Spa Profile: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang is a charming tropical retreat located on the beachfront in Malaysia.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang first opened its doors in 1973 along Batu Feringgi Beach in Penang, Malaysia and was originally known as Rasa Sayang Hotel. The resort was built around the eight majestic rain trees by the sea, preserving the trees for posterity. Set on 30-acres of a former private property, Rasa Sayang was the first five-star resort in Malaysia and the first Shangri-La property in Malaysia. The original motto of Rasa Sayang was: “A love of life and all its pleasures.”

The Shangri-La name was inspired by James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon, which describes the mythical and mysterious place called Shangri-La in Tibet where beautiful surroundings, serenity, and impeccable service take precedence. Over multiple decades, the Rasa Sayang has become an iconic resort and allows guests to experience their own private Shangri-La.

Set within a secluded corner of the resort, CHI, The Spa offers 11 spa villas and a yoga pavilion. Villas are equipped with a private changing room, a treatment room and a private garden, all surrounded by 30 acres of lush gardens; while the spa menu includes an assortment of healing and relaxing Chinese and Malay treatments.

We interviewed Joshua Tan, Area Spa Director-Malaysia, who shared details about the spa’s amenities, treatment recommendations, special spa bonuses, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Our talented colleagues are the main reasons why guests love our spa. Guests love the personalized treatment experience given by each staff member they encounter. Each one of them imparts a high level of care by tailoring to the needs of individual guests upon reservation. They are also skillful in providing intuitive touch during a spa treatment and ensuring that every guest encounters a memorable stay which is worth coming back for. The lush garden setting offers the ultimate relaxing experience with our single and couple private villas.

Key Features: Guests can enjoy the vast and spacious Garden Villa, which offers a host of amenities including a private outdoor bath, indoor and outdoor shower, and changing facilities.

Villas are equipped with a private changing room, a treatment room and a private garden, all surrounded by 30 acres of lush gardens.

Snacks Served: Cold refreshments such as tutti frutti-infused water and hot green teas are served. Green apples are offered after the treatment to complete the spa experience.

Insider’s Tip: Upgrade your treatment by selecting one of our featured enhancements. No extra time is required while results are effective and immediate. A must-try!

Bonus: Upon arrival, cold refreshments such as tutti frutti-infused water and hot green teas are served. Green apples are offered after treatment to complete the spa experience.

Unique Treatment: Anti-Aging Myoxy Caviar Facial. It’s the perfect cellular rejuvenating treatment that uses caviar and pearl extract with a blend of phyto-extracts. A luxurious clay mask will improve elasticity, increase oxygenation of cells and suppleness of the skin. Facial expression lines and wrinkles will be significantly reduced. This is an excellent choice for mature skin.

Guests can enjoy the vast and spacious Garden Villa, which includes a private outdoor bath, indoor and outdoor shower.

Splurge Treatment: A famous wellness journey, Mindful Luxury Retreat for Two. Reconnect with your partner and find the inner peace and harmony between two souls. This journey for two combines two signature treatments: Organic Probiotic Body Scrub and Age Defying Organic Wrap Combo for two (90-minute combo including rinse). The treatment ends with the couple’s Rejuvenating Aromatherapy Massage (60 minutes), which is a total spa journey indulgence.

The spa menu includes Chinese and Malay treatments.

Insider’s Favorite: One of my favorite spa treatments is definitely our Signature Herbal Asmaradana Massage. It’s an authentic Malaysian massage that uses the healing effects of ginger oil and steamed linen poultices filled with local herbs, lemongrass, and pandan leaves to reduce tension, soothe sore muscles, and increase circulation.

The 5-star property is home to expansive tropical gardens with a fantastic lagoon-style pool as the focal point.

Featured Products: CHI carries ZENTS products, which are formulated with up to 98% organic and biodynamic ingredients. They come in four gentle aroma scents: MANDARIN (warming and invigorating), OOLONG (energizing and balancing), ORE (euphoric and stimulating), and SUN (calming and comforting).

There is also the option of UNZENTED (unscented). A wide variety of products from body oil and lotion to body balm and shower amenities are showcased in CHI to relax, rejuvenate, and calm the body and mind. Take-home products are available for purchase in our CHI Boutique.

For more information, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @rasasayangresort

[Images courtesy of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang]