In the mood for Thai

At the Amari Johor Baru, indulges in Thai therapy and cuisine

The car has 519L cargo space and a large cabin space. It seats a family of four (comfortably) or five.

It has auto headlights so you do not have to worry if you forget to turn them on.

The best thing is that it’s fuel-saving for a sedan — you have more money to enjoy on your holiday. The Amaya Cafe where you can chill and have a cuppa and snacks.

Asian Afternoon Tea at Amaya Cafe. GETTING INTO THE MOOD

While some of the hotel facilities and room categories are still not ready for guests, the Breeze Spa is open.

Since we arrived at midnight last night, and are exhausted by the long drive, a pampering at the Breeze Spa sounds like a good idea.

Lucky for us, we manage to get a slot in the afternoon.

The Breeze Spa is on the sixth floor, the same level as the lobby and restaurants.

I am expecting a typical Thai spa but to my surprise, the Breeze Spa has a fresh, vibrant feel. Entering the zen space, a white and pastel green interior greets us.

The spa features three chic single rooms, one double room with Jacuzzi, a dedicated manicure and pedicure area and a retail boutique.

A sweet woman welcomes me in with a glass of Anchan drink — a purplish blue juice comprising butterfly pea flower, a typical drink in Thailand. The Thais have it with a zest of lemon, which gives it a refreshing taste.

Arriving 15 minutes earlier gives me a chance to take my time browsing the spa menu, which is available at all Breeze Spas (Onyx brand) worldwide.

There are a number of treatments such as Mango Sticky Rice Body Scrub, which actually sounds delicious, and Signature Muay Thai Massage, if you like intense therapy. I choose one of the Signature therapies — the Mood Massage — to get into the Thai mood.

There are five selections of Mood Massage — Dreamy, Serene, Rejuvenated, Invigorated and Energised. My therapist suggests the Serene Mood Massage.

This oh-so-soothing massage utilises a long stroke palm pressure technique that stretches the muscles, works out all the knots and kinks, and leaves you feeling like you don’t have a care in the world.

I really love the aroma of the Serene oil used for the treatment. It has the infused scents of Bergamot, sandalwood and palmarosa — very light, delicate and refreshing.

The one-hour mood massage is heavenly. The therapist definitely knows her stuff. After it ends, she applies a Pick-MeUp lotion, a cooling mint and lemon lotion.

WEEKEND BUFFET GOURMET

Of course, besides the spa, I am looking forward for the food — especially Thai cuisine!

Located at level six, just near the lobby isAmaya Food Gallery, an all-day dining outlet that takes inspiration from the muchloved street food of Asia.

It serves delectable breakfast, followed The spacious Amaya Food Gallery. The Breeze Spa setting, very fresh and vibrant.

English Afternoon