While the weather forecast in the UK may be predicting grey skies for the foreseeable future, the Tanjong Jara Resort in Malaysia is guaranteed to bring that summer feeling back.
With coconut palms, beaches and the clear blue waters of the South China Sea, the Tanjong Jara Resort is inviting guests on three different culture-rich retreats based on the ancient Malay concept of Sucimurni – which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being. Combining Malaysian herbs, spices and flowers in both the spa treatments and the cuisine, their three retreat packages offer a rather indulgent way to experience the Malay way of life.
The three retreats – Sucimurni Signature retreat, the Santapan retreat and The Sesegar Bayu retreat – are crafted according to theme. As part of each retreat, guests also experience the resort’s Belaian Kaki foot ritual followed by a 50-minute spa treatment per day at the award-winning Spa Village.
The Sucimurni Signature retreat provides an insight into the traditional Malay way of life, focussing on wellness of the body, mind and spirit. The spa treatments include the Boros Puteri, a facial and body scrub using turmeric and galangal to cleanser and brighten, and Rendam-Rendam, a 'sitz bath' or shallow bath used to relieve discomfort in the lower half of your body. Guests can choose from specially crafted daily menus, which feature dishes such as Gado-Gado: a salad of raw herbs and vegetables high in antioxidants. A daily fresh juice designed to detoxify and boost vitamin levels is available at every meal, and personalised activities include a personal bicycle tour through the village or a handicraft tour of Kuala Terengganu.
In the Santapan retreat, guests are given an exploration of Malaysia’s East Coast. The Asam massage uses a scented massage oil containing a delicious blend of Roselle (a type of hibiscus), ginger, nutmeg, galangal and karoteno oil, which is full of vitamins A, C and E to rejuvenate your body and nourish the skin. Menus showcase the region’s finest dishes, such as Nasi Dagang, rice steamed in coconut milk with fresh mackerel curry, and pan-fried red snapper with coconut, turmeric and lemongrass. There's also the chance to attend an Art of Terengganu Cuisine cooking class with the resort’s best chefs.
Finally, the Sesegar Bayu retreat focusses on rest and relaxation. Guests can learn the art of Malay massage with a trained Spa Village therapist, or try a personal session of Sucimurni exercises. Your traditional Malay cuisine is tailored to your personal preferences, with the aptly named "Menu Master" guiding on signature dishes such as Butter Prawns and Beef Rendang. Also available is the Nelayan restaurant, serving fresh seafood dishes. One thing’s for sure, fussy eaters such as myself may find their horizons significantly broadened! Spa treatments included in this retreat include the Sesegar Bayu, a body rejuvenating treatment and Ulik Nyuir, a Malay hair treatment.
If you'd rather not go for the spa experience every day, the resort offers guests the chance of exchanging their daily spa treatment for a bottle of wine!
If you're not able to head abroad any time soon, don't fret, you can use the Good Spa Guide Spa Search to find a UK spa where you can warm yourself and relax!
Student Spy
4th April 2014
Spy Likes:
Good food; friendly therapists; decent music to listen to during a treatment; therapists who understand that exams make you feel really stressed.
Spy Dislikes:
Robes that are too big for people who are only five foot tall; swimming pools with no room to swim; too much healthy food.
