Outclassing every other resort on the island, this vast and luxurious establishment feels like something out of a South Sea dream. The newly renovated complex is unpretentiously chic and livable. Rooms are large and decorated with fine hardwood furniture, and cloud-like white duvets float on the beds; all have balconies and many have sea views.
The exclusive Rasa wing takes high-end to another elevation with its decadent suites – while the rest of the resort welcomes children, this area is adults-only.And did we mention the gardens? Palms, plumeria and bird of paradise create a lush enclave for the winding, partially shaded naturalistic swimming pool. A thin stretch of beach borders the gardens. As you’d expect, the hotel’s Chi Spa is the most posh on Penang Island and is housed in 11 serene villas surrounded by lush plants. There’s a yoga studio with regular yoga and meditation classes as well as a spa shop where you can shop for bath goodies to bring home. There are also tennis courts, a putting green and several restaurants. The service is the perfect balance of professionalism and easygoing friendliness.
CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being.
Set within a secluded corner of the resort enclosed by soaring centuries-old rain trees and beside a tranquil seashore, CHI, The Spa offers 11 spa villas and a yoga pavilion exuding serenity, peace and solitude. Decorated in distinctive CHI style, the spa design also incorporates indigenous Malay and Peranakan influences in its rich timber wood flooring and stone walls. The spa menu includes Chinese and Malay treatments. Each of the spacious villas is equipped with a private changing room, a treatment room and a private garden, all surrounded by 30 acres of lush gardens. Outdoor rain showers are available in selected villas.
In traditional Chinese philosophy, “chi” or “Qi” is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that “chi” must flow freely within the body and, when blocked, “disease” and illness follow. Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages. Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI spa philosophy.