As a mum of three young kids, let me just say this loud and clear: mums need breaks too! So when I had the chance to try the Chinese Peranakan treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa Village, it honestly felt like hitting the jackpot. After three whole hours of being pampered from head to toe (and without anyone calling mama x100), I knew instantly – this is what every mum deserves for Mother’s Day.
Stepping into serenity
From the moment I arrived, the experience was already soothing to my senses. The Spa Village is tucked away on the 4th floor of the hotel, in this serene little pocket of calm – think lush greenery, trickling fountains, and warm, attentive service. After confirming my treatment and ensuring I didn’t have any allergies, I was ushered to the waiting room where a refreshing lime and sour plum juice (so good!) and a cool towel awaited me, and just like that, I felt my shoulders drop for the first time in weeks.
Let the pampering begin!
My therapist then came to usher me to the treatment room and once I entered, it felt like love at first sight. The space was warm and inviting, with the calming scent of essential oils in the air. It had the perfect spa atmosphere – serene, private and just luxurious enough to make you forget about the outside world! After getting changed, the treatment began with a foot scrub using Himalayan salt and slices of kaffir lime, which smelled absolutely divine and left my feet feeling fresh and tingly. I was then told to take a quick rinse in the outdoor garden shower before proceeding to the next part – the Milk Nectar Meditation. A warm outdoor milk bath scattered with yellow chrysanthemum flowers was set up and I couldn’t wait to get in. Breathing exercises guided by the therapist whilst she slowly poured more milk water down my head and shoulders helped me mentally let go of the to-do list running through my head. Honestly, it was like soaking in peace.
After the nice long soak and a warm shower, I proceeded back into the room where I was told to lie on the massage bed. After ensuring that I was comfortable and the room temperature was to my liking (yup, the attention to detail was amazing!), my therapist then commenced the Pearl and Rice facial. It started with a gentle scrub to cleanse and exfoliate using pearl and rice based natural products. Then came something I’d never experienced before – warm boiled eggs were gently rolled across my face in a Traditional Egg Undulation technique. I have to say, it was a little unusual, but somehow oddly relaxing too! They also placed mulberry leaves over my eyes, which are meant to help with eye clarity. This was followed by a deeply hydrating mask that felt amazing on my skin. And to finish off the facial, the therapist used cold jade rollers on my skin. The cooling sensation, contrasting with the warmth from earlier, gave my skin this lovely boost and made my whole face feel refreshed and awake.
Next up was the Moxa Naval Activation, which sounds fancy (and it kind of is), but it’s all about helping digestion, boost metabolism, ease tension and get your energy (or “chi”) flowing freely. The therapist used bundles of burning herbal incense, gently waving them close to the skin around my arms and legs and stomach. I could feel the heat radiating in a really comforting way – not too hot, just this warm, glowing sensation. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be surprisingly calming and grounding – like giving my whole core a warm hug from the inside out.
This was followed by Rattan Tapping Qi-Gong – rhythmic tapping with rattan sticks all over my body that woke up my energy and gave me a surprising sense of lightness.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get more relaxing, the grand finale of my treatment at the Spa Village began. A custom oil massage that blended Chinese acupressure and Malay massage. I’ve had a fair few massages in my time, but this one? Incredible! My therapist checked with me if I had any specific areas to focus on and somehow she found all the tight knots and melted them away. It was pure bliss while I drifted in and out of consciousness. I genuinely felt like a totally refreshed person afterward.
All good things must come to an end
After three whole hours of pampering at the Spa Village, it was time to head back to reality, but not before having some hot ginger lemongrass tea and a homemade oat cookie at the lounge to finish things off. Sitting there, completely relaxed and recharged, I kept thinking – this is what every mum needs! So if you’re still wondering what to get your mum (or wife, sister, best friend, or even yourself!) for Mother’s Day, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s not just a treat – it’s a beautiful, thoughtful escape that makes you feel seen, cared for, and totally rejuvenated. And as someone who rarely gets a moment of quiet, I can tell you – it’s the kind of gift that really means something!
Some extra info
- The individual Chinese Peranakan Treatment is priced at RM990 for 3 hours. There are many other spa treatments available (individual or couples) at the Spa Village. Click here for more information.
- Advanced reservations are recommended. You may call Spa Village Kuala Lumpur at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur at +60 3 2782 9090 or email spavillagekl@ytlhotels.com.my.
- All spa guests enjoy complimentary access to the swimming pool just outside the Spa Village.
- There is a gift shop next to the Spa Village reception where you can buy the spa products such as massage oils and candles (perfect gift ideas for Mother’s Day too!).
Why not make a day of it and have their Ritzy Afternoon Tea as well? Now, that’s what we would call Mother’s Day!
We were invited by The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
