Sabahbah.com loves reporting on actual personal experiences, so when and earlier write up about Chi – The Spa at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa landed us an opportunity to try out their luxurious treatments, we were very willing to offer our bodies to be pampered in the name of research and reporting.

The Welcome

We stepped into the grounds of Shangri-La’s Chi – The Spa and stood there for a moment taking in the beauty and admiring the landscaped gardens with the island backdrop, before being pleasurably interrupted by a gentle wafting of a indistinctive scent that begged to be identified.

Even before we could venture a guess, Spa Manager Alyssa Lim greeted us and within seconds had us seated, sipping cool cinnamon and pandan tea, an appreciated chilled beverage in contrast to the heat and humidity.

As we settled in we were introduced to the spa’s concept of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, water or metal) meant to balance a person’s energy.

Based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan beliefs, Chi works on the philosophy of helping one’s life force flow freely throughout the body and harmonising the Yin and Yang energies.  Therapies at Chi – The Spa are inspired by ancient healing treatments and rituals from the Himalayas, where Shangri-La, the legendary utopia that James Hilton wrote about in his 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, nestles.

A range of spa treatments, from all-in-one packages, to hot stone treatments, massages, wraps, scrubs, hand and foot treatments, and skincare all beg to be enjoyed.  Sabahbah.com chose the Pulau Bayu retreat, which, according to the menu, includes a footbath, uplifting himalayan bath therapy, a body scrub, and a Borneo Therapy Massage.

“Traditionally, we try to identify our customer’s element of the day first to determine the best scent to use during treatment to balance out their energy,” said Alyssa, handing us a form, which asked for info such as medical background and preference in food tastes and colours. After determining our elements for the day, a therapist showed us to our villas.

Chi – The Spa Experience – The Pulau Bayu Retreat

Filled with anticipation we arrived at our private villa after a short stroll through the spa gardens. Both single and couple villas are available to suit customers’ needs and spa treatments.

Our private villa was equipped with a changing room, treatment room, outdoor shower, steam room and outdoor bath with sun beds.

Our footwear come off at the door, while our daywear had to wait till the changing room. The robes provided were ultra plush and light, different from the usual heavy cotton or terry cloth.

For most people, disposable underwear found at spas are an uncomfortable and unflattering necessity, but the Chi experience provides a breathable, albeit see-through, garment, which is suprisingly comfortable and will sculpt itself around body shapes ample and slim.

A sarong for ladies or a pair of shorts for the men will protect any modesty you may have.  A ring of the bell later we were welcomed into the treatment room and the real pampering began.

Up first was another soothing cup of tea, served in cups fashioned out of pure jade, while our therapist explained the flow of the session.  A foot soak started us off, with warm water peppered with lemongrass, lime, betelnuts, lime leaves, ginger and cloves, topped off with a foot scrub.

The outdoor bath, already thoughtfully filled with hot water, beckoned us to perpetuate the relaxation from the footbath throughout.  Soaking in the tub amidst the creeping vines, looking out into the garden where we caught a glimpse of the South China Sea, is one of the most indulgent things yet we had the pleasure of doing here at Sabahbah.com.

After reluctantly getting out of the tub, we were lured to the treatment tables where it was time for the pearl cocoa scrub. Like its name suggests, the scrub is a scrumptious combination of crushed pearls from the east coast district of Semporna and cocoa beans, mixed with soya, ginger and pegaga leaf. It certainly smelled good enough to eat.

Our modesty was always protected by the therapists who respectfully veiled their gazes by lifting the sheets as we got comfortable on the table, either when lying down or turning over. Before the treatment begins, ladies are asked about their preference of having their chest area massaged.

After a shower to rinse the sinfully delicious smelling coconut off our bodies, a lovely experience with the outdoor-esqe rain shower, we once again were directed to the treatment beds.

This is where the Borneo Therapy Massage, a signature treatment of the spa,  promised to get rid of any stubborn tenseness that remained in spite of the prior pampering. The massage treatment is inspired by the traditions of bobohizan, the Kadazandusun native healers, and uses palm and thumb pressure that releases wind in the body and promotes good circulation.

The soothing music did wonders to while away the two and a half hours and before we realised, the treatment had come to an end. Another few sips of tea later, we were back in the changing room preparing for our imminent return to the real world.

But fortunately or not, a whiff of Borneo Therapy seemed to have rubbed off on cellphone or notepad, and continued to linger around us for days after, a wistful reminder of the indulgent escape we had at Chi The Spa at Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

Relax Yourself

Chi – The Spa’s garden is extremely conducive to relaxation. With stone elements intertwined with lucscious greens, surrounded by calm blue ocean, the garden’s western corner features a glass-walled hut, which overlooks the nearby islands.

This is Chi – The Spa’s Yoga & Tai Chi room where everyone with a health-concious mind in Kota Kinabalu is welcome to join a class to de-stress and refocus their energies.

Yoga Sessions
Monday & Sunday: 8am – 9am
Wednesday & Friday: 5pm – 6pm
Price: RM 70 per person or RM 100 per person for a private session

Tai Chi Sessions
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: 4pm – 5pm
Price: RM 60 per person or RM 80 per person for a private session

For more information about Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Yoga or Tai Chi session, or Chi – The Spa, please email tah@shangri-la.com.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and nowhere more so than at Blue Note at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa as Generation Y enters it’s 6th successful month.

