ALL beauty spas offer rejuvenation and relaxation. So what makes one different from another? Our team of writers checks out some of the newer spas in Klang Valley
KHAREYANA
WE’VE all heard of floating restaurants but what about a floating spa? Welcome to Khareyana, a sprawling bungalow in Jalan Selangor, Petaling Jaya, that’s been converted into a spa.
Practically surrounded by water, at its heart is a beautiful water garden that functions as a centre court. Pass by water lilies and let the stepping stones lead you to the treatment rooms.
Designed by owner Azzam Abdullah, a big spa fan herself, there’s nothing not to like about the place. “Our theme is tropical/ethnic and we renovated the house extensively to get exactly what we wanted. Interior design and decor is a passion of mine,” said the bubbly lady.
Filled with wooden furniture imported from Indonesia, sandstone tiles and green plants, it’s an oasis that appeals to the five senses.
The air is fragrant with the smell of essential oils and herbal concoctions while lush greenery can be found everywhere you turn. As the skilled and experienced masseuses get to work on your body, enjoy the soothing sound of running water in the background.
“What we offer is personalised service,” says Azzam. “We know who our customers are. If I’m not here, then my daughter, Ryaihan, will be.”
The ladies-only spa offers a variety of treatments including aromatherapy, slimming, whitening, facial, bridal and postnatal. Guests can expect to be pampered in private rooms that are equipped with a bed, shower room, steamer and bath tub with a jacuzzi function. Only established and trusted Indonesian products such Martha Tilaar and Rudy Hadisawano are used for the body, face and hair.
After a rejuvenating treatment, feel free to chill out in the sitting area or the Jamu Bar which serves juices, herbal teas and light salads. There’s also a special area for those who want a manicure and pedicure.
Happily, Khareyana doesn’t cost a bomb. You can treat yourself to a basic body scrub for RM70 while a 30-minute leg massage costs RM30. Aromatherapy treatments start at RM260 and comprehensive, traditional body treatments such as Lulur Malih Warni, Ken Dedes and Dara Putih Aroma will only set you back RM240 each. – SOFIANNI SUBKI
SERENITY COVE IF you hate having to make decisions, then Serenity Cove would be perfect for you. It offers only one type of treatment – aromatherapy massage.
Before you scoff at its lack of space, its manager Cheryl Choong has this to say: “We are like the Air Asia of spas,” referring to its `no frills’ concept.
Located on the ground floor of Jasmine Towers condominium in SS2, PJ, the place is indeed confined to four walls – yet it is uncluttered and clean with a high ceiling for an airy feel.
There are two massage tables with a partition in between for a sense of privacy. To make you feel relaxed the minute you step in, all details are meticulously taken care of – from the soothing music to the wonderful smells of lavender and peppermint to nitty-gritty things like room temperature.
Though Serenity Cove charges only a humble RM60 for a 90-minute massage, Choong makes no compromises. At that price, no packages are necessary either.
Because it’s part of a condominium, appointments are necessary so that the security guards will expect you at the gates.
To start, I soaked my feet in the hot foot-bath filled with pretty petals, sea salt and peppermint oil. It was invigorating to just sit back and let the masseuse rub my soles and scrub my toes.
Then a hot towel was pressed all over the back and limbs, literally a warm-up for better things to come.
The massage was immensely wonderful with new techniques I had never experienced. Neck lifts and leg shakes left me feeling loosened at the joints. It also probably stirred every fibre of muscle in my body! If you can’t stand the pain, then insist on lighter pressure. Also, if you are bashful then insist on not baring your chest for when you’re lying on your back. Good spas will always accommodate.
As for this simple set-up called Serenity Cove, it gets a thumbs- up from me anyway regardless of its one and only treatment offered. – SHARIFAH SAKINAH ALJUNID
RUPINI’S
NEED a short trip to nirvana? Pop in at Rupini’s Beauty Haven along Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, KL, for a delicate Indian break. With so many beauty spas in town, especially those using herbal products, one is eager to know what makes Rupini’s stand out.
The centre pays much attention to details such as decor, lighting, aroma and overall ambience. Therefore, while the beauty treatment pampers externally, the good aura or vibes of the place massages the soul.
“We call it soul healing,” its director Marianne Dass explains adding that the various chakra lights play a big role in soothing your soul.
Although only weeks old here, the centre is a well-known name in Singapore, with 10 years behind it. Star treatment is the Rupini’s Holistic Treatment. Here, dead skin cells are sloughed with a turmeric and rice paste. After a shower, a delicious mixture of sandalwood powder, yoghurt and honey is smeared all over your body and you are then wrapped in huge banana leaves which help absorb toxins.
After 15 minutes of soaking in all that goodness and another wash up, comes the massage with an ayurvedic blend of hot oil.
There’s more. A 15-minute soak in a flower bath before you take a warm shower followed by patchouli fragrance body splash.
The verdict? A rejuvenating break fit for a princess – all for RM350. – RACHAEL PHILIP
BODYCARE SPA CENTRE
ONE often judges a spa and the treatment it provides by the way it looks. Let’s face it, we are swayed by aromatherapy candles, dim lights and ethnic-looking sofas with brightly-coloured pillows that seems to be typical of stand-alone spas. The ambience of such a place often lulls us into a state of relaxation even before we head for the treatment room.
However, it is the treatment that eventually matters and while the Bodycare Spa Centre at Fitness First gyms in Menara Maxis and Menara John Hancock in Kuala Lumpur may not look as if it belongs in Bali, there is no doubt that the treatments it offers are excellent. After a two-hour treatment, which consisted of a Ginger Salt Scrub and a traditional Euronese massage, I was so relaxed that it was a strain to return to the office to work.
The 40-minute scrub goes deep into the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess toxins. The application of the scrub is not the rigorous exercise I have become accustomed to but it did the deed – after my shower, I was pleasantly surprised to see my skin glow.
However, since I have a weakness for massages, it was the second treatment that I’d been looking forward to. Always a fan of essential oils, I was a little disappointed that I wouldn’t have the scent of lavender wafting in the air as I lay blissfully on the treatment bed but the massage, a combination of East and West, was enough to make me wish that the one hour could stretch to two.
One of the most popular massage options at Bodycare Spa, the Euronese massage is priced at RM140 while the Scrub treatment is priced at RM110.
Other relaxing options include Swedish Aromatherapy, Lavender Therapeutic, Sports Therapeutic, Lymphatic Drainage and Lithostherapy Hot Stone massages.
The spa also offers body wraps, facial therapy, slimming therapy, hand and feet treatment and waxing treatments. – ANTHEA DE LIMA
JUST RELAX
THERE are no luxurious flowers baths and mud wraps but Just Relax offers three different massages that leave you feeling pampered and relaxed.
It all started when Theresa Wong decided to open a herbal massage therapy centre after having spent 14 years in advertising in Thailand.
Thus, it is not surprising that Wong’s place is decorated with Thai luxuries – silk shawls, simple paintings and the lingering scent of lavender and mint fill the air. The spa is tucked away in The Place in newly developed Damansara Perdana, PJ.
Soothing hand movements with a self-made herbal remedy is used in the Roman Experience to help stressed and tensed parts of the body.
If you like traditional Thai and Japanese indulgences, the Thai Body Massage and Shiatsu will help improve blood circulation and relieve tiredness.
The cleanliness of the place and the gentle yet firm and soothing remedies top off a most refreshing experience. – RACHAEL PHILIP
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