Anyone who has met me; at first impressions, thinks Im 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 Im fatigued. Both physically and mentally. Keeping the blog going takes dedication and effort, and running a company is no joke, even if its 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 Im 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 Ive got beautiful pictures to show (meaning pictures of ME! :P ) 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 tro! pical cl imate, 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 didnt know it has such admirable health properties. I bet you werent 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 itsphilosophy of Sucimurniwhich emphasizes purity of spirit, health, and well-being; a philosophyanchored in the ancient Malay way of life.
Yes, my session here wasnt 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 meme! nto of m y 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 withfull 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 its 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 its 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 murmursgood wishes of good health, staying young forever, good blessings and so forth.
Then its my turn. And Im allowed to make ONE wish as I pour a cup of water over myself. Guess what I wished for? *wink*
In theswelteringheat I wish I could go on pouring the cool scented water over myself again and again!
One cup was over too fast. Anyhow, its time for the massage.
ASAM RELAXING 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.
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 flowerspetals, 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.
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