Copyright forbes
YTL Hotels' Pangkor Laut, on a private island in Malaysia, may just be one of the most beautiful wellness hotels in the world. Longevity is what everyone is talking about right now. According to a study conducted by Ipsos, the global marketing research company, 87 percent of Americans want to take steps to live longer, healthier lives. And 70 percent want to know the secrets to feeling younger than their age. As scientists study nonagenarians and octogenarians around the globe—a large percentage living in Asia—they are realizing that genetics only account for 25 percent of the calculation on how long we live. That means the other 75 percent is up to you. But while Americans have a desire to live long, 74 percent of those surveyed were sorely lacking in basic knowledge about precisely lifestyle is a factor in healthy aging. Sometimes it takes a village, a spa village, to set you on the right path. The award-winning YTL Hotels is a Malaysian family-owned hospitality group with some of the most exquisite wellness hotels and healing spas in the world. Their ground-breaking Spa Village concept melds global culture and healing traditions with a visionary approach to mind-body wellness unlike any hospitality brand before or since. From the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur to the Gainsborough Bath Spa to The Surin Phuket to Pangkor Laut—a private island resort three miles off the west coast of Malaysia— YTL, as a premiere luxury brand, is still a bit under the radar, despite pioneering 35 of the most beautiful healing spas, known as Spa Villages, in the world. Each Spa Village honors the authentic healing traditions and wellness culture of the country where it is based, with skilled local therapists, doctors and practitioners sharing their healing gifts. “Spa Village pioneered the concept of experiential indigenous healing and wellness,” says Lai Ping Chik, Senior VP, Spa Division, YTL Hotels, who was there from the beginning. Their secret sauce has relied on time-honored local ingredients and beautifully designed resorts in jaw-dropping locations since the beginning. And the imprint they’ve made on global wellness is immeasurable. Jamu Bar overlooking Emerald Bay, an idyllic spot for a mindful meal. Longevity and Wellness Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia A jewel in the crown, Pangkor Laut is the flagship YTL Spa Village and still one of the best. Tucked along an ancient rain forest, rimmed by white sugar-sand beaches, the private-island resort, along the Straits of Malacca, is easily reached from Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. The glamorous resort, with its innovative programs, was created to honor the spa culture of Malaysia, with its fusion of Malay, Indian and Chinese influences. Guests can book consultations with accomplished Ayurvedic doctors, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and expert Malay healers, who operate from open-air “healing huts,” and dispense wisdom from some of the oldest healing cultures in the world. They start with an intake assessment, then prescribe detailed bespoke nutritional programs, breathing exercises, movement programs, special teas and spa treatments, as well as ways to strengthen areas of weakness in mind and body. The wellness menu is extensive, and each spa treatment begins with a 45-minute Bath House Ritual, a bathing circuit showcasing traditional Asian bathing rituals—Japanese, Malay, and more. There could not be a more relaxing way to begin your wellness journey. Some regimens may include hydrotherapy, energy work, cupping, acupuncture, detox and de-stressing therapies, Ayurveda and more. The surroundings—ancient trees, secluded horseshoe bays, over water bungalows—are serenely beautiful and spread over 300 acres, which are mostly left in harmony with nature. The Malay Circulating Bath, one of a series of international bathing rituals at the Bath House at the Spa Village Pangkor Laut, Malaysia Breakfast on the beach includes an incredible buffet, with Western-style breakfast options, along with congee, Nasi Lemok, Chinese soups, a million condiments, noodles, roti and so much more. Twice each week, the chefs set up festive “stalls” where they serve incredibly delicious “street food” for dinner–including delicious vegetarian dishes–which could be laksa, Hainan noodles, curries and rendangs, roti jala with sambal, Peking duck and banana leaf curry, from a vast Malay, Chinese and Indian menu. At the Nature Center, experienced naturalists and conservationists on the team can take you jungle-trekking, from the beach into the rainforest, where monkeys, turtles, hornbills and a “bat tree” await. If you are lucky, you may see a pangolin, an endangered species endemic to the island, or learn about the Coral Rehabilitation Project, animal rescue initiatives, and sea turtle rescues. Be warned: you will be very sad to leave this extraordinary place and the beautiful people you will meet here, whose tremendous heart and spirit will lift you—mind, body and spirit. As Dr. Sun Wai Yee, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine says, “How you appear is how your heart is at the moment.” After a visit to Pangkor Laut, your heart will be soaring. The Michelin-selected Li Yen at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, serves elevated, classic Cantonese cuisine. Urban Oasis The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is one of the world’s largest and most multicultural cities, full of beautiful gardens, luxury hotels and fascinating international markets. The YTL-owned Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur provides a perfect launchpad for exploring this fascinating city. The hotel is connected to an upscale shopping center that houses several fine dining spots, and before you head out to explore Chinatown or the Central Market for Malay handicrafts, the first thing to do is head for lunch at Luk Yu Tea House, inspired by Tang Dynasty poet Lu Yu, a renowned Chinese tea master. In addition to an exquisite selection of dumplings and dim sum, guests can choose from a vast selection of beautiful teas to accompany the meal. (I can never get enough Puerh, native to Yunnan province.) The dining options are stellar, from Michelin-selected Li Yen, a classic, old-school style, low-key Cantonese restaurant with terrific food. Enjoy afternoon tea at the YTL-owned Majestic, a historic colonial-style hotel built in 1932, and spend an afternoon at the spa. The Colonial Cafe at the nearby Majestic, is a gracious throwback to Malaysia’s planter history, with beautiful garden views and delicious food. For something more casual, visit nearby Hutong, a cluster of street food vendors representing cuisines from around Malaysia. After a long journey, try Malay Foot Steaming at Spa Village Kuala Lumpur Service and attention to detail are impeccable at the Ritz-Carlton in KL. Not only does the team anticipate your every need, they make you feel extremely well taken care of. Book a consultation with a Malay Specialist at Spa Village Kuala Lumpur at the Ritz-Carlton, and experience the healing of 1000 years of history, based on bring the body back in harmony with herbal treatments and curatives such as galangal, turmeric and more. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
