Spa and Beach Vacation Guru

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Sivara Spa at Amari Watergate Hotel

On your next stop-over in Bangkok, treat yourself to an Oriental foot massage at the new Sivara Spa at the Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok. This new urban escape prides itself in delving more than skin deep via herbal remedies and century-old traditions. Among eight treatment rooms, guests can experience three themed ones: The botanical-inspired Mystical Forest features a tropical rain shower and blends of essential oils used for massages. The highlight of the Floral Bloom is a decedent rose petal bath; and in Herbal Inspiration spa goers can experience healing through traditional herbal remedies. Sivara's menu also includes the usual massages, scrubs, wraps and facials that are to be expected from a modern spa.

Click here to make your spa hotel reservations for Amari Watergate Hotel.

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Spa at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

The recently opened Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia not only prides itself in lush mountains, dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald waters and white sandy beaches but also a secluded spa. This sanctuary at the heart of the property features six thatched-roof treatment pavilions, outdoor rain showers, private outdoor plunge pools and soaking tubs surrounded by lush gardens and lotus ponds. Among the many options are yoga lessons, Malay or Thai massage as well as Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese therapies.

Shanti Shanti Shanti includes a session with an Indian yogi on breathing, stretching and meditating as well as massage, shirodhara and reiki, among other treats. If guests opt for the privacy of their own villas, each is equipped with its own spa room that comes with two massage tables (great for couples) and gorgeous views.

Click here to make your spa resort reservations for the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Spa Village, The Residence at the Ritz -Carlton


On 1st April 2005, the Spa Village Kuala Lumpur opened its doors to offer a kaleidoscope of exotic international healing traditions, providing the best spa therapies from around the world complemented by the graciousness of Malaysian hospitality.

Located on the 4th floor of the brand new 33-storey luxurious serviced suites, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, the Spa Village spans 12,000 square feet. It is an urban oasis in the bustling and dynamic Golden Triangle of Malaysia’s capital city.

Treatments on the menu range from the ever-popular Swedish and Aroma massages, body scrubs, manicure and pedicure to the rich caviar facial, eye and lip care.

The Sensory Room - the first of its kind in the region - provides the backdrop for the healing vibrations in the Sensory Experience – a combination of multiple sensations using that both soothe and heighten awareness.

Spa Village Kuala Lumpur also pays tribute to the cultural diversity and rich healing heritage of the Nusantara region, the archipelago encompassing the mainland from Myanmar to Peninsula Malaysia and the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. Through these signature treatments, guests will find the ultimate unification of perfect balance and inner strength.

The Original Nusantara programmes take their inspiration from the finest herbs of Southeast Asia such as aloe wood, sandalwood and some rare resins indigenous to this region.

The Royal Malay Treatments of the Malaysian Peninsula were discovered in the imperial court of Malacca, including a significant influence of Ayurvedic and Thai healing philosophies that aim to unify physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Chinese Peranakan Treatments are a fascinating integration of Chinese and Malay traditional medicines. In this category, the ‘Bamboo Tapping Qi-gong Massage’ is a unique technique used to relieve the feeling of lethargy.

Like the Spa Village at Pangkor Laut, this new addition in Kuala Lumpur is truly exceptional. It is designed as a tropical paradise with 8 spacious treatment suites (6 double and 2 single) that beckon the outdoors from patios that features outdoor showers and sunken baths, embraced by lush greenery.

Spa Village is dedicated to the pursuit of peace and joy through healing. Designed as a haven for rejuvenation, the spa is surrounded by a sensuous, tropical environment where outdoor Thai massages are performed in 3 cabanas with privacy curtains. A 25-metre lap pool, hot spa and cool dip are set within the landscaped gardens with water features and a fishpond. The facilities are further complemented by a dedicated hair and nail salon and spa retail.

In the ever-growing quest for luxury, both Spa Village and The Residences aim to accentuate the true meaning of joie de vivre in today’s lifestyle. The Residences, annexed to The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, offer 110 elegantly appointed serviced suites, complete with concierge, in-room dining and housekeeping services.

Dining and entertaining are made pleasurable with a vast choice of 24 restaurants that vary in terms of identity and type of cuisine – and room service is available as well. A Carlton Gourmet situated on the ground floor caters to the needs of the residents when it comes to shopping for essential needs and gifts. The Spa Village and The Residences are conveniently accessible from Starhill Gallery via an enclosed sky bridge located on the ground floor.

Click here to make your spa resort reservations for The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.


CEBU, PHILIPPINES

Chi Spa Village, Shangri-La Mactan Resort

Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort has officially opened its US $4 million spa facility in Cebu—the largest spa facility in Asia called Chi Spa Village.

The opening of this facility in Cebu is seen to further put Cebu’s name in the international map, as the Spa destination in Asia, said Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora Roa.

The over one-hectare Spa facility of Shangri-La is the first huge spa investment done by the company in all its worldwide operations, thus, its grand opening recently was attended by the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Although operated by an international resort chain, Chi Village is highlighting the traditional Filipino massage called “hilot‿ to add a Cebuano or Filipino ingredient in the facility, said Shangri-La Mactan general manager Timothy Wright.

Located adjacent to the hotel property, the Chi Spa Village features extensive spa gardens and treatment pavilions; six luxurious villas measuring 135 square meters complete with private patios, sunken bathing tubs and relaxing lounges, and eight garden suites.

“We want to be at the best of the Asian region. The opening of this Spa Village is expected to boost Cebu’s attractiveness to international tourists,‿ he stressed.

According to the resort’s director for communication Neil Rumbaoa, the Chi Spa Village is not just a mere Spa facility, but it caters to Spa enthusiasts who really know what Spa is.

With the luxury of space is one of the defining characteristics of CHI, the Grand Spa Villa measures 200 square meters replete with an open air tea house and a treatment suite that can accommodate up to four people. Incorporating CHI’s signature “spa-within-spa‿ concept, all the villas feature private bath, shower, steam and changing areas. Currently, there are already few dozens of Spa facilities in Cebu. These are attracting foreign customers like the Japanese, Korean, Europeans, and also domestic patrons.

But, the Chi Spa Village of Shangri-La Mactan offers a more sophisticated Spa concept with equipment facilities and services are at par with the international standard.

Rumbaoa said the Resort would utilize its worldwide marketing promotion for Chi Village facility through its international networks of Shangri-La resorts and hotels around the world, to attract large number of foreign tourists here.

This upscale and full-blown Spa facility Chi Spa Village in Shangri-La’s Mactan property is the second Chi spa to open since the brand was launched in 2004. The first Chi spa opened in Shangri-La Hotel, in Bangkok, in 2004.

However, Rumbaoa stressed that the Chi Spa in Shangri-La Mactan is the largest facility among the other nine Chi Spa’s located in different Shangri-La properties around the world.

Click here to make your spa resort reservations for Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort, Cebu