4 onsen spas in Southeast Asia with modern twists for a holistic luxury wellness experience
Not in Japan? No problem – these four wellness centres offer a 21st century take on the Japanese hot spring bathing tradition, in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines
There’s nothing quite as soothing as indulging in a hot soak after a long day, which is perhaps why so many tourists seek to experience the traditional Japanese bathing culture themselves. Onsen baths, or hot spring baths, offer a relaxing escape, soothing both body and mind as the mineral-rich waters work magic on your skin.
While it’s not every day that you get to dip into geothermal waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains or lush foliage in Japan, you can still enjoy it elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Luxury onsen spas in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines all offer hot spring bath facilities, but they also take the traditional onsen up a notch with contemporary wellness touches, offering massages, scrubs and body wraps to complement your soak and provide a holistic experience.
Urban Retreat Onsen Spa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Located in one of the newest shopping plazas in upscale Mont Kiara, Urban Retreat lives up to its name. With its warm lighting, wooden furnishings and pampering treatment menu, the luxurious spa offers solitude and respite in the midst of a concrete jungle. Touted as the first onsen spa in Malaysia, Urban Retreat melds Japanese traditions with local practises. Each private onsen room comes fitted with a specially crafted bathtub made from hinoki wood. The bath is fully customisable as well; guests can choose their desired water temperature – 42 degrees Celsius (108 Fahrenheit) is ideal for seasoned onsen goers, while 38 is recommended for those who are new to the practice – as well as their own onsen salt. There’s iyashi for healing, kirei for supple skin, and Zen to calm the mind, all of which are crystalline powders extracted from natural hot springs in Japan.
The spa’s day packages include any combination of onsen, body wrap, treatment or massage. There are a variety of massage techniques available on the menu, but the Timeless Urutan Malaysia is a must-try. It combines traditional Malay massage techniques with Chinese acupuncture and Indian champissage to provide deep relief to tight muscles, the perfect way to finish what the onsen started – loosened knots and all.
Address: Lot 2F-02, 2nd floor, 163 Retail Park, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pañpuri Wellness, Bangkok, Thailand
The beauty of Pañpuri Wellness, apart from its sun-streamed spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, is how it makes your body and mind feel at ease as soon as you step in. The tranquil spa is an oasis of calm in the bustling Ratchaprasong district, offering a myriad of wellness programmes and services for top-to-toe renewal and to address the ailments of 21st century life (stress, sleep deprivation and skin fatigue being the common culprits Pañpuri Wellness aims tackle).