All-natural, all-organic signature range introduced alongside results-driven treatments from Irish sustainable seaweed-based beauty brand, VOYA
Pictured (l-r): The Spa at The Datai Langkawi; VOYA seaweed facial; Spa suite
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia, has launched Akar, an all-natural, all-organic plant-based spa line created exclusively for the resort to provide the massage oils, potions and poultices used in its traditional Malaysian Ramuan treatments. Balancing the inspiration of age-old local healing traditions with contemporary innovations, The Spa at The Datai Langkawi also welcomes a revolutionary range of certified, results-driven facial and body treatments using wild, sustainably hand-harvested seaweed by Irish brand VOYA Organic Beauty.
Meaning ‘roots’ in Malay, Akar’s formulations are based on Ramuan’s practice of using plant-based ingredients to detoxify, rejuvenate and regenerate. The range comprises three lines, each drawn from one of The Datai Langkawi’s three biomes or habitats - The Rainforest, The Mangrove, and The Sea – and each with distinct properties. The Rainforest products harness a selection of the 15,000 species of local flowering plants, drawing on their healing, restorative, and beautifying properties: champaka, for example is known for its antioxidant properties; ylang ylang can act as an anti-depressant; jasmine is known to be relaxing; nutmeg has pain relieving qualities and aids the digestive system; and cinnamon possesses antiseptic properties. Products from The Mangrove range incorporate ingredients that have been used for centuries to treat health disorders: mangrove charcoal draws out impurities; pandan is known to lower blood pressure; and black glutinous rice has anti-ageing properties. Finally, The Sea range of products is made with micronutrients taken from the ocean, such as pearl that aids skin rejuvenation and can provide a light exfoliation, or seaweed which is moisturising, and has anti-ageing qualities.
Pictured (l-r): The Spa ; Urut Melayu Massage
Recently awarded ‘Sustainable Spa of the Year’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards, The Spa at The Datai Langkawi offers immersive treatments in the heart of the rainforest, to induce a sensory journey of overall wellbeing. Enveloped by the tranquil sights, meditative sounds and subtle scents of the jungle, each secluded spa villa features indoor and outdoor showers, with a spacious river-view soaking bath. Treatments are Ramuan-based, and each commences with a healing mangrove-based foot bath and ends with a cleansing tea. Incorporating a selection of rainforest herb-infused oils, Urut Melayu is a full-body, deep pressure massage involving long kneading strokes to encourage healthy blood flow and an overall sense of wellbeing. A deeply relaxing treatment, Tungku Batu, meaning ‘heart of stone’, uses stones collected from the resort’s riverbed wrapped together with healing herbs. This blend, used by Malay healers for its ability to reduce pain and increase blood circulation, is heated, and applied to muscles and pressure points.
Guests are also invited to complement their wellness treatments at the resort’s The Nature Centre where they can enjoy specially curated teas, made with curative herbs and spices; the Holistic Pavilion with meditation, yoga and Pilates, focussing on the synthesis of natural healing methods, movement and breathing exercises to elicit a sense of wellbeing; or immerse themselves in the traditional Malay ritual of Mandi Embun, translating to ‘forest bathing’, before diving into the refreshing waters of a pristine forest stream.
Pictured (l-r): Mandi Embun ritual at Crystal Creek; The Holistic Pavilion
As well as respecting local healing traditions, The Datai Langkawi reflects Ramuan’s heritage of evolution by striving to continuously innovate and embrace relevant contemporary learnings. In this spirit, The Spa at The Datai Langkawi has also entered a partnership with VOYA that strengthens its commitment to integrating conservation and sustainability into all aspects of its business operations, company ethos and guest experience. VOYA treatments combine the expertise of the world’s best cosmetic scientists with a deep knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of its natural marine ingredients. Sharing a commitment to conserving nature’s beauty, VOYA helps to protect the biodiversity of the west coast of Ireland’s reefs through sustainable and traditional seaweed harvesting practices.
Seaweed has been used as therapy for a variety of skin and rheumatic conditions in Ireland for over 300 years. Naturally absorbing its nourishment from the sea, over 80 per cent of the plant is made up of essential minerals, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds, working as a powerful antioxidant to fight against free radicals that damage cells and DNA. Knowing that every skin type needs to be treated differently, a specific type of seaweed is carefully selected for each guest. Signature treatments at The Datai Langkawi include the 90-minute Jewel of The Datai, the ultimate facial experience, starting with a relaxing back massage to melt away muscular pain, followed by a hydrating and purifying facial. A massage and dual-action facial mask follow, utilising the exclusive re-mineralising Laminaria seaweed leaves to deeply hydrate and reinvigorate the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles. The Waves of Relaxation Seaweed Bath is a unique bathing ritual using the natural power of organic hand-harvested Fucus Serratus seaweed to nourish the skin, increase circulation and promote healing. Guests can also enjoy this experience in the privacy of their own room or villa.
View The Datai Spa menu here.
Red Savannah (01242 787800, redsavannah.com) offers a seven-night private journey in Malaysia from £3,600 per person, including seven nights on bed and breakfast basis at The Datai Langkawi in a Canopy Deluxe Room; return flights from London Heathrow to Langkawi via Kuala Lumpur in Economy; and private return airport transfers.
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Notes to Editors:
For high-resolution photos of The Datai Langkawi, please click here.
For high-resolution photos of The Spa at The Datai Langkawi, please click here.
ABOUT THE DATAI LANGKAWI
One of the world’s most stunning resorts, The Datai Langkawi, is situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Located in an ancient rainforest rich in wildlife and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay awarded by National Geographic one of the Top 10 Beaches worldwide, the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture, understated elegance and Malaysian hospitality. All of the 121 rooms, villas and suites at The Datai Langkawi, including the five-bedroom The Datai Estate Villa, offer breath-taking views of the surrounding nature. Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest and located directly on the coastline, the dining outlets which include the award-winning The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room and The Beach Club, pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond. Bespoke facilities include The Nature Centre, an educational facility and home to resident naturalists and marine biologists, and The Spa featuring Ramuan treatments, its own Akar retail range, and Voya facials. Leisure facilities include three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre at The Health Club; an array of wellness activities including silat and yoga, retail outlet The Boutique, a reserved space to showcase local arts and talents at The Atelier, as well as one of the most scenic golf courses in the world designed by golf legend Ernie Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai. The resort has founded The Datai Pledge in 2019 - a sustainability and conservation trust that supports Langkawi’s unique fauna, flora and communities. All proceeds from The Datai Pledge aid this work and contribute to local non-profit organisations. The Datai Langkawi is managed by Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd, an investment holding company incorporated to develop, manage and operate hospitality and attraction destinations.
For further press information and images, please contact:
Sarah Harvey (sarah@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR