Before COVID-19, which feels like a lifetime ago, this writer used to go on an annual pilgrimage to Bali, Indonesia. Except, our search for spiritual significance involved mainly getting massaged by some of the friendliest ladies you will come across in the country. It’s hard to describe how relaxing it is for the mind, body, soul, and sanity to get a good massage. There’s something about spas that immediately calms the anxious self down, slows down our thoughts, and helps us be present. But since COVID-19 hit, travel, much like everything else, has changed.
We can no longer jump on a plane and head to our favourite island as easily as we used to, which means we’ve had to find other means to recalibrate, which brings us to this feature. Our inspiration came from our deprivation, so off we went in search of the best spas in town. And luckily for us all, there are plenty!
Hammam Spa, multiple locations
Since 2007, Hammam Spa has been a heavyweight in the spa scene. Dubbed as the Morrocan version of Turkish baths, here’s where you’ll get scrubbed and massaged to your heart’s content and be rid of any skin impurities. Adding to their existing list of branches, including Bangsar and Publika, they’ve recently opened another in Lot 10.
Spa Village at The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang
Nestled in the heart of bustling Jalan Imbi, The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with being a home away from home. Treat your body to world-class level relaxation with some of their therapies and treatments. They even have a sensory sound bathroom!
The Smile Bar, Mont Kiara
Here at The Smile Bar, both your teeth and SOPs are taken seriously. Being firm with keeping customers safe, everyone coming for an appointment must take a mandatory COVID-19 test right outside the outlet. Once your results show as negative, only then will you (and your teeth) be allowed in for some TLC and whitening without using bleach!
Khareyana Spa, Petaling Jaya
Transport yourself to Bali while only driving to Petaling Jaya. If you’re missing the hospitality of Balinese locals and their massages, park yourself here for the day for some serious me-time. There are couples massages available too!
Lax Retreat, Ampang
Sitting in the heart of the golden triangle at The Linc KL, Lax Retreat offers manicure and pedicure services, facials, and body treatments too. With a chic interior and a women’s only policy, you can pamper your worries away. Subscribe for their membership if you’re looking to visit more than once or twice a year.
URoot Spa, Mont Kiara
For a truly luxe massage experience and massage therapists that pay close attention to your sore muscles, URoot is the way to go. The staff here are helpful, friendly, and SOPs are adhered to!
The Nail Chateau, Bukit Damansara
When it comes to pampering yourself, such an experience would be incomplete without a mani and pedi session. Besides the basic nail services, The Nail Chateau also offers spa treatments for your hands and feet! They’re also strict with SOPs, sanitising every nail station (and all the tools used) between each customer. What’s to also love is that this little oasis only has five stations, making the experience a very private one.
Thai Odyssey, multiple locations
Another one of our favourites to get a quality treatment that will massage away any knots has got to be Thai Odyssey. From the moment you step in, the ambience and staff will have you feeling relaxed! Each session here begins with a short foot ritual to get you cleaned and help you wind down into your treatment.
Zero Gravity Float Centre, Desa Sri Hartamas
Okay, a little out of the ordinary, and not your conventional spa either, but this has to be included since we’re on the subject of relaxation. A mixture of water and Epsom salt at skin temperature will allow for a zero-gravity-like environment. Gaining popularity worldwide, some time in the Dreampod tank doing float therapy will give your muscles (and your mind) the deep relaxation it needs.
OhanaJo Studio, Desa Park City
More than just a yoga studio, OhanaJo also offers sound healing (also known as a sound bath), and while it’s not your typical way of relaxation, a sound bath will certainly help give your mind a break. So, close your eyes, relax, and bathe yourself in sound waves.
Urban Retreat Onsen Spa, Mont Kiara
Located in the trendy neighbourhood mall of 163 Mont Kiara, Urban Retreat Onsen Spa is a one-of-a-kind destination for those looking to pamper themselves and wind down from the busyness of life. Dip your body in the Onsen tub; a personalised treatment can be designed according to your preference. Once you’re done, why not treat yourself to a body scrub or an Essential Aromatherapy Massage? We promise you won’t have an ounce of stress left in your body once you leave this spa.
Address: Lot 2F – 02, 163 Retail Park, 07, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 881 4486
Eforea Spa at DoubleTree Hilton, Shah Alam
For those on the other side of Klang Valley, DoubleTree by Hilton in Shah Alam has Eforea Spa to offer. Expect the usual treatments: massages, facials, body scrubs, foot massages, and body wraps. While the spa is small in size, its self-care offerings definitely make up for the lack of. We highly recommend their body massage, where traditional techniques help you de-stress!
Address: Finance Avenue, I-City, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: +603 5650 0200
Serenity by Posh, Kuala Lumpur
Renowned nail parlour Posh Nail Spa took its self-care brand to new heights (quite literally) with its newly opened Serenity by Posh. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Element Kuala Lumpur, you can choose from various spa treatments to help you relax. There’s even a couple’s room if you want to pamper yourself and a loved one! Still trying to figure out where to start? Try the Body Glow and Touch of Serenity treatment, which includes a milky body scrub and massage. Worth braving the city’s traffic for!
Address: 39 Floor, Element Kuala Lumpur, 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012 699 8219
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 19 December 2021 and has been updated to include more locations.
