This article is brought to you in part by The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.

Enjoy a memorable and indulgent escape to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, a multiple-award winning holistic spa and wellness destination that’s an easy drive away.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Sunway Group’s and Malaysia’s first luxury natural wellness hot springs getaway, is nestled in a 16.19-acre valley cradled by lush tropical rainforest, geothermal hot springs, natural caves, cascading waterfalls, and 260-million year- old Paleozoic limestone hills.

This sanctuary of bespoke wellness is a 15-minute drive from the city of Ipoh in the northern state of Perak, and just two hours from Kuala Lumpur. Since its opening in January 2010, The Banjaran has become an acclaimed self-contained hideaway for the ultimate in relaxation, renewal, and rejuvenation.

The retreat features a Spa and Wellness Centre offering authentic Asian holistic wellness and spa treatments, a collection of 25 luxury Garden and Water Villas ranging from 1,667 to 2,808 sq ft, and a host of unique features custom-designed to inspire indulgent relaxation.

Wellness and relaxation

At the heart and soul of The Banjaran experience is its Spa and Wellness Centre. Here, a full team of wellness practitioners are available, designing a more holistic, purposeful programme for guests.

The centre offers more than 40 types of holistic treatments and therapies that are inspired by the ancient practices of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, using both pure and natural ingredients, as well as the purest extracts and essential oils from Aromatherapy Associates, an award-winning British brand.

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.

Emphasizing 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.

The Banjaran boasts a number of characteristic features which advantage of its surrounding environment, each presenting a benefit in line with offering guests a truly holistic wellness experience.

Facilities and environs

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 water flows naturally at the base of its hills.

This fresh hot springs water billows up at a rate of approximately 2,000 litres per minute from its source, a deep underground reservoir fed by rainwater that slowly percolates downwards through the limestone hills and underlying granite.

While cascading through the rocks, the water collects minerals and dissolved ions, making it ideal to supply the retreat’s hot springs dipping pools, feed the steam cave, fill the hot springs lake, and warm up the swimming pool.

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 65° to 70°C, presents a natural sauna that allows for restorative therapy to soothe, relax, and detoxify.

Restaurants and bars

The Banjaran’s holistic wellness experience is completed with healthy cuisine offered by its all-day restaurant, Pomelo, 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 flavorful fresh menu.

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 unique and special indulgence.

Treat yourself to an indulgent and rejuvenating wellness getaway… with no airline ticket required! Escape to the multiple-award-winning Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and find tranquility and bespoke luxury in equal measure. For more information and reservations, visit thebanjaran.com or temptingplaces.com or call 605.210 7777.