Spa Village Tanjong Jara – The philosophy of Sucimurni

Anyone who has met me; at first impressions, thinks I’m high-strung and incredibly impatient. At my most natural self, my gestures and mannerism are brisk, my movements hurried and my speech rapid. People find themselves exhausted attempting to keep up with me, if they even attempt at all.

Underneath it all, I admit I’m fatigued. Both physically and mentally. Keeping the blog going takes dedication and effort, and running a company is no joke, even if it’s just a boutique consultancy firm.

Though this trip was planned months back, it was timely as I was near burned out recently. Finally admitting to myself that I just had to get away and take a step back from it all, I gladly turned down invitations, postponed meetings and switched my mind off work.

Tanjong Jara was beautiful in every way possible, from the accommodation to the hospitality, the facilities and the bewitching but serene surroundings.

For today I’m sharing my Asam Roselle body treatment at the Spa Village within the resort itself. It was one of the highlights of my stay simply because I’ve got beautiful pictures to show (meaning pictures of ME! 😛 ) and because it was truly one of the most enjoyable activity that one could possibly experienced here at Tanjong Jara Resort.

I was recommended the Asam Roselle Experience, and being a fan of the flower (both as a drink and in food) I was game to see how this flower can be incorporated in massage oils and treatment.

BACKGROUND:

ASAM ROSELLE (ROSELLE BODY TREATMENT)
More than three centuries ago the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) was introduced into Malaysia from India. This pretty plant with dark red flowers, and unique healing powers, very quickly adapted to the fertile soil and tropical climate, and now grows wild throughout the country. It is known by different local names across peninsular Malaysia: Asam Paya; Asam Kumbang or Asam Susur.

The red Roselle flower has a high vitamin content, containing vitamin C, fruit acids, calcium, iron, potassium as well as antosianin, and has long been used in traditional medicine and local delicacies. It is known to benefit the kidney system, lower blood-sugar levels, and have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It forms natural collagen and assists in vitamin absorption thus improving complexion, and assisting with anti-aging.

Well, I enjoy my roselle teas and roselle pesto pasta (at Indulgence Restaurant in Ipoh) but I didn’t know it has such admirable health properties. I bet you weren’t aware of it either yes? 😀
Another appeal of this treatment for me lies in the fact that a local flower was used; in keeping with the theme of ” Unmistakably Malay”. Another is its philosophy of Sucimurni which emphasizes purity of spirit, health, and well-being; a philosophy anchored in the ancient Malay way of life.

Yes, my session here wasn’t just a massage but it provided insights into the long-ago culture and tradition of which I was never aware of till recently.

The beginning: A cup of soothing hot traditional tea with a cold towel.

I was given a complimentary beautiful Batik Sarong, a memento of my personal Suci Murni experience.

Below: Taking it all in stride, I relaxed and sipped my tea while waiting for my personal therapist.

The waiting area.

After I finished my tea, I was escorted to one of the several private enclosed massage villas with comes with a private lavatory, bathroom and washbasin equipped with full range of amenities including sarong, slippers, bath and vanity products.

My warm and friendly therapist helped me into my sarong. I was absolutely delighted with this as it’s been 2 decades since I last wore one! When I was young, the sarong was a nuisance and such a drab piece of clothing. Now it’s glamourous and sexy! Haha..

Sensual yet prim. 😀

Starting off the treatment was the Mandi Bunga (Malay Floral Bath) ritual which made me felt like a Malay princess. You know those stories you read of young princesses being showered by their maids? I felt like one, for real!

As she pours cups of water over me, she gently murmurs good wishes of  “good health, staying young forever, good blessings ” and so forth.

Then it’s my turn. And I’m allowed to make ONE wish as I pour a cup of water over myself. Guess what I wished for? *wink*

In the sweltering heat I wish I could go on pouring the cool scented water over myself again and again!

One cup was over too fast. Anyhow, it’s time for the massage.

Drift away as a massage of long kneading strokes focuses on your muscles and joints easing away all your aches and pains. The naturally asam (sour) scented massage oil, a blend of Roselle, ginger, nutmeg, galangal and karoteno oil, is full of vitamins A, C and E which rejuvenates your body and nourishes the skin.

Need I say more? My therapist was exceptional with her hands, and I lay quietly as she worked her magic.

By the way, I was asked prior to the session how I prefer my massage level; soft, medium or hard. I exercised caution and chose medium.

ROSELLE CREAM SCRUB

Indulge in the absolutely creamy Roselle scrub, which exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. The moisturising sweetly aromatic concoction with added rice and coconut oil is rich in natural vitamins and fruit acids, which softens and refines the skin to a baby smooth texture.

The roselle scrub followed immediately after the massage. I loved the floral scent!

A short 10 minutes rest followed before I was whisked to the showers.  As I observed earlier, amenities such as hairdryer, shower gel and shampoo were provided for our convenience.

ROSELLE TEA

The treatment concludes with a cup of Roselle tea – red as the Roselle flower’s petals, and high in anti-oxidants. It was the perfect end to a soothing treatment.

My radiant self as I dressed up for dinner that evening.

For more information on getting there and their packages, surf over HERE –>
http://www.spavillage.com/tanjongjara/
http://www.tanjongjararesort.com

Reenergized, faith restored and frayed nerves soothed, my short but reinvigorating Tg Jara Resort stay was just what I needed.

Next -> The start of the journey….

UPDATE:
Guys, check out their Resident’s Package at Tanjong Jara Resort which starts at RM799 nett per night per room, and it includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with complimentary coffee, tea and mineral water served during meals for every night of stay. You can read more about it in the PDF attached. :DD

Tanjong Jara Resort
Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun
23000 Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia
GPS: N 4º 48’ 35.10”, E 103º 25’ 23.65”
Tel: +60 9 845 1100
Fax: +60 9 845 1200
Email: [email protected]
www.tanjongjararesort.com.