Monday, August 19, 2013

THE BANJARAN HOTSPRINGS RETREAT IS 15 MINUTES FROM IPOH, PERAK, 2 HOURS FROM KUALA LUMPUR AND A MILLION MILES FROM STRESS!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
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The world's most unusual, exotic and awesome dining and drinking experience is inside this 280 million year old cavern filled with mysterious stalactites and stalagmites called Jeff's Cellar!

THE BANJARAN HOTSPRINGS RETREAT - YOUR PRIVATE GETAWAY
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia’s first luxury natural wellness hot springs getaway, is nestled in a 16.59-acre valley cradled by lush tropical rainforest, geothermal hot springs, natural caves, cascading waterfalls and 280-million year old Paleozoic limestone hills.  This sanctuary of bespoke wellness is a 15-minute drive from the city of Ipoh and two (2) hours from Kuala Lumpur.  The Banjaran features 25 luxury Garden and Water Villas, and a Spa and Wellness Centre of 5-star status offering authentic Asian holistic wellness and spa treatments inspired by Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.

This natural wellness destination boasts a host of unique features including a thermal steam cave, meditation cave, crystal cave, outdoor rainforest shower, foot reflexology walk, hot springs dipping pools, ice bath, Doctor Fish Pool containing exotic Turkish Garra Rufa fish, swimming pool with naturally heated water from the hot springs and a fitness centre to work out. Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi are practiced on the Observation Deck overlooking a lake against the breathtaking backdrop of its natural setting.

The environment and philosophy of The Banjaran are designed to encourage a transformation towards wellness.  In addition, it is built on eco-friendly practices with conservation given high priority.

Guests are provided with personalised wellness consultations to ensure their objectives are complemented by an itinerary that features appropriate activities so as to optimise their visit and time. Guests can also opt to undergo consultations in naturopathy, nutrition and fitness.
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s extensive spa menu comprises authentic Malay treatments, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It also offers treatments like colon hydrotherapy, antioxidant restorative therapy and hydrotherapy, in addition to energy healing treatments including Reiki and Chakra Energy Balancing, as well as a variety of massages, foot reflexology, organic facials and body treatments.   

The 25 garden and water villas are designed to blend the indoors with the outdoors.  Drawing on heavy wood, glass and Malaysian fixtures and furnishing, the villas exude a contemporary feel. Each abode features an extensive outdoor terrace that bears a plunge pool, living and dining area, with a state-of-the-art sound and music system enhancing the overall mood.  Stepping in, the sumptuous bedroom suite comprises an oversized bed, writing desk, television cabinet and other luxurious conveniences.  The large bathroom is complemented by a walk-in closet and refreshing rainfall as well as regular shower. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat offers guests an entire range of soothing bath and body care products that are exclusively sourced.  

To maintain tranquility and exclusivity, The Banjaran welcomes adults and guests 12 years of age and over.

For more information on The Banjaran’s wellness programmes, or villa reservations, call The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat at +60 5 210 7777, fax +60 5 210 7778 or email reservation@thebanjaran.com.  For a glimpse of bespoke wellness, visit www.thebanjaran.com

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Garden Villa 
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-Hot springs dipping pool
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Seek enlightenment by meditating inside the Crystal Cave
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Source of Banjaran's hot springs
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24-carat Gold Facial by Kuush of Australia
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You can sit at the edge of the wooden platform and contemplate the world on this openair deck but you are forbidden from stepping into the pool as it is near boilingly hot!
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Looks like a lost world! This is the heart and soul of The Banjaran! I almost expect to bump into T.Rex or a dinosaur at every turn!
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Getting a massage here is pure bliss!
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One of the water pondoks for semi-al fresco dining at The Pomelo restaurant
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The entrance to The Banjaran. All structures are lowrise and blend sympathetically and beautifully with the environment!
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Stretching and doing yoga exercises are easy as pie here
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Meditation Cave is serene, cool and soothing to the soul
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Thermal steam cave

THE BANJARAN HOTSPRINGS RETREAT - A PRIVATE GETAWAY
FOR BESPOKE HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia’s first luxury natural wellness hot springs getaway, is nestled in a 16.59-acre valley cradled by lush tropical rainforest, geothermal hot springs, natural caves, cascading waterfalls and magical 280-million year old Paleozoic limestone hills.  This sanctuary of bespoke wellness is a 15-minute drive from the city of Ipoh and two (2) hours from Kuala Lumpur.  Since its opening in January 2010, The Banjaran which features 25 luxury Garden and Water Villas, a Spa and Wellness Centre of 5-star status offering authentic Asian holistic wellness and spa treatments, and a host of unique features, has become an acclaimed self-contained hideaway for the ultimate in relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation.
Drawing on its natural setting and cleverly weaving in its unique offerings, The Banjaran offers a variety of wellness programmes that are designed for brief stays of two (2) days to longer, customised programmes of 21 days. On arrival, guests go through a personalised wellness consultation to ensure their objectives are complemented by an itinerary of appropriate activities so as to optimise their visit and time at this wellness retreat.        
At the heart and soul of The Banjaran experience is its Spa and Wellness Centre.  Here, a full team of wellness practitioners comprising a Naturopathic consultant, Nutritionist, Ayurvedic specialist, Yoga instructor and personal trainer, is in residence to design a more holistic, purposeful programme for guests. The Centre also offers more than 40 types of holistic treatments and therapies that are inspired by the ancient practices of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. 
In addition to authentic Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Malay treatments, colon hydrotherapy, antioxidant restorative therapy and hydrotherapy, energy healing treatments such as Reiki and Chakra Energy Balancing, and a variety of massages, foot reflexology, organic facials and body treatments are also available. 

The Banjaran’s Spa and Wellness Centre offers a total of six different consultations with a variety of readings and assessments to cater to the needs of guests. The Wellness Consultation is a 30-minute session which involves assessing a guest’s lifestyle before designing a treatment that will work best. The Naturopathic Consultation seeks to provide natural solutions for a healthy body. The Consultation consists of a holistic assessment of health, functions of body systems as well as total wellbeing in terms of a guest’s physical, mental and emotional health status. 
Fitness Consultation is also included, apart from Nutrition Consultation which encourages guests to adopt healthy eating habits.  The Nutritionist works hand-in-hand with the retreat’s Executive Chef Abdelhak Bourenane, to create special dietary menus based on guests’ needs during their time at The Banjaran.
Emphasising natural therapies, the wellness retreat also provides Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor Consultation and Ayurvedic Doctor Consultation, using well-established Chinese and Indian diagnosis and analysis of the body’s well-being.
Deeply rooted in culture and traditions, the retreat offers traditional massages of the Malaysian culture. Massage therapy is aimed at being preventive and restorative; aiding in relaxation, relieving tensed and sore muscles, improving circulation and assisting in restoring balance to the body system. Each massage ends with a foot ritual and a rain stick relaxation ceremony to gently awaken guests from their serene slumber.
The Banjaran Signature Massage combines a rich tapestry of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, bringing together the therapeutic and healing effects of their massage therapies.  This 90-minute fusion of Eastern massage treatments covers the head to the toes, commencing with an Indian head massage, followed by the Urut Traditional Malay body massage and concludes with Chinese Pressure Point Foot Therapy. 
Deriving its technique from the Ayurvedic Science of Life which is a 5,000-year old Indian healing system of the body, mind and spirit, the head massage in The Banjaran Signature Massage uses warm medicinal herbal oil that is slowly trickled over the third eye chakra or forehead, to relieve tension and transport one into a zone of complete relaxation. It is also beneficial in reducing migraines and headaches. 

From the head to the body, the Traditional Malay Urut, a Malaysian massage technique designed to combine stretching, stepping, long kneading strokes and pressure with slow, flowing techniques of lymphatic manual drainage, is used to assist in the improvement of lymphatic circulation and enhancing the immune system. The Malay Urut technique is a method passed down from one generation to the next, including the recipe for its distinctive herbal massage oil prepared by boiling palm oil with herbs and spices containing warming and detoxifying properties.
The Signature massage ends with the Chinese Pressure Point Foot Therapy. A practice which is over 1,000 years old and recognised by the World Health Organisation, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to health with an emphasis on prevention.  Guided by the principle of achieving balance and harmony throughout the body, the Pressure Point Foot Therapy allows the therapist to diagnose problem areas which affect overall body functions and well-being. The foot massage at the end of the treatment therefore, promotes balance by applying pressure on key points on the soles of the feet and opens the body’s meridians to relax, ease stress and tension, improve circulation and help release toxins.
The Spa and Wellness Centre at The Banjaran also features a range of other treatments inclusive of facials, body treatments, Personalised Fitness Programmes and Retreat Programmes.  All programmes take a holistic path to wellness by incorporating meals, exercise as well as spa and wellness treatments.
Retreat Programmes include Detoxification, Weight Loss, Fitness, Rejuvenation and Longevity programmes.  They are designed together with the Health and Wellness Manager, and vary between 2 to 21 days to suit a guest’s length of stay.
The Spa and Wellness Centre also has tailor-made programmes available for guests who prefer a treatment customised according to their needs.
Furthermore, holistic exercise disciplines like Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi are performed on the Open Deck, overlooking a hot springs lake against the breathtaking backdrop of its natural setting. The Banjaran’s wellness programmes integrate preventive medicine and detoxification therapy along with daily access to the retreat’s distinct offerings.

