit card
bills), are easily forgotten. Leap into the Ayurvedic, Chinese,
Balinese and Japanese spa menus. There are resident Ayurvedic, Malay
and Chinese spa specialists for consultation. Begin your spa
experience with a footbath and an invigorating Chinese Foot Pounding
– previously only enjoyed by Chinese concubines. Not to be confused
with foot binding.
Next, relish the traditional Malay ‘circulating’ bath before
surrendering to a Japanese-style cleansing with a goshi-goshi cloth.
This is then followed by a dip in the heated rotenburu pool. Try the
Shanghai Scrub, where a masseuse gently exfoliates and washes your
body. The spa’s signature Malay herbal wrap, combines local herbs
such as lemon grass, ginger, galangal and camphor to hydrate and
detoxify the skin. The Spa Village features both indoor and open-air
spaces spread over four acres along a quiet bay between the sea and
the rainforest. Stay at any one of the 22 spa villas, situated over
the sea with direct access to the Spa Village. It’s enough to make
you sing like Luciano Pavarroti. After all, he has stayed here too.
There is a Samsara Spa at the Swiss
Garden Resort & Spa Damai Laut. The theme is devoutly Balinese, from
the use of herbs and spices like coconut and coffee to its exotic
ambience. A good one night spa stop from Penang to Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Spas
Shangri-La Putrajaya: Zodiac style
If you’re nursing a hangover following a throbbing night in the
city, drag yourself to Spa Indrani. A sought after address, this spa
promises a spanking new you with its Hangover Package, that includes
a two-hour reviving scrub, body steam, aromatherapy massage plus
head and scalp therapy. This remedial package will set you back a
mere US$102.11. Not bad at all if you’re guaranteed to look your
best for the remainder of your stay. Many vouch for the popular
two-and-a-half hour Anggur (grape) Indrani, said to be available in
just one other place – Paris. It comprises a grape-seed scrub, grape
wrap using grape extract and banana leaves, along with a massage
with moisturising oils, minus the European price tag. Modeled on the
Balinese theme, Spa Indrani pays attention to little details. They
whip up some salad so you don’t have to leave with a growling
stomach after hours of treatments. There’s also the free use of the
swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor pavilions where you can relax at
this tastefully converted old bungalow.
The well-heeled are all clamoring to join the chic, award-winning
urban Energy Day Spa. The city’s only day spa is positively
Zen-like, swathed in light, clean lines and contemporary aesthetics.
Energy Day Spa adopts a holistic approach to wellness, treating the
body, mind and soul with everything from sun damage and pigmentation
to out-of-balance chakras. Get your facial fix with the
one-of-a-kind Micro-cellular Facial, employing the use of frozen
live-cells and diamond powder for improved texture. Or, try
rebalancing and healing through vibrational energy. Without having
to bust your budget, happily mix these with some yoga, Pilates,
meditation, dance, tai chi and qi gong. After all, treatment prices
run from only US$10 to US$117.90 while packages start at US$75.80.
The spa’s location in one of the city’s malls means you can take
your renewed self for some bargain hunting straight after.
Marine spa, Mandarin Oriental KL
You don’t have to be close to the sea to enjoy its benefits. Simply
check into the swanky Thalgo Marine Spa at the Mandarin Oriental
Kuala Lumpur, a stone’s throw from the world’s tallest twin towers,
for some marine care. Drawing inspiration from the sea, the spa
helps you to soak your worries away in rich marine nutrients. A
favourite is the Micronised Marine Algae Body Wrap, which supplies
the body with vitamins and minerals while firming, toning, and
eliminating toxins. Shed the crusty wrap layer and emerge silky
smooth. Other treatments include marine mud body wraps and marine
algae facials. The spa’s marine theme continues through its
furnishings and accessories.
Stylish Senjakala Spa, quietly tucked away, lures men in for some
body pampering within its coloured walls and plush furnishings. This
is your spot if you are the new urban male or metrosexual who
doesn’t mind manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, facials or even
waxing. Senjakala Spa defies the trend, offering new massage
experiences like the Tantric Discovery, for just RM180 (US$47.37),
using varied techniques that tease and tantalise. For RM150
(US$39.47) delight in the ultimate overhaul, the Twilight Touch
Massage. Combining advanced Swedish, Thai and Malay techniques, it
is topped up with a spot of chakra rebalancing to renew libido. Hmm…
The spa stays open till midnight on weekdays and later on weekends.
They sometimes go all out to hold theme nights and parties so if
you’re in town, be sure to get invited and be part of the fun.
Petaling Jaya
Venture into the outskirts of the city to Sembunyi Spa at Cyberview
Lodge Resort & Spa. Imagine 10,000 square feet of breathtaking
surrounds right in the heart of the technology hub, Cyberjaya. With
its rustic, tropical ambience, Sembunyi Spa is slowly becoming a
hotbed of R&R for couples. Forever Yours allows couples to indulge
in a rich milk bath, followed by a yoghurt scrub, petal mask and a
revitalising massage. In Petaling Jaya (a 15-minute drive from
downtown KL, if the traffic is kind), the Bali-theme Life Spa at the
Hilton Petaling Jaya is an option. Pick your favourite blend of
spice - the energizing baliaga (peppermint), balijegeg (sandalwood)
or refreshing "sunrise" (jasmine and lavender). Hilton Kuala Lumpur
has a similar spa concept.
