Spa Therapy: Malaysian Style
MALAYSIA has laid claim to many “firsts”, one of them being the building of the iconic and tallest twin towers, The Petronas Towers, in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Now, there is another aspect of Malaysia—“Truly Asia” (as the TV advertising slogan goes)—it is that the country boasts some of the best spas in South East Asia.
Whether or not one is seeking a spa for pure hedonism or recovering from a triple bypass operation, Malaysia has it all. Malaysian spas have a good assortment of offerings: from dedicated luxury spa resorts, small spa hideaways and traditional ayurvedic establishments to healers and mystic masseurs. Couple this all with the abundance of natural resources and you have the ideal spa cocktail. Much of this variety is inherent in the Malaysian culture and its ethnic mix—as diverse as the colors of the skin in the population. It is all in the profusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian health practices, which form an ideal backdrop for rejuvenation.
You’ll find spa menus with the regular assortment of body scrubs, exfoliation, masks, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and hot soaks. There’s something for everyone!
Most spa operators in Malaysia coordinate with hotels and resorts. Many have authentic Malay Kampung (typical Malay village style) like architecture and practice primarily traditional Malay Spa treatments, making their own fresh ingredients and oils. There are also independent spas, mostly in urban areas, which are usually found in the downtown malls and shopping centers, like Suria KLCC and Pavillion—two of Kuala Lumpur flagship malls.
Starting right in downtown Kuala Lumpur, relief from urban stress can be found at The Mandarin Oriental, which is incidentally located in the heart of the city, opposite the Petronas Towers. The spa, drawing upon both eastern and western influences, helps you to relieve worries while soaking in rich marine nutrients. A favorite is the Time Ritual Ultimate Body Treatment, 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 body wraps and floral facials.
Traveling the distance, the resort island of Langkawi (in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s west coast), offers a heady mix for all wallets through its mythical tales, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Built on a stretch of landscaped gardens and overlooking the Andaman Sea, the JivaRhu Spa (Tanjung Rhu Resort), has 12 independent villas ready to pamper. Villas come complete with intimate open-air enclaves, private gardens, outdoor steam rooms, saunas, showers and outdoor Jacuzzis. It’s latticed woodwork foyer and pathways create a genuinely local ambience. Expect Malay traditional treatments, such as the candlenut body scrub, which incorporates traditional remedies.
If that doesn’t do the trick or you have decided to stay at another chic and upscale hotel, such as the Andaman or Datai Hotels—both overlook Thailand—their spas will welcome you with Balinese inspired atmospheric settings. Both resorts are situated in a secluded corner on Langkawi Island, within a protected mature rainforest. The Spa at The Datai is an exclusive escape, all the more pleasurable if you happen to be staying at its stunning property. At the luxurious spa, a necessity is the Datai Massage: a fusion of Shiatsu, Thai, Swedish, Balinese and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, which is RM590 for two hours.
In East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo and just outside Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu (the Shangri La Hotel Resorts) has some of the finest hotels, featuring a signature spa: the Chi Spa. In traditional Chinese philosophy, ch’i is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that ch’i must flow freely within the body.
Chi Spa, embraces a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being. Inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, its treatments are based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to the mind and body.
At Chi, in Shangri-la’s Tanjung (Aru Resort), a unique design concept boasts a standalone ‘spa village’ with 8 private island villas surrounded by the South China Sea and complete with herbal steam rooms, spacious relaxation areas and changing rooms. Chi creates absolute ambience for you to enjoy the luxury of personal space and timeliness to indulge your senses, soothe your body and reinvigorate your spirit. Shangri-la Chi spas can be found at some of the major hotels, including downtown Kuala Lumpur.
The variety is overwhelming, as the service truly encompasses Asian traditions and the affordability factor, which can never be underestimated, is a key factor in selecting Malaysia for medical care, holiday or for any spa experience. At the time of publication, the US Dollar bought 3.35 Malaysia Ringgit (RM). The results in healthcare costs make it one of the most inexpensive in the region.
