OVERINDULGE
Consider ‘me-time’ elevated to the highest degree with these sumptuous body treatments.
BEST BODY POLISH
SPA AT THE HILTON Traditional Malaysia Tea, from RM220 for one hour The treatment: A scrub with a Malaysian twist, this tantalising blend of Fresh Malaysia Tea polish is sloughed all over your body to ensure all dead skin is removed. The precious ingredients also boast the ability to neutralise free radicals, shield skin against environmental toxins, and combat signs of premature ageing. Did you know? Based on Eastern philosophies, the newly refurbished Spa & Gym at The Hilton also packs in sensorial therapies to fire up what is lacking within, be it physical energy or spiritual vitality. Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel, 3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2264 2264.
MOST REFRESHING SPA EXPERIENCE
ST. GREGORY’S SPA Ginger Herbal Bath, Aromatic Rose Salt & Tropical Javanese Massage, RM530 for two hours The treatment: Begin with rose salt scrub, which leaves skin with a radiant glow. Enjoy a relaxing ginger herbal bath and doze off in blissful languor. Finally, experience a sensual Javanese massage of essential oils. Highlight: The herbal bath improves blood circulation, chasing away aches and pains. Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2782 8356.
MOST EXQUISITE SPA EXPERIENCE
SOTHYS Secret De Sothys Face & Body Excellence Treatment, RM690 for three hours and 30 minutes The treatment: High-tech formulas and an expert touch deliver you to the ultimate state of relaxation and rejuvenation. Highlight: Face Excellence uses the DigiEsthetique Massage, which diminishes wrinkles and improves hydration in just one treatment. D4-06-10, Publika Solaris Dutamas. Tel: 03-6207 8801.
MOST LUXURIOUS CITY GETAWAY
LA MER The Ultimate Body Experience, RM1,000 for two hours and 15 minutes The treatment: Let the sound of ocean waves and dim underwater lighting carry you away. Crème de La Mer is generously lavished upon every inch of your body with massage techniques that mimic the motions of the sea. Feel light and silky smooth. Did you know? Aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber took 12 years and 6,000 experiments using sea kelp to perfect the legendary Miracle Broth that makes up the essence of Crème de La Mer. La Mer counter, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall. Tel: 03-2284 1170.
MOST AUTHENTIC BALINESE RITUAL
SPA VILLAGE RESORT TEMBOK, BALI Penganten Melukat, approx. RM298 for one hour and 40 minutes The treatment: Originally handed down for generations to purify the body, mind, and spirit in preparation for one’s upcoming nuptials, this amazing treatment elevates the glamorous Balinese tradition to new heights. Succumb to total relaxation with a traditional Balinese massage ( Mewangsul), followed by an invigorating boreh body scrub ( Meodak). Fresh, creamy milk ( Empehan) is then used to moisturise and soften the skin before a luxurious soak in a fragrant floral bath ( Mersiram Sekar) ends it all on a high note. Did you know? Kept in their village for three days before the actual wedding day, Balinese mothers would get their marrying daughters ready with a traditional Melukat (body cleansing), a heartwarming rite still practised today. Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, Jalan Singaraja-Amlapura, 100 Desa Tembok, Tejakula Buleleng, Tianyar, Bali, Indonesia. Tel: 03-2719 8122.
MOST ENGAGING SPA EXPERIENCE
SOTHYS Sensorial Escape, RM280 for one hour and 30 minutes The treatment: This heavenly pampering session protects, nourishes, and moisturises skin. Start with a full-body scrub using a sugar and salt scrub, modelling oil, and lemon petitgrain essential oil. Later, you are massaged into sensorial heaven with the same oils used in the scrub. Let your worries melt away with every stroke. Highlight: The delightful citrus scent is revitalising for the senses, and expect baby smooth skin that is sensuous to the touch. D4-06-10, Publika Solaris Dutamas. Tel: 03-6207 8801.
Swap to a silk pillow to wake up looking fresh as it subjects the skin to less friction than cotton. For optimum beauty sleep, add an extra one; Dr. Nick Lowe advises that sleeping with two pillows can actually help
you avoid puffy skin upon waking.
BEST HEAD-TO-TOE RELAXATION
BEST MASSAGE
THE SPA AT THE CLUB SAUJANA RESORT The Saujana Massage, RM360 for one hour The treatment: An experience like no other, two therapists work in perfect harmony as they engage Japanese shiatsu and Hawaiian lomi-lomi techniques in their massage. All bodily tension is eased and your spirit soothed and renewed. Tip: The Hawaiian lomi-lomi is often associated with the kahuna motion that is said to aid digestion, using herbs that are especially restorative. The Club Saujana Resort, Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, Shah Alam. Tel: 03-7840 5026.
BEST REJUVENATING SPA EXPERIENCE
THE SPA AT THE CLUB SAUJANA RESORT The Ultimate Spa Ritual, RM780 for three hours The treatment: Relax with a foot scrub facing a lush green landscape; the signature Saujana massage follows with two therapists working in synchronisation using various massage techniques such as the Japanese shiatsu, ancient Balinese, traditional Thai, and Hawaiian lomilomi. Next, a hydrating facial using all-natural ingredients and a relaxing floral bath make you forget all your cares. Highlight: A haven of serenity, this spa rests in the heart of a tropical landscape where you can relax as you gaze into a calm green pool and let your stress melt away. The Club Saujana Resort, Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, Shah Alam. Tel: 03-7840 5026. SPA VILLAGE KUALA LUMPUR Chinese Peranakan, from RM850 for three hours The treatment: Shower with flower water as you soak in a milk and nectar bath, after which is a pearl and rice facial and egg undulation (hard-boiled eggs rolled across the face to pick up dead cells). Mulberry leaves on your eyelids reduce dark circles and puffiness. Finally, moxal navel activation and a rattan-tap qi-gong and tui-na massage help you relax. Highlight: Everything used in this spa experience is completely natural, chosen based on healing traditions from Eastern and Western cultures. The Ritz-Carlton, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2782 9090.
MOST AUTHENTIC PAMPERING EXPERIENCE
SPA VILLAGE MALACCA Suam Suam Panas & Nutmeg Rice Roll, from RM600 for three hours The treatment: The signature suam-suam panas experience involves four treatments: a delicious Malacca palm sugar and honey body scrub, nutmeg rice rolling massage to relieve wind, a relaxing pandan-coconut hair mask, and finally, a bird’s nest facial with fermented tapioca mask. Definitely exotic, let the healing traditions from this historic locale work its magic on your body and soul. Did you know? The two-storey spa captures the Baba-Nyonya heritage in the Peranakan-Chinese day beds of the relaxation lounge and the pre-treatment circuit, which was in fact inspired by the dazzling 12-day Peranakan wedding ceremony. The Majestic Malacca, 188 Jalan Bunga Raya, Melaka. Tel: 06-289 8000.