Club nights at Blue Note are as hot as ever in August with the usual throng of international DJs heading to Kota Kinabalu to rock KK’s nightlife. Featuring some (pretty) new faces and old favourites, August’s Generation Y is set to please.

1 & 2 August
The ever popular DJ Nikki starts off the month’s clubbing action on the first weekend of August. One of Malaysia’s most prominent DJ celebs, DJ Nikki’s passion for dance music can be heard and felt in her thumping beats.

8 & 9 August
August’s 2nd weekend belongs to DJ Fono as he brings his highly sought after progressive trans music from KL to KK. Locally acclaimed, DJ Fono has supported big name acts like Sasha, Dave Angel and Pete Tong and have played alongside greats such as Paul Oakenfold and Daniella Davoli.

15 & 16 August
As we reach the 3rd week of August, it’s all DJ Terence C. Having played alongside a slew of well-known DJs and known himself as the stable of Zouk Kuala Lumpur, DJ Terence C isolates the funkier elements of progressive and house for the benefit of KK clubbers.

22 & 23 August
DJ Gabriel, better known as one of the resident DJs on 88.9 Capital FM, is as dedicated to dance music as the show, Turn It Up, that he co-hosts. Eager to please the crowd, you can expect funky R&B, hip-hop and soul music.

29 & 30 August
On the last weekend of August the ever popular DJ Shazz returns to Blue Note. Popular for his devotion to true house music, DJ Shazz is not to be missed as he rounds up Blue Note’s August chapter of Generation Y at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

Blue Note at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is back in August with another thrilling line-up of international DJs for the successful Generation Y!

Known for pumping club nights, hypnotic beats and a general crazy night out, Blue Note’s Generation Y is not KK’s biggest club night out for nothing.

Check out the line-up of international DJ expected at Blue Note in Kota Kinabalu this August.

Blue Note Bar in Kota Kinabalu had a face lift and suddenly the note is not so blue anymore.

In what must surely be a record of some sort, Blue Note at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa closed down for just four days and underwent a complete transformation.

The result – a sleak, modern looking upmarket bar, ready with groovy tunes for the hip and beautiful.

With a look that will undoubtedly impress first-time visitors and regulars alike, the blue of Blue Note has been covered by a predominantly white theme.  A red wall along the back of Blue Note contrasted by blue lighting behind the main bar, lends to the new Blue Note a vibey atmosphere.

A feature that keen observers will recognise, hang from the ceiling to adorn the centre of the dance floor.  Blue Note’s much talked about titillating lamps have combined to create a unique, organic light source and an equally unique conversation piece.

And for conversation Blue Note provided in their new look.  With thumping club rhythms the talk of the town and the envy of many, it’s nice to notice that the back portion of Blue Note is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, allowing a quieter environment without being segregated from the club atmosphere.

The revamp has enabled Blue Note to now accommodation 175 seated party goers, good news for those attending club nights on Fridays or Saturdays or Cover Girl Night on Thursdays.

Beauty comes at a price though as Blue Note now charges a RM 30 cover charge at the door. On the upside, it includes a house-pouring drink.

For the uninitiated, Blue Note Bar provides premier nightlife and is located at Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu (KK) and operates from 6pm to 1am, Sundays to Thursdays, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturday.

KK’s club scene is hotting up at Blue Note, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa this March, as the Generation Y, a showcase of international DJ’s, continues. With well-known DJs coming to the party, Generation Y is literally hot; on music and on looks, promising KK thumping parties.

DJ Bryan Burger

Breaking the ice at Blue Note as the next session of Generation Y commenced on March 1st, was DJ Bryan Burger, known for tribal inspired grooves built around funky electro baselines. Said to induce orgasmic crescendos with the spin of his discs, DJ Bryan Burger has played alongside international legends such as John Digweed, Paul Van Dyke, Circulation and other international DJs.

DJ Shazz

From a childhood on the streets of New York City, DJ Shazz brings true house to Blue Note on March 8. With solo experiences at the Sub Club in Glasgow, Que Club in Birmingham and Lovezoo at The Lost Weekend under his belt, DJ Shazz is loyal to house music in it’s pure form, eliciting a rhythm characterized by intensity and soulful inspirational vibes.

DJ Leonard T

Bringing a wealth of dance music knowledge to Blue Note on 15 March, DJ Leonard T promises KK clubbers the benefit of sampling the spectrum of his astounding repertoire ranging from credible to commercial. With Berlin’s Love Parade still ringing in his ears, DJ Leonard is fired up and ready to bring his international experience to the local club scene and will give KK clubbers something to talk about.

DJ Nikki

Hot on talent and looks, international DJ Nikki is set to thump the party at Blue Note on 22 March. Living proof that a female DJ can also get recognition away from the dance floor, DJ Nikki’s passion for dance music is is also her career. Crowned Heineken Music presents Juice DJ Quest champion in 2007, DJ Nikki was the competition’s first female winner yet and brings girl power to the dance floor.

DJ Anatta

On 29 March Generation Y wraps up when DJ Anatta handles decs at Blue Note for the grand finale. A breakthrough female DJ, Anatta shot to fame in 2004 when she pipped nine male opponents in DJ competition on the local scene. In 2005 DJ Anatta became the first female DJ to control the decs on Red FM’s Wicked Session, one of the most popular local radio shows.

Looking forward to April, Blue Note, as Kota Kinabalu’s top purveyor of soulful grooves, pledges to continue bringing more international DJs to the local scene. Happy days for KK clubbers.