November/December 2017 AsiaSpa 129cake. Another lovely place for sundowners
or steamboat (hotpot, if you’re from Hong
Kong) is shady Teretai Terrace where there’s
nothing separating you from the jungle.
Since you’re spoiling yourself, you may
as well do it properly with the signature
Asam Roselle treatment at Spa Village
Tanjong Jara, where the incredible massage,
scrub and tea served at the end are each
inspired by the dark red hibiscus flower.
Introduced into Malaysia from India, it’s
used in traditional medicine and local
cuisine, believed to lower blood sugar
levels, ability to create collagen naturally
and for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The combination of long kneading strokes
and exfoliation with rice and coconut oil
will ensure you leave feeling, smelling and
looking as you should post-getaway.
http://www.tanjongjararesort.comIf sloth-like is more your pace, you
technically needn’t set foot off grounds to
experience nature as a taste of the jungle is
minutes away. The Jara Hill Walk & Malay
Herbal Garden Visit takes you up a path
into a lush tangle where frankly there isn’t
a great deal to see, except for a wooden
deck with views of the ocean, though
mostly obstructed by the overgrowth.
Douse yourself in repellent, as mozzies are
relentless. If plants and herbs don’t interest
you, perhaps give it a miss, though may be
worth going just to hear Captain Mok’s story
on surviving a king cobra bite and advice
on how to repel leeches when trekking
(if you’re wondering, soak your socks in
seawater and let them hang out to dry; the
salt repels them).
LICENSE TO CHILL
Considering the schlep to Terengganu, you
are probably content to spend the majority
of the time prone, sipping on coconuts and
doing little else, with no judgement on our
part. The most obvious resort indulgence
aside from its idyllic setting is dining.
A picnic on the beach is decadent, so
come hungry as the portions are no joke
- mammoth-sized pasta, sandwich, fruit
and cheese plate. Nelayan is the favourite
for a romantic dinner à deux. Try the cod
with lobster sauce and flourless chocolate
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Pamper yourself with a
signature treatment at
Spa Village Tanjong Jara;
romantic dining by the
pool; spend time prone,
sipping on coconuts and
doing little else