Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rest and relax at Mandara Spa





That particular morning when I made my way to the Mandara Spa, Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa, I was the lone soul on the path that seemed to take me to some hideaway! Nevertheless, I got to pause and enjoy the lush greenery, the quiet surroundings and took some pics too. At the end of the 10 minute walk, Mandara Spa came into view - its low roof barely seen among the lush greenery. I was greeted by several lovely smiling ladies.

It was a lucky raffle draw at the December ABWM Charity Bazaar that got me a wonderful voucher to pamper myself. The smart looking voucher says 80 mins of Balinese massage for a sensory experience. Well, it was an offer I couldn't refuse!!

It certainly was peaceful inside this plush haven of Mandara Spa. Seeing the neat looking ladies who seemed to exude an air of serenity themselves, seriously I thought I was the odd frazzled being in their midst!! All the more so, I was ready to have the massage. Reni, my therapist gave a welcome drink of chilled ginger tea and a nice cool towel to freshen my face and hands. A promising start for what's to come later.




A native Balinese, Reni, in her soft -spoken voice, explained the different aromatheraphy massage oil blends that I could opt for: ( per brochure)

Mandara - sandalwood, patchouli, cananga and ylang ylang oils. Our signature blend is romantic and uplifting.

Island spice - a spicy mix of clove, ginger and nutmeg oils to stimulate , revitalise and brighten your spirits.

Harmony - mandarin, lavender and bergamot oils to balance body and mind. Strengthening and rejuvenating.

Tranquillity - stress reducing blend of lavender, vetiver and cananga oils to impart a sense of serenity. An effective jetlag tonic.






Then she escorted me to one of the 10 rooms for massage, located in a serene, green garden. All the rooms are named after flowers and I stepped inside Frangipani.




Before long, I was relaxed and feeling so comfortable on the massage bed. The Mandara aromatheraphy massage was working! I could feel the drumming of my heart beat 'soften' and an inner calm creeping in as the massage progressed. Everything helped with the cosseting - the essential oils , the soothing, lilting Balinese music coupled with Reni applying her skills to knead away knotty muscles and tensions in the body. There was no mistaking the expert glide of a good therapist's hands. All the skin rolling, kneading, acupressure, reflexology made many magical moments. 'Yes, this is life!' Why wait to pamper yourself?

Some people just enjoy regular massages and they swear by the benefits, both physical and mental - proven by scientific research. Others may not be so inclined for whatever reasons of their own. One of feeling ticklish when stroked by the therapist.

Soon the 80 minutes ticked away and it was time to pick myself up (reluctantly) when Reni gave me a gentle wakeup call. Not that I slept but I was feeling sooo relaxed. It was great! A drink of chilled water ended the session of Balinese massage.

I thanked Reni and her colleagues. Then I strolled back to the main building, a lone soul again, soaking in the greenery once more before I headed for home, feeling much relaxed.


p.s. I was an early bird. The Mandara Spa is busy and clients need to book for appointments.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa
Persiaran Lagoon
Bandar Sunway 46150
Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

email: mandaraspa@sunwayhotels.com

15 comments:

  1. What a lovely place for a massage. I love aromatherapy massage. Looks like you had a relaxing time too and you truly deserve all the pampering.

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  2. This looks so luxurious! Wish I could spend some hours here! Thanks for sharing.
    Rosey

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  3. I envy you. I love Spas and that place looks fantastic..

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  4. We all need that break once in a while and just let ourselves be pampered. The greenery surrounding the spa is so beautiful.

    Keat, someday maybe you could highlight traditional Malay treatments like post-natal i.e., bertunku and tangas. I would really love to hear your perspective and presentation on preserving traditions.

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  5. Hi
    Autumn Belle, yah! aromatheraphy is good for the body and soul:)

    Rosey Pollen, luckily all the staff did not have to yank me off the bed after the massage!!! LOL.

    Turquoise Dairies, you're right! Count me lucky like you - let's enjoy. BTW, how different is a Turkish spa?

    Ocean Girl, enjoy!relax! that's the mantra while the massage is on!! That's a thought on post-natal treatments. have to grab someone first to find out. Have a good day:)

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  6. I am glad you won the voucher, Keats! You deserve the treat! I love Bali and would love to go back there again, but I may be too ticklish for a massage! Patchouli is my favourite scent. I find it perfect for meditation. The Mandara Spa looks so gorgeous, with all its plants and Balinese stone deities. Maybe I will bring my Mum there for her birthday. Thanks for the contact info!

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  7. Oh, I'd like to be there SO much!!!!

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  8. It looks so relaxing. Just beautiful

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  9. Thats a wonderful experience in an exotic Spa well narrated. I happened to visit Bali couple of years ago and experienced a nice Balinese massage there by expert hands. Its truly relaxing, exhilirating, soothing and energising !

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  10. Hi
    ~Covert_Operations'78~, I love Bali too. Have been there only twice. remember, the sense of touch - in this case, a good massage, is really healing:)) Who knows you might just enjoy it without feeling ticklish!

    Laura in Paris, spas are on the increase, so there's lots of others to enjoy too:))

    Lucy, you're right - beautiful and relaxing:))

    R. Ramakrishnan, whoa! I'd like to try it again but I have to watch my budget !! I too had a truly exhilartating experience in Bali.

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  11. I think I need a massage now !!!!
    I am almost frozen its here again cold and snow:(
    Interesting post !!

    Enjoy your weekend and take the time to relax
    :-)

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  12. Sounds wonderful, but too far for me to travel!

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  13. Like a mirage in the secluded grounds of the incomparable Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, the Mandara Spa allows you to indulge in the fresh, green, open serenity, where you can dedicate time to your inner self on our open air veranda before enjoying a truly blissful spa experience. An extensive spa menu offers treatments that are unique to Bali and a wide range of rituals using the leading British luxury spa brand Elemis. In keeping with the spa's heritage, guests often opt for the Ultimate Indulgence, an exotic, luxurious and unforgettable celebration of indulgence. It begins with aromatherapy footbath, believed to cleanse away the world and preparing the guest for an ultimate relaxation. This is followed by lavender body wash and a selection of our signature traditional body scrub. Then infused yourself in an herbal steam of aromatic oils, herbs and spices afterwards, lay back and relax in an aromatherapy floral bath while enjoying a warm refreshment of cookies and tea. To top off this signature ceremony, a Mandara Massage is performed. Called the signature 4 hands massage, is a unique blend of 5 different types of massage techniques: Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese. These unforgettable experience will end with an Elemis Taster Facial and Foot Massage. And when your spa journey ends, our hope is that you take with you a feeling of peace and harmony until your next return. Looking forward to see you all at Sunway. Spa Director, Mandara Spa at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa.

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  14. Dear Ms. Keat,

    It was really nice having you with us at Mandara Spa, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. We are delighted that you've enjoyed the overall pampering experience.

    We look forward to welcoming you back at our Hotel again. If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, once again.

    Best regards,
    Joey How
    Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

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  15. Hi
    Anya, glad you enjoyed the post. keep warm:)

    Gran,have a wonderful weekend. rest and relax perhaps with your yoga??

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Great to have you popping in!