Spa Village Gaya Island, Malaysia Review

Spa Village Gaya Island
Gaya Island Resort
Malaysia

What can you tell us about your luxury spa?

Spa Village Gaya Island is set within the five-star Gaya Island Resort, located off the coast of the Malaysian island of Borneo. The spa is a tranquil haven surrounded by lush ancient rainforests, incredible wildlife, and warm crystal-clear water. Part of YTL Hotels’ award-winning Spa Village collection, Spa Village Gaya Island seamlessly blends aspects of the local environment and culture to create an uplifting and unforgettable experience for guests.

What makes you unique?

Gaya Island Resort is revered for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning spa, and its ecological and sustainable practices. Set in the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort is firmly committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and to protecting the local environment, wildlife and culture. In 2013, the resort launched the Gaya Island Resort Marine Center to help restore the coral reef set off the coast of the island, to educate guests about conservation efforts through fun and engaging programs, and to help rescue, rehabilitate, and release multiple endangered green sea turtle species that the resort receives from the Sabah Wildlife Department. Additionally, the resort includes a wildlife center, which focuses on proboscis monkey preservation, nature and wildlife conservation, and education of conservation through interactive hikes.

What do you recommend as the ultimate treatment?

For the ultimate treatment, we recommend the Tadau Kaamatan signature spa experience. Also known as a couple’s celebration of rice, the award-winning treatment pays tribute to the mythical legends and the importance of rice within the local culture. The treatment begins with a body scrub, The Unduk Ngadau (for her) features a red rice, corn, avocado, and cinnamon scrub, while The Papakang – The Odyssey of Seven Brothers (for him) features a rainbow rice, coffee, tongkat ali, and cinnamon scrub. The ‘his’ and ‘her’ treatment both include an avocado and coconut hair masque, an Urutan Pribumi (An indigenous massage) with rice pouches to help soothe and rejuvenate muscles, and a honey and avocado facial.

What other amenities can your guests enjoy?

Amenities at Spa Village Gaya Island include indoor treatment rooms with a private balcony and plunge pool, outdoor treatment rooms overlooking the mangroves, a fitness center, and the Mangrove Theater, where guests can participate in yoga and meditation sessions.

Any insider tips

The spa menu at Spa Village Gaya Island features a myriad of incredible experiences that pay homage to the healing traditions of the region, such as The Deru Laut treatment, which takes inspiration from the Bajaus, whose lives revolve around the sea and coastal area. The treatment begins with a body wrap with organic seaweed, rich in plant collagen, enzymes, and vitamins, followed by a facial that incorporates the famed Sabah pearls and a seaweed hair masque. After the relaxing facial, guests will enjoy a dip into a therapeutic saltwater bath to draw out any toxins from the body and to help skin cells absorb more oxygen, before drifting away with a rolling waves massage using locally sourced gamat oil to ease muscles and improve flexibility. Additionally, guests can enrich their experience by adding on an enhancement to their treatment, such as the Between The Lines treatment, which uses special acupressure and massage techniques to contour delicate muscles around the eyes and lips, helping to reduce lines.

Guests can also immerse themselves in one of the many PURE experiences offered at the resort, including guided nature walks, padi snorkeling and diving excursions to the nearby coral reef, deep sea and leisure fishing, and a visit to the Gaya Island Resort Marine Center.