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/

Thai tourism is booming

Thailand has welcomed more than 12 million foreign tourists during the first four months of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced.

But, surprisingly. Australian visitors do not rank among the top 10. 

  
The TAT said 12,127,447 foreign tourists entered Thailand from January 1 to April 30, an increase of 142.87% from the same period last year.

TAT said the top nationalities s that visited Thailand during the first four months were: 2,351,909 Chinese; 1,569,856 Malaysians; 767,210 Russians; 679,481 South Koreans and 643,587 Indians. 

Then came Laotians, Germans, Britons, Taiwanese and Americans. 

The TAT said it expected some 8.27 million foreign tourist would enter Thailand in the second quarter from April to June and the number of arrivals would rise 29% from the same period of last year.

Meet a pool bar with a difference

Sometimes an image catches your eye as somewhere you'd like to spend some time.

This one did if for me. It is a new poolside bar at Meliá Chiang Mai Hotel.

The Tien Pool Bar has a design that pays tribute to some of Chiang Mai’s most famous landmarks including Tha Phae Gate.

Situated on the second floor of the hotel, on the Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and night bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city, Tien Pool bar is open daily from 10am-7pm.

With a 28-seat capacity, the bar’s stools, outdoor sofas and sunbeds with textile patterns the locals call “teen jok”. Similar patterns are also evident on the exterior façade of the hotel visible from the bar.

Arch-shaped mirrors behind the bar’s counter are nods to 700-year-old Buddhist temple Wat Umong.

As well as western-style dishes, the pool bar also serves fresh juices, smoothies and shakes, soft drinks, beers, mocktails, cocktails, and wines including organic and vegan wines.

I've never been to Chiang Mai so I have added this one to my "to do" list.

For more details see www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai/index.htm