We haven’t had a spa review on here in a while, I’ve noticed. I have been frequenting my regular spots and haven’t been trying many new places. But I recently did – the Zen Soul Spa at Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
I came across this one during their Christmas and New Year promo and sharing with a friend, went with a Buy 2 Free 1 package. I think it ended up being RM80 or so for a 90 minute aromatherapy massage. The spa is located in a row of shop lots in Desa Sri Hartamas and my visit was not without its hiccups.
My first appointment was messed up so when I arrived, I was told that it was not possible for me to have my massage then as they had other customers. After a bit of ding-donging back and forth, I eventually got my time slot a couple of weeks later and turned up for my massage. So, is this a place I’d like to return? Let’s take a look 🙂
Zen Soul Spa is located on the first floor, in a row of walk up shop lots and the parking in the area is really horrendous. If you are familiar with the area, it is in the row of shops behind the True Fitness fitness centre at Desa Sri Hartamas. There is a large open air car park nearby but in terms of public transport, other than buses (perhaps), there is no other way to get to this area.
The spa itself is quite nicely laid out and has quite a relaxing atmosphere. This is the reception area which is quite large and there are 2 waiting areas, one on the right of this picture and one where I took the photo from. While you wait, you are served some hot ginger tea which is quite comforting if its been a cool day like the day when I was there.
Your footwear is taken away and you are given a pair of slippers after they wash your feet in warm water. The massage rooms are through the glass door that you see in the picture above. The space is a little larger than I expected.
The massage area is laid out in a manner reminiscent of Thai massage rooms – long rooms separated by curtains and a thick mattress on the floor. I peeped into the cubicles, but I would always prefer that my massage be done in a private room or a couple room if you are with friends. Cubicles separated by mere curtains don’t offer me the comfort of privacy, especially with oil massages when you have to bare all.
The mattress was otherwise comfortable, and the room was kept dim and cool but not cold. Disposable undies are provided which is a good move. However, I found that the towel I was lying on felt a bit sticky. It might be from the oil that did not wash out properly so that would be something for the spa to look into.
Massage wise, the masseuse was careful to ask if the pressure was alright, and it was relatively relaxing as the pressure was just nice although not all the knots were worked out. It was however quite an oily massage and at the end of it, you are provided with a warm towel you can use to wipe off the excess oil. There is also a shower that I noticed but it was outside by the reception which would be a bit uncomfortable to get to.
I haven’t decided if its a place I’d return to. For the price I paid (about RM80 after sharing a package with a friend) I don’t have any complaints. However, I may balk at paying the regular asking price of RM150 or thereabouts for a 90 minute massage because it didn’t wow me enough, I didn’t fall asleep, and for massages I prefer a massage bed vs the floor.
What I liked: Hot ginger tea before and after massage with some fruits at the end, Firm massage strokes, Nice relaxing ambiance
What can be improved: Less oil used during massage so there isn’t too much excess, Towels on the mattress felt a bit sticky, More privacy in the open massage cubicles, For oil massages I prefer beds as opposed to the floor because the pressure can be too hard
If you’d like to pay them a visit, their details are below.
Do you like going for body massages or are you squeamish about it? I know some people are 😀 I’ve learnt that I prefer shiatsu or aromatherapy massages and a good one can really work out the kinks and knots caused by daily stress. I’m still looking for that “good one” 🙂
Paris B
Zen Soul Spa (link) Address: No 7-1 Jalan 22a/70a Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603-62012777 Opening times: 11am-11pm
i have been less adventurous lately ever since that trauma ><
my regular spot for thai massage is Day Dream 1u, very cozy environment, thick walls, and very professional
Haha! I know right? I totally stopped buying all group deals for spas and massages after that one horrible session. I don’t quite like Thai massage though. I prefer an oil massage – know any good places?
I enjoyed my Thai full body massage at Arokaya, Sunway Pyramid. The masseuse worked out my knots and did that bone-cracking twist to the neck and waist. The place is made up of curtain separated rooms with day-beds and best thing is I was fully clothed! Price was RM45 for 45minutes, if I remember correctly. 🙂
Yeah Thai massages are all done fully clothed which is great for the squeamish and the curtained separators are fine. But for an oil massage, I do prefer that it be done in a proper room because you do have to take your clothes off and I do like my oil massages. That said, the place you go sounds nice. Too bad Sunway Pyramid is just so far away 🙁
I love going for body massages! Such a coincidence because I just received a redemption card for discounted body massage. haha, so costly to go for a full body massage over here that I can only take advantage whenever a voucher comes along.
But I totally enjoy it. And it is sort of a must go at least once in 3 months, to recharge the body from all the wear and tear.
