SPA VILLAGE
Spa Village - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Spa Village | |||||
| By: Merry Kirkwood, Issue 29- Summer 2007 | |||||
| (The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur) | |||||
| WHILE BEGUILINGLY INDULGENT AND DELIGHTFULLY SOPORIFIC, MEMORABLE SPA EXPERIENCES OFTEN RESULT FROM SPA STAFF OPERATING WITH MILITARY-LIKE PRECISION AND EXCEPTIONAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES TEAMWORK. Furthering the premise that ‘when you’re on a good thing stick to it’, the clever team that created the multi award-winning Spa Village on Pangkor Laut (just off Malaysia’s west coast) has recently opened a city spa oasis in Kuala Lumpur’s stylish Ritz-Carlton hotel. Steeped in a mesmerising calmness created by the darkened candle-lit spaces, friendly staff, private courtyard gardens and rainforest pool surrounds, each of the eight treatment rooms and three outdoor curtained cabanas is a haven transporting your mind (and body) away from this bustling city-centre location and all its temptations. At the Spa Village, selecting just the right spa experience can only be described as a hedonist’s chore, with a large variety of treatments drawn from unique local cultural practises, including: The Royal Malay Treatment (perfect for couples), and Nusantara (involving a little rose therapy for her and rejuvenating treatment for him). My Chinese Peranakan treatment, combining Malay and Chinese influences, starts with a Milk Nectar Meditation (that I enjoy from the warmth of my own flowerpetalled milk bath, as a gentle tropical rain shower freshens my intimate courtyard garden), followed by a pearl and rice facial, a moxa navel activation (which reputably helps with jet lag), and a rattan tapping qi-gong ritual, before a decidedly thorough – and enjoyable – massage. But perhaps the most surprising experience is my time in the Spa Village’s Sensory room (the first of its kind in the area). Here I am taken through a variety of peaceful ritualistic processes by a therapist- leader whose primary purpose is to heighten my relaxation by awakening each of my senses. Rest assured, I left with not a care in the world. Located in KL’s bustling Golden Triangle business district, and only a hop, step and jump from the internationally recognised Petronas Towers, a stay at the 20-storey, 248 room hotel is a seamless five star experience featuring fine dining (including Rossini’s Restaurant, and Li Yen for Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine), stylish 18th-19th century décor highlighted by Jim Thomson Thai silk wall and furniture coverings, and more importantly, exceptional service – the Ritz-Carlton is the first all-butler hotel in Malaysia. Make sure you plan time to visit nearby Starhill Gallery with its plethora of brand name boutiques and meander the fabulous alleys of the Feast Village’s numerous restaurants. A feast for the senses – and all of this only a fast train ride from KL’s cutting-edge airport. ESSENTIALS Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Details: +603 2142 8000, | |||||
| www.ritzcarlton.com | |||||
| Most indulgent treatment: 24-hour Indulgence package that includes luxury accommodation and the chance to spend the whole day in the spa. Starting from around $500 (RM 1500). | |||||
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