MIND, BODY, SOUL
Cleanse your body in quiet worlds of healing and wellness, designed to bring out the best in you. REMISSIO RESORT SPA, REVIVO WELLNESS RESORT, INDONESIA Emotional Balance & Mind Training Retreat, approx. RM8,797 for four days three nights “Are you celebrating your birthday on a retreat?” slid a friend into my DMs, following one of my millionth Insta-Stories of a kombucha shot in the early morning sun. I’ve checked in to the Revīvō Wellness Resort—all in an effort to self-care at 35—but this was no ordinary Eat Pray Love journey. The palace-like grounds are expertly designed to allow an organic flow of energy, and my every whim and fancy was tended to in the most gracious ways by the warmest staff. First on the itinerary: A consultation with wellness coach Andrea Alvarado resulted in a serious offloading of emotions, and an action plan she drew up for the next few days, to begin my journey toward achieving emotional balance. Days were broken down into three categories. Nūtriō addressed my diet, which resulted in not only clearer-looking skin, but in the mind, too. As an avid meat-eater, the Insta-worthy dishes—dragonfruit toast, vegan burgers, wild fish grill—were surprisingly delicious, and even had me craving healthier meals upon leaving Bali. The Moveō element had me moving from a form of yoga in the mornings to kick-start the day with mindfulness and awareness in the outdoor pavilion, birds chirping et. al.—#blessed. TRX and HIIT classes got the blood pumping, while sessions of reiki, Qigong, or Tibetan meditation taught me to harness energy. The Remissiō sessions at the spa were undoubtedly the highlight, from Chanting Meditations that used singing bowls and vibrations of the incantation “aum” to the Ayurvedic therapy Shirodhara, where gentle pouring of oils on the forehead are said to improve sleep quality. Aromatherapy massages and rejuvenating facials were available, too, and prescribed each day before dinner. I used my remaining downtime to either enjoy a relaxing bath or stargaze while floating in the comfort of my private pool. Pleased with my progress upon a final consultation with Andrea, she sent me home with an action plan to meet the goals I had set for myself. As I said my goodbyes to the friendly faces I had met on this journey to self-discovery, I realised that I’d only do one thing differently the next time—not wait to turn a year older until the next check-in with the self.—Audra Jalan Desa Sawangan, Kelurahan Benoa, Kec. Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia. Tel: +62 361 3011011. www.revivoresorts.com BEST EMOTIONAL HEALING JOURNEY
BEST ALL-IN-ONE WELLNESS PROGRAMME V BOTANICAL SPA, THE ANDAMAN, LANGKAWI Journey Through Wellness, from RM3,199 for three days two nights My time at Andaman started in an amazing pool suite amid the rainforest, where I truly experienced nature at its best. In between discovering restored coral reefs in a coral nursery and diving into a delectable seafood spread at Jala, I was also treated to a unique mix of traditional massages. The Shiro Abhyanga treatment, which focuses mainly on the head, neck, and shoulders, uses a mix of coconut oil, coconut paste, and Indian oil to improve circulation. I felt built-up tension melt away, and let myself slip into a deep slumber. The subsequent Chi Nei Tsang massage was designed for mind and body healing. In this treatment, my therapist helped to “clear” my gut for a better and clearer mind, “untying” the bad energy and releasing emotional blockages through the abdomen. We also practised how to clear your chi through sounds. To balance the mind and body, the following Malay urut using lemongrass and coconut oil ensured smooth blood flow throughout the body. Palms and thumbs were used to apply even pressure on the veins and muscle, perfect for those hooked on their devices on a daily basis. The last part of the treatment, Barut Gamat Awet Muda, is a combination of scrub and body wrap infused with powerful healing ingredients to help detoxify the skin. Coupled with the spice bath, my skin was a smoother and firmer version of itself.—Aina Syahirah I stood in the Harmony villa, where I spent a good 10 minutes attuning to the rainforest surroundings and the view of the Andaman Sea. First, the skin was prepped for dry skin brushing in circular motions, stimulating blood circulation and opening up the pores to encourage the draining of toxins in the body. The 35-minute Chi Nei Tsang treatment, where pressure is applied at the abdomen, gave insight to why certain areas of my abdomen were more prone to pain than the other spots; I made a mental note to be more conscious of my everyday habits. The Chakra Balancing Massage, the more “relaxing” part of the treatment, uses the spa’s citrusy Awaken blend, as the stimulating movements from my therapist hit the right spots, putting my body and mind to ease. Before I knew it, one and a half hours flew by, and it was time to be wrapped up in a luxurious Chocolate Truffle concoction. This was where I had the tastiest smelling nap. I woke up invigorated, buzzing with positive energy, and grateful that every aspect of my well-being was well taken cared of.—Julie Anne Kang Jalan Teluk Datai, Langkawi, Kedah. Tel: 04-959 1088. www.vintegratedwellness.com