From traditional Turkish baths to elaborate Balinese beauty rituals, enjoy pampering spa therapies from around the world without leaving the city
For many travellers, one of the best parts of globetrotting is indulging in treatments at a local spa. After all, what better way to relax than enjoying a massage on a white-sand beach or surrendering to an afternoon of extravagant, specialty pampering session? Although international borders remain closed, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little respite. Here are five luxury spas in the country’s capital to make you feel like you’re on holiday far away.
1. Hammam
Makes you feel like you’re in… Turkey
Step into Hammam and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a public bathhouse in Istanbul, with the spa decked out with colourful mosaic tiles, copper lanterns, carved woodwork and Moorish-style furnishing. The signature treatment here involves the therapists donning coarse mittens and slathering traditional Moroccan black soap all over your body before rinsing you with a bucketful of water. From there, you can opt for the Moorish Rhassoul Body Masque, which involves a mineral-rich body polish, or go straight for an aromatic massage. The massage oil used here is an opulent blend of argan oil and essential oils for the ultimate royal treatment.
Outlets in Publika Shopping Gallery and Bangsar. Visit the official website for details.
Read more: 10 ways you can improve your wellness during the pandemic in 2020
2. Urban Retreat Onsen Spa
Makes you feel like you’re in… Japan
Soak your cares away at this Japanese-style onsen spa located in Mont Kiara. Designed in the minimalist style favoured by the Japanese, Urban Retreat Onsen Spa features plenty of wood and stone finishes accentuated by warm lighting. One thing that sets them apart from traditional onsens in Japan is that you can have your own individual onsen bath tub in a private room. In fact, everything can be customised here – from the bath salt used in your soak right down to the bath temperature. You can even request your massage bed to be heated for that extra TLC.
Lot 2F-02, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara
3. Bali Ayu Spa Sanctuary
Makes you feel like you’re in… Bali
Even though you can’t travel to the Island of the Gods (yet), you can still enjoy their ancient therapies at Bali Ayu Spa Sanctuary, which has four outlets in KL. Each outlet is carefully decorated to mimic a typical spa in Bali, with wooden furnishings, tropical plants, and generous use of batik. Their most popular treatment is – naturally – the traditional Balinese massage, which combines a mix of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen in your body. For complete indulgence, try the 90-minute Full Spirit package, which includes foot reflexology and ear candling therapy.
Various outlets in KL.
Read more: 3 signature resort spa treatments in Asia on our #traveltomorrow bucket list
4. The Majestic Spa
Makes you feel like you’re in… the United Kingdom
Tucked within the gorgeous The Majestic KL hotel, this spa offers therapies inspired by the old-world charm of Great Britain. For example, the Queen Victoria’s Lavender is a luxurious treatment that features the coveted English lavender, known for its stress-relieving properties. Starting with a peaceful breathing ritual before segueing into a full-body exfoliation and a therapeutic lavender and aloe vera mask, the pampering ritual then culminates in a snooze-inducing lavender massage. For something more bracing, try the North Coast Seaweed Sculpt, which makes use of seaweed harvested from around Ireland and northern Britain to help alleviate ailments such as arthritis and skin conditions.
5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
5. Caudalie Boutique Spa
Makes you feel like you’re in… France
Caudalie is a French cult beauty brand renowned for their grape-oriented skincare products. Caudalie Boutique Spa, their outpost in Bangsar Shopping Centre – the first in Malaysia – is no exception. Try the 60-minute Vinosource Antioxidant Hydrating Facial, which makes use of grape-infused products such as a grape water mist, serum and moisturiser. The reason why the fruit features so prominently in their skincare products is because it’s packed with plenty of antioxidants, which boosts skin health and creates a bright, fresh complexion. At the Caudalie spa, the interiors have been lined with vineyard-inspired wallpaper to make you feel like you’re unwinding in a winery in Bordeaux or the Rhone Valley.
Lot S127, Level 2, Bangsar Shopping Centre
