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lifestyle

[PHOTOS] This Is What Malaysia's First Onsen Spa Looks Like

Much cheaper than a flight ticket to Japan.

Cover image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Award-winning spa Urban Retreat recently opened Malaysia's first onsen spa in the quaint neighbourhood of Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Urban Retreat Onsen Spa is a day spa that combines "authentic traditional Japanese Onsen culture with traditional body therapies".

The spa had its soft launch in February 2019, and its official launch in June 2019.

From the moment you walk in, one can already feel the cosy and chill vibe

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

It pretty much looks like what you would expect a Japanese-inspired spa to look like.

You'll find a lot of wood furniture pieces, complemented with other natural materials such as stone. The atmosphere is complete with soft lighting and ambient music.

As the name suggests, the spa's must-try service is its onsen bath, which leaves you feeling fresh and rejuvenated after

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

No need to fear stripping down in front of strangers, as Urban Retreat offers single-person onsen bath tubs in private rooms.

Women get a round onsen tub, while the men's version is similar to a typical bathtub.

According to Urban Retreat's website, the tubs are imported from Japan to ensure the "same experience as soaking in an authentic Onsen in Japan".

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Their full list of services include:
- Onsen Escape (RM149 for 60 minutes),
- Body Scrub and Wraps (RM209 for 60 minutes),
- Body Massages (from RM109 for 30mins), and
- Weekday Packages (from RM269 for two hours).

Find the full menu here.

What we loved most about the experience was how every detail could be personalised — even down to the focal points of one's massage

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

The staff will patiently guide you through the different options available to fully personalise your experience, by explaining the uses and intended effects of each onsen salt, body scrub, and massage oil.

For the onsen soak, there are three salts to choose from: kirei for beauty, iyashi for healing, and zen for calmness. Customers who are new to the onsen experience are encouraged to choose the 40ºC water temperature, though the more experienced ones can try the "pro-level" 42ºC.

If you're here for a body scrub: there are over seven different body scrubs available, all of which are rice-based. Among the scrubs available include Hinoki Mandarin Rice, charcoal, vanilla citrus, and walnut beranium.

Speaking of massages: their massage beds are heated for that extra oomph

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS

If you're here as a pair, you can also choose to have your massage conducted together in a two-bed parlour.

Some of the massage rooms come with a shower, which helps if you're taking one of the multi-hour day packages that combine multiple services.

Lastly, the customer service is top-notch — you'll be treated to refreshing drinks and snacks in between services!

It's the ultimate definition of 'treat yo' self'

Image via GIPHY

Address:
Urban Retreat Onsen Spa
163 Retail Park,
Lot 2F-02, Second Floor,
Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours:
Daily (11am to 8pm)

Facebook | Instagram | Website | WhatsApp: +6017-8814486

If the wallet looks a little emptier this month, there are cheaper options for a home-based pamper session as well:

With a short drive, you can take a good, long soak at these hot springs:

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