Finally, dive into the ultra hip Angsana Spa, part of the revamped
Crowne Plaza Mutiara. Try a two-hour Angsana massage, priced at
RM280 (US$73.69) using palm strokes and thumb pressure to de-stress
and strengthen your inner qi. For something more esoteric, and fun,
visit the Putrajaya Shangri-La’s Health Club & Spa for a zodiac sign
consultation that forms the basis for your specific treatment. Each
zodiac sign is associated with certain colours, oils, scents and
rituals. Check out the “The Zodiac Ritual”, an energetic high of
pressure massages, or pick something a la carte off the shelf and
luxuriate in a wrap or scrub.
Pahang Spa Resorts
Berjaya Redang
On the Malaysian east coast, there’s nothing particularly Swiss
about the Samsara Spa at the Swiss Garden Resort & Spa. The theme is
devoutly Balinese, from the use of herbs and spices like coconut and
coffee to its exotic ambience. Trademark treatments like the Samsara
Royal and Samsara Spices are in great demand. Another popular
treatment is the hot stone therapy where hot stones and massage are
applied to ease tense knots and clear energy blocks. Combine your
treatments with a sampling of the spa’s exciting dishes, cooked in
rich Malay herbs and spices.
At the bit-of-everything Bukit Tinggi Resort, should you tire of the
rabbit park, golf, riding, the French chateaux and ther Japanese
Village, head for the Tatami Spa offering a bit of zen combining a
spot of furo (bathing) with an onsen experience (alfresco hot rock
mineral pool)
Terengganu Spas
Set in a beautiful Javanese garden with little ponds, Taman Sari
Royal Heritage Spa at the Awana Kijal Golf & Beach Resort is one of
the few spas in Terengganu. The spa is an extension of the
well-regarded Mustika Ratubuana International list of spas in
Indonesia. Naturally adapting a Javanese theme, from decor and music
to treatment, the spa gives an unparalleled opportunity to relax and
rejuvenate with traditional royal treatments. The swish Tanjong Jara
Resort - styled after a sultan's palace of yore - offers its The
Tanjong Club Spa Menu with highlights including a three-hour
"Couples Spa Experience" with special body treatments based on Malay
wedding rituals, and the "Urutan Gamelan" traditional Malay massage
for women. (Tanjong Jara Resort is showcased in our exclusive Top
Asian Hotels Collection, featuring the best Asian hotels, resorts
and spas in a printable A4 page with stunning visuals.)
Tioman Island Spa Resorts
Spa Village, Pangkor Laut
Watch out for the up-and-coming Spaya Spa at the fledgling JapaMala
Resort & Spa. Spaya, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘a place of comfort for
the mind and body’ may be in its infancy but already promises an
extraordinary experience. Your spa adventure starts as soon as you
check-in. Spaya Spa is completely enfolded by towering boulders.
Treatments are conducted either on the beach or in water pavilions
by the sea. Therapies range from Thai and Javanese massages, exotic
milk and flora baths to soothing and revitalizing wraps made of
JapaMala’s own homegrown mangoes, aloe vera plants and even seaweed
from the resort’s shoreline. The highlight at the spa is the
JapaMala Signature Body Massage, incorporating Thai, Ayurvedic and
Shiatsu massages. A special Spaya scrub is followed by aromatic
Ayurvedic hot compresses placed on the entire length of the spine.
This deep tissue massage enables the release of energies locked in
the spine, fingers, toes, limbs and torso. The Ayura Spa at the
Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort has been renovated. Berjaya
Redang Beach Resort's spa is another option.
Sabah Spa Resorts
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru
Take a two-hour flight across to Sabah (Borneo) to enjoy the
blissful Borneo Spa set in the spectacular green surrounds of the
Nexus Resort Karambunai, a 30-minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. This
outdoor spa, sprawled over 40,000 square feet blends native Borneo
massage skills with pure essential oils from plant extracts from
around the world. Scented treatment rooms ensure utter privacy.
Alternatively, outdoor massages overlooking the South China Sea and
inroom massages can also be arranged. Time stands still at
Karambunai. There’s no rush; take time to relish hot or cold spa
pools, steam and sauna rooms, before showering for your treatments.
The Borneo Massage employs lymphatic acupressure to improve blood
circulation and digestion. Yes, it brings emotions into civilized
balance. Men are certainly not forgotten at the Shangri-la's Tanjung
Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu. The Gentlemen's Spa Facial, a deep
cleansing therapeutic treatment caters for varying skin conditions.
An all-time favourite, across genders, is the traditional massage, a
firm pressure rubdown that boosts sluggish circulation and relieves
muscle tension. Enjoy treatments outdoors by the sea or indoors, in
spa rooms at the Fitness Centre. Or veg out at the Mandara Spa at
Sutera Harbour.
Sarawak Spas
Jungle Spa at the Golf & Jungle Club is aptly named. It brings the
rainforests to you. Treatment rooms are reminiscent of Sarawak’s
dense forests, with rooms decked out with tropical plants. The spa
opens out onto a well-manicured garden. Located high up in the
Penrissen Highlands, the spa affords spa goers cool mountain views.
Treatments include the traditional Bidayuh massage, foot
reflexology, aromatherapy and organic facial and body treatment. Its
signature Bidayuh massage employs a local massage technique that
helps to lengthen and loosen the muscles using homemade massage oil
brewed of herbs, coconut, pepper and ginger. It heats and warms your
body for better blood circulation and promotes skin healing. Jungle
Spa takes you a step closer to nature and rejuvenation. A 60-minute
Bidayuh massage is not to be missed!
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