Malaysia promoting wellness travel experiences

Tourism Malaysia has unveiled a new collection of wellness tourism packages, offering visitors to the Asian nation a range of rejuvenating escapes and nature-based experiences.

The wellness packages are designed to cater to modern travellers seeking physical vitality and emotional balance, the organisation says.

Packages are available in several destinations - including Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Selangor.

Tourism Malaysia is partnering with 12 leading industry players - including travel agencies, hotels, and wellness centres to craete 36 different wellness packages, new bub Travel Mole reported.

Guests can stay at top resort properties including Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur (above) and The Datai in Langkawi.

Malaysia is home to 365 registered spas under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, offering an array of different therapies.

These range from hot stone massages and aromatherapy to hydrotherapy, herbal baths, and Ayurvedic treatments.

Urutan Malaysia is a signature massage technique.

The packages also comprise nature-based excursions that connect travellers with local life.

These include visits to fruit farms, coffee roasters and herb growers and exploring rural landscapes.

“Malaysia offers a unique wellness experience rooted in our diverse cultural heritage and natural landscapes,” said Sulaiman Suip, director of Tourism Malaysia in London.

“These thoughtfully curated packages are designed to cater to the growing demand for travel that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”

See https://www.malaysia.travel/

Luxury resort showcases global female star chefs

The Datai in Langkawi, a resort with a global reputation for excellence, will showcase some of the world's top female chefs for its 2024-25 edition of The Chef Series.

The Malaysian rainforest retreat has been a drawcard for 30 years now. Here is my report from a decade ago: https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2014/08/a-magnificent-jungle-resort-with-superb.html.

The Datai's signature dining programme aims to celebrate gastronomic talent from around the world.

With a chef selection boasting nine Michelin stars between them, cuisines from across Asia and Europe will be showcased.

Each chef will create a bespoke menu guided by the produce of Langkawi and the organic ingredients cultivated in the resort’s zero-waste Permaculture Garden.

The names featured in The Chef-fe Series 2024-2025 are:

June 2024:
Florence Dalia of 16 by Flo, Taipei, Taiwan (formerly two Michelin stars)

August 2024:
Cristina Bowerman of Glass Hostaria, Rome (one Michelin star)

October 2024:
Angela Hartnett of Murano, London (one Michelin star) with
Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Northcote, Lancashire, UK (one Michelin star) and
Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, London (one Michelin star)

January 2025:
Ana Roš (below) of Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia (three Michelin stars and one Michelin green star)



Most of the dinners will be held at the resort’s spectacular fine dining venue, The Dining Room, overlooking the main pool and the Andaman Sea. It's a dramatic setting.

Selected chefs will also offer cooking demonstrations, some giving guests the chance to join a cooking masterclass.

Arnaud Girodon, CEO of Datai Hotels and Resorts, said: “This year’s ‘Chef-fe’ edition of The Chef Series promises to bring some truly extraordinary culinary experiences to our guests, who have come to know and love our resort for its exceptional dining in the dramatic surroundings of the rainforest.

"Through our guest cheffes, who represent some of the very best gastronomic talents from around the world, we are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the bounty of exquisite local produce grown on-site and supplied by ethical producers and artisans who share our vision.”

The Datai is situated on the north-west tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It has 121 rooms, villas, and suites. See www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/the-chef-series