Characteristic features that have been created taking advantage of its surrounding environment, each present a benefit in wellbeing in line with offering guests a truly holistic wellness experience.  These include Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, a Thermal Steam Cave, Ice Bath, Meditation Cave, Crystal Cave, Garra Rufa Doctor Fish Pool, Jungle Walk, Fitness Centre and Freeform Swimming Pool. 
A natural and relatively rare phenomenon, The Banjaran’s geothermal hot springs water flows naturally at the base of its hills.  This fresh hot springs water billows up at a rate of 3 million litres per day or approximately 2,000 litres per minute from the ground below.  Its source is a deep underground reservoir fed by rainwater that slowly percolates downwards through the limestone hills and underlying granite.  While cascading through the rocks, the water collects minerals and dissolved ions; making it ideal to supply the retreat’s hot springs dipping pools, feed the steam cave, fill the hot springs lake and warm up the swimming pool. 
The Jacuzzi-style Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools provide a leisurely, relaxing soak that also aids in alleviating stressed muscles and tired joints.  Whereas, the Thermal Steam Cave which is fitted with a platform overlooking the body of crystal clear hot springs water with temperatures of 65ºC to 70ºC, presents a natural sauna that allows for restorative therapy to soothe, relax and detoxify. 
Following the Steam Cave, guests may plunge into the Ice Bath.  Dousing in the freezing water helps increase circulation throughout the body, reduces blood pressure and strengthens the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
Here at The Banjaran, its limestone hills are made up of deep-marine sediments that have been deposited since approximately 280 million years ago during an age called Permian by geologists.  Having been dissolved by freshwater to form natural caves, these cave formations have further been embellished to present a Meditation Cave and Crystal Cave
The Meditation Cave features limestone that is light grey with dark grey sedimentary laminations appearing as streaks.  Its deepest part also holds remnants of a river which once flowed through the cave, producing cave walls with a polished appearance.  The cave with natural wall “paintings” that are awe-inspiring, offers ideal seclusion to focus the mind in silence for complete relaxation and contemplation.  In the Crystal Cave on the other hand, amethyst and quartz crystals facilitate metaphysical healing.  It is also the perfect setting for private energy healing treatments like Reiki. 
A Doctor Fish Pool contains exotic Garra Rufa fish which provides a tingling yet relaxing sensation to the legs.  Inspired by the treatment originating from Turkey, dipping legs into the pool helps eliminate dead skin cells, rejuvenates the skin and is aimed at alleviating psoriasis. 
For the adventurous at heart, guests may take off on a half-hour jungle-trekking trail through the dense, deep limestone hill forests of the Lost World of Tambun.  The Jungle Walk trail allows for exploration and appreciation of unique flora and fauna like the uncommon, luminescent green, single-leafed plants called the Monophyllaea horsfieldii which only grow on limestone-derived soils, swift-flowing waterfalls and mysterious caves.  Private guided trekking is also available, if so desired. 
To keep guests enthused and motivated towards reaching their fitness goals, The Banjaran’s purpose-built, modern design fitness centre accommodates the latest fitness movements.  It is equipped with a full range of quality fitness and training equipment for a total body workout.  Otherwise, leisurely laps can be enjoyed wading through the Freeform Swimming Pool which harmoniously blends in to the unique locale.  The geothermal-heated pool’s warm water is also perfect for healing, relaxing and rejuvenating.
The Banjaran’s holistic wellness experience is completed with healthy cuisine offered by Pomelo - its all-day restaurant which seats between 40 to 75 persons - presenting cosy indoor dining as well as al fresco dining within any one of the three gazebos that extend over the hot springs. Pomelo which acquires its name from the fruit that Ipoh is famous for, features a healthy and nourishing, yet flavourfully-fresh menu. 

