Let’s face it, hustle culture has brainwashed us all into working nonstop. Once in a while, it’s important to take a breather and remember that getting that bag isn’t the only thing that matters; we all need our downtime too. If you’re looking for a break from the constant grind, there’s no better way to unwind than by treating yourself to some much-needed spa time at one of the best spas in KL.
Since there are hundreds of luxury spas in Kuala Lumpur alone, it can be confusing to pick the right one for you. On the bright side, you won’t have to travel too far from home to find the most lavish spas offering the most sumptuous of treatments.
Here are some of the best spas in KL you can visit:
Nestled in a quiet corner in the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, The Spa offers a great deal of respite from the hustle and bustle one may experience within the KL city centre. The Spa recently unveiled a new selection of spa indulgences featuring Spa Senses products from
Skeyndor, an acclaimed Spanish skincare brand. The menu features a myriad of treatments ranging from Ayurvedic to Swedish massages to aromatherapy, depending on what your needs are that current day. Whatever you choose, all treatments begin with a welcome massage that you can pick with two types of essential oils: ginger and bitter orange to stimulate and energise, or lavender and cinnamon to soothe and calm.
Indecisive minds can pick between some of The Spa’s signature massages: Balancing Ancient Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic treatment that uses spice-infused oils to target specific energy points to balance the body’s energy fields; Energising Yoga Flow, using a blend of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to perform “assisted yoga” and engage the body in varying movements and pressures; finally, the Releasing De-Tense Therapy, blending Swedish and Turkish massage methods to ease stress and tension.
Address: Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Located on the second floor of 163 Retail Park in Mont Kiara, the Urban Retreat Onsen Spa is a heavily awarded refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. The word onsen refers to a hot spring in the Japanese language as the spa draws inspiration from the famous geothermally heated natural hot springs in Japan. As the first onsen spa in Malaysia, this unique parlour boasts wooden tubs made out of Hinoki wood, popular amongst the Japanese for its stress-relieving properties for maximum relaxation. At Urban Retreat Onsen Spa, guests can receive their usual massages and scrubs with the addition of a hot spring-inspired bath.
Address: Lot 2F – 02, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
The word hammam means “spreader of warmth” in Arabic, referring to ancient steam bath houses open for public use in Morocco and Turkey. It may seem a little weird to bathe with strangers in this day and age but back then, it was all the rage. In keeping with its name, Hammam Spa is an opulent Moroccan-themed spa with every Middle Eastern decor you can think of; jeweled tiles, brass lamps and doors, a golden arcade, and their signature courtyard fountain. Their best-selling treatments include My Favourite Concubine, Hammam and Gommage and Royal Couple Hammam. Each package comes with an aromatic massage amongst a slew of other therapeutic treatments that allow you to retreat and relax in Hammam’s beautiful Moroccan-inspired surroundings.
Outlets: Publika, Bangsar, and Lot 10.
There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about going to a spa that has a unique theme. The Majestic Spa understands that feeling well as their opulent two-floor establishment is in the art deco style of Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Macintosh’s Willow Tearooms in Scotland. As the hotel itself is a national heritage site with a rich colonial history, this grants the spa an authentic feeling of being taken back in time, much appreciated by history-loving spa enthusiasts.
Don’t be confused by The Majestic Spa’s signature treatment, English Afternoon Tea, there’s no actual food or drink involved. What’s in store is arguably better; a lavish scrub, massage and facial inspired by the sacred British ritual of taking tea and cakes in the afternoon. Another popular treatment at The Majestic Spa goes by the ancient name for what is now known as Peninsular Malaysia, the Malaya Golden Chersonese.
Address: The Majestic Hotel, 5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Tasik Perdana, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
“With pulsating ambient lights in every room of the space, Away Spa is very W Hotel-coded. I tried the Flow Away Signature Massage, which is a must for first-timers to the spa. The 90-minute session begins with a 15-minute foot jacuzzi, where you can start your journey to unwind with a warm, pulsating foot bath while on a massage chair. The actual massage afterwards is a strong, deep-tissue experience that promises to untangle even the toughest of muscle knots. Using a fragrant essential oil and sweeping strokes, the masseuse at Away Spa is most certainly strong and talented; perfect for those who love a tough session.” – PohNee Chin, Managing Editor.