Ohh I have to agree about body massage prices in Singapore! I thought I could pop in for one once and surveyed the prices and had a mini heart attack. Even facial prices are costly. Must be the higher labour cost as opposed to here, or I’m just spoilt 🙂 I do agree with you about going often enough for a body massage though – I think its good for the mind body and soul 😀
I think I’m spoilt by the Pangkor Laut Spa Village aromatherapy massage, that was by far the best I’ve had. I usually go to Touches De Siam in Bangsar for Thai or foot massage. I’ve tried S Spa too but found the salt scrub and massage to be too vigorous (I should have said something about it then, but nvm).
I also prefer a more private room, the last time I went to Thai Oddysey in One U (the one downstairs at the basement carpark), I could hear the people from the other side of the curtain, and car alarms going off in the car park. Not a very pleasant experience.
Ahhh Applegal you and I are kindred spirits! 😀 I had a lomi lomi massage in PLR and am dreaming about it since! They do quite a good one at the Spa Village at the Ritz Carlton here in KL though if you want to get a fix 😉 Very pricey still, but maybe “once in a while” 😉 I used to go to Touches de Siam too (I don’t go to other Thai Odyssey branches) but realised I don’t quite like Thai massages as much as a body massage. So now I signed up for a package in Energy Day Spa – I’ll be writing about that some time 🙂
Before giving birth and having alot of time to myself, I used to get foot massages and body massages almost every other week! My favorite is Naracheura Spa (get the scrub and massage package!) also located in Desa Sri Hartamas, perhaps you could check them out. It’s a small cozy place but massage and service is top notch and very easy on the wallet too. If you’re a regular, the owner will even give you a further discount 🙂 Also, after reading your review on Hammam, I managed to get 2 vouchers for it so hubby and I will be paying them a visit soon, can’t wait!
Mmm I must check out that spa you mentioned – a top notch massage sounds delish! 😀 The Hammam is really good. I find the massage a bit of just ok, but the whole experience is one to savour and enjoy. You’ll leave it feeling like tofu I promise you 😀 Enjoy!
I was there awhile back to redeem a waxing groupon and let’s just say, I’m not likely to go back there for that. And there was renovation going on downstairs, so that didn’t really help things.
If nothing else, it has a nice ambience and I also got ginger tea before I started.
erm ok I’m not even going to ask how bad it was for waxing LOL! 😀 I think the ambience is great but there can be improvements made still.
I lurveee body massages and can’t believe I haven’t had one since August 2011 since I’m preggie now. :)) But before that I have been faithfully going to Touches de Siam at Centrepoint in Bandar Utama. The masseuse you should look for is Nim and she is FANTASTIC. Her slots are also always fully booked up so do make a booking to avoid disappointment! They also have private rooms for ladies where the massage is done on the massage bed. So do check it out!
Aww congratulations on the coming baby! 😀 I’ve heard of people going for prenatal massages – is that an option? Or well, there’s always the husband to give feet and back rubs 😀
I love going for massages, esp oil massages. Not a big fan of the Thai style and the pressure-point pressing type.
I found Poise from your review and love the place! The massages there are great (very power!), the place is clean, parking is easy.
I’m the same as you 😀 I prefer oil massages to thai massage too – it just feels so much more relaxing 🙂
My first time spa is alot pain and painful for 2 days caused massage.
Sounds like an awful experience! A massage should never be stressful or painful
fyi,im scared of doing body massage 😛 but when i tried a swedish mix shiatsu body massage at the Veqish Spa, Tai Pan…im starting to love it!!maybe 1 day u should check out that place… 🙂
Does Zen Soul Spa accept male patrons?
Just read your review above and have tried zen soul before – not too bad. Tried energy also, however have mixed feelings about that place – for the price you pay you expect a better massage – ambience-wise great, but lets admit, we go for the massage first, ambience second correct?
However my favourite spa is in ttdi (thai style) – they are called amanwadi, and they are directly opposite the pasar besar taman tun (on wan kadir 2 i think). According to the boss they have been in operation for 9 years plus, and their ambience is really cosy, clean and thai centric. And best of all their aromatherapy massage is only RM85 (nett) for 1.5 hous in private rooms, and they really do a thoroughly fabulous job (and this is with a number of therapists, not anyone in particular, so i guess it’s no fluke). Their number is 03-77296880 or you can call the owner (Gerald) directly at 016-3322678. P.S. Their ginger/lemongrass tea is to DIE for!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m always up to trying a new and good massage place 🙂 I don’t go to TTDI often (thanks to the traffic!) but I’ll bear it in mind when I want to try something new. I’ve had quite good luck in Energy Day Spa but I do agree its a wee bit pricey to go too often 😉
Sorry, double posting – at first thought my first post got wiped out somehow, but apparently it showed up as well 🙂