Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is Penang’s premier spa destination. The luxury resort uses Shangri-La’s signature spa brand: Chi, The Spa. Embracing the mystical concept of “chi”, the spa therapies here revolve around Oriental healing philosophies.

Located near Rasa Wing, the spa’s entrance is marked by an Asian arch under the shade of towering rain trees. A plank walkway leads to the Sanctum where the spa reception is located.

The Sanctum is designed as a sanctuary of tranquility, as inspired by the paradise depicted in James Hilton’s novel, “Lost Horizon”. Also housed within The Sanctum is Chi Spa Boutique where gifts and souvenirs are sold.

Chi, The Spa comprises of several private villas within a beautifully landscaped tropical paradise. There are 3 couples’ villas and 8 garden suites surrounding a yoga pavilion. In line with the “spa within a spa” concept, some villas are fitted with outdoor spa tubs.

Each villa has an ensuite changing room for the convenience of guests before and after the session. Bathrobes and personal care products are provided.

Chi, The Spa has over 30 different treatments from head to toe, including the Signature Herbal Asmaradana Massage. This traditional Malay massage uses a poultice filled with herbs like lemongrass, galangal and tamarind. Essential oils from the herbal compress serve to restore balance to the mind, body and spirit.

Chi, The Spa operates from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily. Prior reservation is highly recommended. The massage therapists are highly professional and can customize their services according to each guest’s preference. As for in-house guests, massage services can be arranged in the comfort of their own rooms.

Name: Chi, The Spa
Address: Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-888-8888
Business hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort/chi-the-spa
Coordinates: 5.47873 N, 100.25340 E
Directions: From Tanjung Bungah, travel west towards Batu Ferringhi. Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is approximately 4.2 kilometers from Tanjung Bungah’s floating mosque, located on the right. The main entrance of Chi, The Spa is near the Rasa Wing Pool.

Special thanks to Copthorne Cameron Highlands for extending this spa review invitation.

After a long day exploring Cameron Highlands, we returned to our hotel Copthorne Cameron Highlands for a well-deserved rest. To soothe our aching feet, we visited Teratak Spa for a foot massage.

Teratak Spa is located at Level 2 of the hotel, right next to Millennium Garden. The word “teratak” refers to a farmland hut. Our arrival is marked by the strike of a gong.

Teratak Spa provides traditional spa treatments like body massages, facials and more. There is even has a room dedicated for floral bath and bertangas (Malay steambath). Clients can also opt for comprehensive packages that span as long as 3 hours.

For a limited time, a 45-minute foot massage is offered for RM59.00. While waiting to be served, we are given complimentary sweet corn milk. The hot drink is served using ornate clayware.

With our feet fully rejuvenated, we are ready for the next phase of exploring tomorrow!

Name: Teratak Spa
Address: Copthorne Cameron Highlands, Kea Farm, 39100 Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Contact: 019-242-7488
Business hours: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Website: https://teratakspa.com.my/destinations/cameron-highlands
Coordinates: 4.50527 N, 101.40880 E
Directions: Copthorne Cameron Highlands is located at Kea Farm, a small farming village halfway between Brinchang and Tringkap. Teratak Spa is located at Level 2 of the hotel. Customers may park in the hotel’s basement levels.

Looking for a good spa to treat yourself? The Spacation is the perfect choice. Located at Level L1 of DoubleTree Resort Penang, The Spacation offers a wide range of treatments ranging from traditional massages to body scrubs.

Besides individual therapies, The Spacation also offers spa packages for a more comprehensive experience. The most popular package is Buang Angin, which bundles herbal steam bath, body scrub and herbal hot press in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Customers may choose their favorite aromatic oils such as lemongrass, peppermint and ginger.

The Spacation has three treatment rooms including a private room for couples. For the convenience of guests, each room has an attached shower, sink and toilet. Disposable underwear is provided.

After the treatment, retire to the sitting room and enjoy a nice view of the sea. The post-treatment relaxation is truly satisfying, especially while sipping a hot cup of ginger tea.

Due to limited rooms at The Spacation, it is advisable to make reservations in advance. Appointments can be made by phone or email. Remember to arrive 10 minutes earlier for registration.

The Spacation has another outlet at Holiday Inn Resort Penang. Spa certificate is available for purchase at both locations. This is the perfect gift to surprise and pamper your loved ones.

Name: The Spacation
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-892-8066
Business hours: 10:00am-11:00pm
Website: http://thespacation.com
Coordinates: 5.47786 N, 100.26909 E
Directions: DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Penang is located halfway between Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi. The hotel is on the left when driving from the former. The Spacation is located on Level L1. Parking costs RM5.00 per entry.

The Royale Spa is located at Level 2 of Royale Chulan Penang, essentially on the same floor as the hotel’s swimming pool and The Spice. The spa center is open to both male and female guests. There are several private rooms and a larger one for couples. The couple’s room has an adjoining bathroom for guests’ convenience.

Due to the limited number of rooms, it is advisable to make prior appointments to minimize waiting time. While waiting to be served, guests are treated with welcome drinks: hot chrysanthemum tea infused with butterfly-pea flowers. Scented facial towels allow guests to freshen up before the treatment.

For month of August 2017, The Royale Spa offers the 2-hour Merdeka Promotion for only RM200.00. This package includes 1 hour of body massage, 40 minutes of body scrub and 20 minutes of Jacuzzi.

The Jacuzzi is located within the couple’s room itself. The hot tub is filled with heated water and powerful jets that provide relaxing sensation. In lieu of Jacuzzi, one can also opt for steambath or sauna.