The freshest organic and locally sourced ingredients take highlight in recipes that are designed to be well-balanced and easily digested.  Healthy selections of organic fruit, vegetable, fresh seafood and premium poultry are served as delicious appetisers, main courses and desserts.  These servings are also free of artificial seasoning and flavouring, and have their tastes accentuated with fresh herbs and spices.  A variety of fresh vegetable and fruit juices as well as international organic wines are available from the Juice Bar for a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
For a night of unwinding, swirl, sip and savour any of the magnificent Jeff’s Cellar’s organic and rare wines.  The private wine cellar’s setting within a grotto with some of the most spectacular cave concretions, makes it one of the most unique wine bars in the world.  Its entrance is disguised in a medieval fashion with a deep well, and high steel grated gates bearing double crests.  Beyond the entrance, dim lighting with an ethereal feel, intimate cave interiors, and breathtaking natural water features which also give it a cooling effect together with hi-tech air-conditioning, guests are transported into another realm for a whole new encounter and indulgence.
Apart from rejuvenation and relaxation, The Banjaran is also ideal as a venue for intimate meetings, novel events and destination weddings.  Refreshing ideas can be sparked in a small-group business review, strategy meeting or brainstorm held at the Meeting Room.  Similarly, for private events and parties, Jeff’s Cellar’s exclusive ambience adds stylish appeal and extravagance to significant occasions, launches and gatherings held in the posh cavern.  For a celebration of nuptials, guests can opt for the Observation Deck to exchange vows and make it an unforgettable destination wedding.
The environment and philosophy of The Banjaran are designed to encourage renewal towards wellness.  In addition, it is built on eco-friendly practices with conservation given high priority.  Melding into its natural surroundings, the retreat is committed to sustainable practices that include energy and water conservation, proper waste management and chemical reduction.

For accommodation, a total of 25 exclusive Garden and Water Villas are dispersed across the sweeping valley floor.  Garden Villas measure 2,808 sq. ft. and feature their own secluded tropical courtyard, whereas Water Villas have an area of 1,667 sq. ft. and rest on the banks of a water canal.  Every villa is designed to blend the indoors with the outdoors.  Employing heavy wood, glass and Malaysian fixtures and furnishing, the villas exude a contemporary feel.
Each abode encompasses an extensive outdoor terrace that bears a plunge pool, living and dining area, and a state-of-the-art sound and music system that enhances its overall mood.  Stepping in, the sumptuous bedroom suite comprises an oversized 7-foot king-size bed with 10cm thick “feather-bed” topped mattress, feathered-down duvet, cotton-rich linens and hypoallergenic pillows, a writing desk, a 40-inch high-definition LCD-screen television and cabinet, as well as other luxurious conveniences.  There is also an ensuite seating area, while the large bathroom is complemented by a walk-in closet, private outdoor rain shower, outdoor sunken Jacuzzi with natural geothermal hot springs water and an entire range of aromatherapy bath and body care amenities.    
The Banjaran, which is part of Sunway Group’s hospitality arm, was the recipient of the prestigious International Hotel Awards, Malaysia, Asia Pacific and World 2012 - 2013, in the Sustainable Hotel category. The Retreat was also Winner of the Best Resort Development category for the second consecutive year in the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards 2012.  It was declared Runner-Up of the Best Spa Retreat Overseas in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2012, Best Natural Wellness Retreat in the Harper’s Bazaar Spa Awards 2012, and Best Spa Resort in Expatriate Lifestyle’s The Best of Malaysia Travel Awards 2012.  The Banjaran also received the Highly Commended Spa Hotel at the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 in association with Bloomberg Television, and had its spa and wellness centre accorded 5-star ranking by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia.  The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a Condé Nast Johansens Recommended destination. 

To maintain tranquility and exclusivity, The Banjaran welcomes adults and guests 12 years of age and over.
For more information on The Banjaran’s wellness programmes, or villa reservations, call The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat at +60 5 210 7777, fax +60 5 210 7778 or email reservation@thebanjaran.com.  For a glimpse of bespoke wellness, visit www.thebanjaran.com



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