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
Garden Villa
-Hot springs dipping pool
Seek enlightenment by meditating inside the Crystal Cave
Source of Banjaran's hot springs
24-carat Gold Facial by Kuush of Australia
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!
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!
Getting a massage here is pure bliss!
One of the water pondoks for semi-al fresco dining at The Pomelo restaurant
The entrance to The Banjaran. All structures are lowrise and blend sympathetically and beautifully with the environment!
Stretching and doing yoga exercises are easy as pie here
Meditation Cave is serene, cool and soothing to the soul
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
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
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 hot springs
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
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
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
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
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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