When you’re in need of some self-care, these distinctively local experiences celebrate the best of traditional wellness practices
1 Learn ancient martial arts stretching techniques
If you’re looking for active, engaging recovery, this treatment is for you. Silat Stretch at The Ruma’s UR Spa combines learnings from the traditional Malay martial arts form, Silat, and Western principles of breath and anatomy. In a one-hour session, you’ll learn Silat techniques to move, stretch and breathe, opening up and lengthening the body. theruma.com
2 Immerse yourself in Langkawi’s rainforest
This spa experience doesn’t confine itself to a dimly lit room. The Datai Langkawi’s Malay Wellness Journey is a whole-day adventure that expands on the traditional Malay concept of Mandi Embun, also known as forest bathing. The journey starts with a guided sensory forest walk into the ancient rainforest. Then you’ll take part in the Mandi Maul Hayat ritual, a symbolic river bathing practice believed to help to regulate your circadian rhythms.
After some light breathing and stretching exercises, you’ll enjoy an invigorating Urut Melayu massage based on traditional Malay massage principles to loosen muscles and encourage healthy blood flow. Finally, you’ll be served a delicious customised spa meal that comprises Enam Rasa, the six taste sensations: hot, sweet, sour, salty, bitter and astringent. thedatai.com
3 Draw on indigenous forest medicines
The Semai are the indigenous people of Pahang, and their knowledge of the local rainforest is unmatched, using different plants from all over the jungle for medicinal, nourishing and nurturing purposes. The Spa at the Cameron Highlands Resort acknowledges that knowledge and celebrates the Semai with two treatments that draw on this lore: Tok Batin Mystical Tradition for men, and The Jungle Secrets of Anti-Ageing for women. Both incorporate baths, wraps, massages and scrubs created with local plants and practices. cameronhighlandsresort.com
4 Float in a serene flower bath
The Hawa Traditional Malay Journey for Women encompasses Malaysian practices both traditional and symbolic. The three-hour spa treatment begins with a Malay-style Urut deep-tissue massage, followed by a hibiscus scrub, body wrap and herbal cleanse to hydrate and soften the skin. Finally you’ll relax into a Malay hair cream bath and mandi bunga (literally, flower bath), a traditional Malay treatment for cleansing yourself inside and out. sunwayhotels.com
5 Relax with a traditional heated massage
The Stone & Compress Massage at St Regis Langkawi’s Iridium Spa is perfect for travel-sore muscles. The treatment makes use of traditional steamed compresses packed with medicinal herbs, heated river stones and infused massage oil to stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. marriott.com