Address: W Kuala Lumpur, 121, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
POSH is well-known across Malaysia as the go-to place for meticulous nail grooming. Now, they have expanded their range of services to include exquisite spa sessions offered at Serenity by POSH in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This glamorous spa is built to maximize the feeling of tranquillity and stillness, with six special high-ceilinged treatment rooms fully equipped with all the necessary spa facilities. Their signature full-body treatment, Touch of Serenity, is completely personalized according to individual preferences. A favourite for fussy spa regulars, you can even select your preferred rubbing oil and massage techniques. Custom-made serenity packaged into one luxurious spa treatment.
Address: 39 Floor, Element Kuala Lumpur, 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Mandarin Oriental is an internationally acclaimed, world-class brand specializing in the very best of accommodations and fine dining. It comes as no surprise that The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is an award-winning luxury spa with five stars to its name, a favourite for anyone who’s anyone. The lavish premises include over-the-top relaxation facilities such as a sauna, steam rooms and vitality pools. One of the many signature therapies lauded by spa enthusiasts is the Digital Wellness Escape, a much-needed detox aimed to relieve the strain from being chronically online. A definite must for those of us addicted to scrolling through TikTok.
Address: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Another multi-award-winning establishment, the Banyan Tree Spa Kuala Lumpur is named after the sacred tree used as a shelter for Asian travellers centuries ago. A true sanctuary for the senses, this swanky spa is an instant hit amongst spa lovers, particularly those who favour traditional Asian massage techniques. Strategically located with the best view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyscrapers, the Banyan Tree Hotel sits amongst the highly favoured five-star hotels and spas in the city.
Let’s slip in another fun fact; the Banyan tree is depicted in the national coat of arms in Indonesia, explaining the major Indonesian influences present in the offered Banyan Signatures. Amongst the favourites, the Royal Banyan is a Banyan Tree Spa specialty for total physical, mental and spiritual renewal, luxurious enough to suit even royalty.
Address: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Sanctum Wellness Spa towers over Kuala Lumpur on the 29th floor of the popular five-star hotel, EQ, within walking distance of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. An award-winning spa inspired by the soothing vibes of nature, Sanctum Wellness provides unique treatments with the use of colours known as chromotherapy. Other in-demand luxe treatments include the Sanctum Signature and the Traditional Urutan Malaysia, both aiming to lull clients into a deep sense of relaxation and to improve blood circulation respectively.
Address: Level 29, EQ, Equatorial Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Standing out from the crowd as a self-sustainable establishment, M Spa by M Resort & Hotel is a must-visit amongst the luxury spas in Kuala Lumpur. This oasis of tranquillity located in Bukit Kiara grows its own produce such as carrots, lemons, and aloe vera, which are then used for their therapeutic practices. Combining modern-day techniques with reliable traditional practices, M Spa’s signature treatment is the Four Hand Massage which requires two massage therapists working simultaneously on one client. It might sound a little extra but more is more when your ultimate relaxing spa experience is at stake.
Address: M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Damansara.
On the 6th floor of The RuMa Hotel alongside its other top-of-the-line facilities sits UR SPA, a chic sanctuary which offers award-winning remedies such as UR A Goddess for Best Stress-Relieving Treatment and UR A Warrior for Best Natural Massage. With Modern Science and Ancient Healing as core principles, UR SPA offers tailor-made treatments inspired by both Eastern and Western techniques for the most relaxing experience possible. This luxurious spa also provides in-room bath butler treatments so you’ll have your very own bath servant to aid you in the safety and comfort of your own hotel room.
Address: The RuMa Hotel and Residences, 7, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
This article was originally published on December 20th, 2023.