Other treatment packages at The Royale Spa include aromatic facial treatment and foot massage. For hygiene reasons, guests are asked to take a shower before their sessions. Bathrobes and disposable underwear are provided.

Name: The Royale Spa
Address: 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8888
Business hours: 11:00am-11:00pm
Website: http://www.royalechulan-penang.com/facilities
Coordinates: 5.41728 N, 100.34366 E
Directions: From the ferry terminal at George Town, turn right and drive along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld). Royale Chulan Penang is located shortly on the left, at the same block as Via Pre and Made in Penang Interactive 3D Museum. There is a small lane right after the hotel, which leads to the main entrance and multi-level car park. The Royale Spa is located on Level 2.

The Heritage Club tends to give the impression of an exclusive country club. While its upscale appearance is undeniable, the exclusivity impression cannot be any further from the truth. In fact, the general public is welcomed to patronize the businesses inside, with the exception of gaming area and swimming pool.

Besides JT Restaurant, The Heritage Club is also the home of De Villa Ultimate Therapeutic Experience. Located on the first floor, the spa center is open to the public but usually by appointment basis. Although having operated for 8 years, De Villa has been revamped just recently.

De Villa provides separate sections of male and female clients. A couple’s room is also available. Stepping into the premises, one is enchanted by the tranquil ambience and soothing Balinese music in the background.

De Villa is staffed by professional massage therapists, who are well-versed in various massage techniques. Before and after the session, each client is served with a hot cup of ginger tea. Extremely aromatic in nature, the intense pungency of the tea is softened by well-rounded sweetness.

Today, I have the pleasure of experiencing the Traditional Balinese Massage. The 2-hour session covers from head to toe (chronologically in the reverse order), front-and-back (also in reverse order). Javanese massage rejuvenates the body and mind by improving blood circulation and relieving tense muscles.

De Villa provides many other therapy services including Aromatherapy Massage, Lymphatic Brush Massage and Foot Reflexology. While the price of a single session is reasonably affordable, customers may want to consider membership for RM80.00 per year (RM68.00 for renewal). Members are entitled to discounted prices for every session in the entire year. Members also enjoy additional benefits on their respective birthday month.

In addition, De Villa is offering 5- or 10-session packages at amazingly bargain prices. The sessions do not expire and are transferable, making them ideal gifts for loved ones. As for new customers who are uncertain whether spa is beneficial as asserted, De Villa offers introductory prices (starting from RM48.00) for the first session.

Name: De Villa Ultimate Therapeutic Experience
Address: 2, Jalan Scotland, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-229-8308
Business hours: 11:00am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/De-Villa-Spa-163185813714872
Coordinates: 5.41909 N, 100.30428 E
Directions: Driving along Scotland Road (Jalan Scotland) towards the Penang Botanic Gardens, follow the left curve to Jalan Utama. The Heritage Club is the building immediately on the left. De Villa is located at the upper floor of the building. There are no entry and parking fees for spa customers.

Hotel Penaga is a boutique hotel at Hutton Lane (Jalan Hutton). Refurbished from colonial-era terrace shops, the hotel complex provides a tranquil urban retreat in the midst of George Town.

It is a little-known fact that Hotel Penaga also has an in-house spa facility. Managed by Lin & Ling, Penaga Spa provides a range of boutique spa treatments including full body massages,  rejuvenating baths, natural scrubs, body wraps and foot reflexology. The crew of professional therapists specializes in a variety of massage techniques such as Thai, Swedish and Malay urut.

To reach Penaga Spa, enter the hotel lobby at Hutton Lane. Go through the saloon doors next to The Cinnamon, past the swimming pool, then walk down the brick pathway which meanders among shady trees. Pokok Penaga, after which the hotel is named, is one of the trees planted here.

Against a relaxing backdrop, guests are first served complimentary tea at the reception. Should guests require recommendations, the staff is able to assist in finding the right treatment. Treatment can be tailored to guests’ preferences, for example, opting for lighter or heavier massage pressure.

Penaga Spa provides three private rooms with attached bathrooms. Each spacious room has two massage tables, making this perfect for couples who wish to enjoy spa treatment together. Under the trance of exotic ambience and relaxing Balinese music in the background, it is easy to forget that one is still in the middle of George Town.

Guests do not need to specially dress for spa treatments. Just come in casual attire as each room is equipped with shower stall and steambath facilities. Towels and disposable underwear are provided – whichever guests feel comfortable. For best results, Penaga Spa recommends to spend at least 90 minutes here, but 60-minute sessions are also available.

Guests are advised to place 2 days advance booking to secure an appointment with the preferred therapist. Appointments can be made by phone (04-261-1891), by email or via Facebook.

For a limited time, Penaga Spa is offering a 10-session package of 90 minutes each. Priced at RM1,400.00 instead of the usual RM2,000.00, Penaga Spa provides another 2 complimentary sessions. Early birds also enjoy a free night stay at the hotel. Spa treatment is transferrable, making this package the perfect surprise for honeymoon or marriage anniversary celebration.

Name: Penaga Spa
Address: Hotel Penaga, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-261-1891
Business hours: 11:00am-8:00pm, closed on Wednesdays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Penaga.Spa
Coordinates: 5.42025 N, 100.33061 E
Directions: Hotel Penaga is located at the intersection of Hutton Lane (Jalan Hutton) and Clarke Street (Lebuh Clarke). Penaga Spa is located behind the main building and along the central courtyard. Street parking is available along nearby roads such as Hutton Lane, Clarke Street, Transfer Road (Jalan Transfer), Jalan Dato Koyah and Argyll Road (Jalan Argyll). There is also a green multi-storey parking structure along Hutton Lane just opposite of Eden.