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Immerse yourself in age-old rituals and healing techniques passed down for generations, and you’ll understand why they are still favoured in today’s tech-obsessed world.

MOST EXOTIC SPA TREAT

HAMMAM SPA Sultana Hammam, RM550 for three hours and 15 minutes The treatment: Greeting you within the doors of an impressive archway is an alluring treat for the senses. Your Hammam and Gommage journey begins in a bath area where you will be slathered with a mixture of henna and authentic black Moroccan soap. After a rinse, you lie on a marble slab as your therapist vigorously scrubs down your body, leaving you with baby soft skin. A decadent body and hair mask later, indulge in a 75-minute aromatherapy massage and a purifying facial. Tip: Sensitive skin types may not bode well with the aggressive nature of the body scrub, so if you are concerned, do make it a point to inform your therapist beforehand. Level 4G, Publika Solaris Dutamas. Tel: 03-6201 0881.

BEST MOROCCAN DETOX TREATMENT

HAMMAM SPA My Favourite Concubine, RM315 for two hours The treatment: The suggestive name is a tell-tale sign of how opulent this two-hour Turkish bath can be. Not one for the bashful, this treatment will require you to strip down to naught as a full body scrub and bath ensues Hammam-style. Pampered to your heart’s content, you are instantly transported to the beautiful mysticism of the Middle East. Lie back, relax, and channel your inner Moroccan princess. Did you know? Public hammams are an important part of Moroccan culture. Men, women, and children all make it a point to visit their local hammams weekly for hours at a time as it is believed to restore spiritual well-being and even purify the mind and soul. Level 4G, Publika Solaris Dutamas. Tel: 03-6201 0881.

BEST HOT STONE TREATMENT

ENERGY DAY SPA Signature Hot Stone Combo Massage, RM244 for one hour and 30 minutes The treatment: Dexterous hands massage deep as warm, smooth stones are stroked along tired back muscles to restore vitality. Why we love it: Performed by an experienced therapist, rest assured you will feel the right pressure exactly where you want it – your therapist knows exactly what’s ailing you, even if you haven’t been able to convey it pre-massage. Level 1, Damai Sari, Mont’ Kiara Damai. Tel: 03-6201 7833.

BEST INNER HEALING RITUAL

MERIDIANS Ontake Warm Bamboo, RM80 for 25 minutes The treatment: A signature treatment unique to Meridians, (the therapy centre run by an experienced disciple in Japanese healing arts, Oran Kivity) this involves a rhythmic application of heated bamboo on your skin. With the right pressure and rhythm as well as the aid of a metronome, it is hypnotically relaxing and calming. Highlight: Great for tight muscles, swollen areas, and contusions, this unique technique was actually developed by Kivity himself as an extension of meridian frequency studies by Dr. Yoshio Manaka. 3-3A, Solaris Mont’Kiara. Tel: 03-6211 8817.

BEST TRADITIONAL MALAY MASSAGE

ESSA SPA AT THE GRAND HYATT HOTEL Malay Urut, from RM300 for one hour The treatment: Based on Malay traditions and healing beliefs, Essa Spa’s rendition of the Malay massage uses local spices with herbal oils for deep tissue kneading. Highlight: Explore a range of ramuan to suit your body’s condition and energy. The healing elixirs from Malaysian rainforests work wonders. Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2181 1234.

BEST ASIAN BODY TREATMENT

THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL KUALA LUMPUR Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies, RM655 for two hours The treatment: Anyone who walks through the mahogany threshold of this renowned spa will come out rejuvenated and utterly relaxed. After a consultation to deduce your current state of well-being, you will be treated to a welcome foot bath and massage as you pick out your favourite essential oil. Then simply relax and allow those gentle hands to shed unwanted pain and knots, bringing your spirit back to perfect harmony. Did you know? Experienced therapists from different exotic locales including Thailand and Vietnam deliver the most authentic touch paired with well-versed nutritional guidance to perfect your experience of complete bliss post-treatment. Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2179 8772.

Invigorating treatments in the morning help you feel energised and truly refreshed; relaxing, detoxifying, and meditative sessions aid stress relief and help you sleep better at night.

BEST AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

THE SPA AT THE CLUB SAUJANA RESORT Ayurvedic Abhyanga, RM395 for one hour and 30 minutes The treatment: According to Ayurvedic lore, special massage techniques target your Vata, Pitta and Kapha. An authentic touch ensures that your therapist skilfully executes this ancient massage to perfection. Warmed therapeutic oils add to the sensorial pleasure as you are lulled into a balanced state of mind, body, and spirit. Highlight: Aromatic herbs and essential oils are vital in Ayurveda. A traditional Ayurvedic massage also helps eliminate toxins, strengthen muscle tone, relax, and rejuvenate the body. The Club Saujana Resort, Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, Shah Alam. Tel: 03-7840 5026.

MOST TRANQUIL SPA EXPERIENCE

SPA VILLAGE PANGKOR LAUT Campur Campur, from RM550 for one hour and 45 minutes The treatment: The best massage techniques from all corners of the world culminate in this unique spa experience. From traditional Malay to Thai movements and Japanese shiatsu, treatment is bound to send you into a state of total bliss. Heated herbal pouches draw you deeper into a sensorial paradise; don’t be surprised if you are finally able to get undisturbed sleep after. Tip: Your treatment at the Spa Village begins with the unique Bath House Ritual that plays host to a fusion of various bathing traditions from around the Asian region. Pangkor Laut Resort, Lumut, Perak. Tel: 03-2783 1000.