Spa Visit: St. Gregory Spa at Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur – World Luxury Spa Award Winner!

I was recently asked what my guilty beauty pleasure was and I didn’t have to hesitate too long to answer – massages and facials. Its debatable how necessary they are for a healthy beauty routine, but I thrive on regular facials and massages. It may not be necessary, but it helps me keep my sanity and that makes it necessary, right? 😉

So, I’m always looking for new spas and massage places to try out. About 2 months ago, while I was having my haircut, I browsed through a Harper’s Bazaar magazine that had a whole section on spas. I was doing my best to memorize every single one (failed of course – should have bought that issue!) One of the winners of the Bazaar Spa Awards was St. Gregory Spa at Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur and I was planning to visit but kept putting it off until, as providence will have it, I received an offer to try the award winning “Most Soothing Body Rejuvenating Ritual” ~ A mother’s day special package. It was so good, I signed up for 2 more on the spot! 😀

St. Gregory Spa is located on the 6th Floor of the Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which is very easily accessible by public transport. Hop on the Monorail to the Bukit Bintang Station and you’re there, just next to the Lot 10 shopping mall.

The area isn’t very large, but it is cozy. I found the music, whilst soothing, a little loud which is the comment I left in the comment feedback form so I do hope they turn it down a little next time. I also noticed that they do facials using Thalgo products and from a previous experience, Thalgo products are really nice for the skin.

I was given a feedback form to fill to inform them of any ailments I might be suffering from and then, I had a tea menu where I could pick my choice of teas that I could have immediately, or after the massage so I opted for after the massage.

The room was fairly large with a very comfortable firm massage bed. Here’s a touch I like. There is a heating pad on it, so when you lie down, your body is kept warm and I like it when spas do that, because sometimes the air-conditioning can be too cold. Keeping warm also means you are more relaxed and there is a very high chance you’d drift off to dreamland. Quite perfect for me – I’d not been sleeping well at all for weeks and my dark eye circles are testament to that!

The Most Soothing Body Rejuvenating Ritual (RM260 nett Mother’s Day promo price until 31 May 2013) starts with a Thai Herbal Compress.

I’d always wanted to try this! The herbal compresses are kept heated in a steamer and the massage therapist will gently “pound” it all over your back, concentrating on the lower back and shoulder areas which are areas where most of us will experience stiffness, especially if you sit a lot. The compress contains a selection of Thai herbs and the soothing herbal smell relaxes you, while the warm compress relaxes your muscles.

30 minutes of the Thai Herbal Compress (usual price RM140) later, my back is warmed up and relaxed and it was time for the 50 minute Balinese massage (usual price RM230). My masseuse, Mia, had a surprisingly firm touch for her diminutive size. Not too painful though, and she was sure to check if it was, and adjust accordingly.

I was off in dreamland at this point, so I can say for certain that it was a very relaxing experience. Is there a difference between a luxury spa and a regular spa at this point? Yes, there is. Its all there in the little touches – warm heating pad on the bed, attentive masseuse, pleasant friendly service that never make you feel rushed.

I haven’t been to many luxury spas here in KL, but I suppose there is a reason why the St. Gregory Spa has won the “Best Luxury Hotel Spa” Award (Malaysia) for 3 years running at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2013. Sure, its also pricey but they do consider themselves a ‘luxury spa” and the prices do reflect that 🙂

After I was done, I had a quick shower in the en-suite shower stall, changed and was escorted to a relaxation room where I could have my hot tea that I’d chosen earlier. It was 80 minutes of sheer bliss.

In fact, it felt so good, I bought 2 more sessions under the Mother’s Day promotional price of RM260 (only valid till 31 May 2013) so I could return without having to shell out for the much bigger price tag if I buy them separately – I know, I know, sneaky me 😉 You can do that if you like. Just pay up front for the package, then come back later to enjoy the service. The spa manager, Li Ping is very helpful in this regard and helped me make a note of my purchase so I won’t encounter problems later.

In a nutshell

The St. Gregory Spa at Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a luxury hotel spa and that is reflected in the prices. The spa area isn’t very large but the rooms are a good size and comfortably lighted. I liked that there was a shower in mine so you can rinse off the oil after you’re done with your treatment. I enjoyed the treatment I had and if you can get any promotional spa packages, I think its worthwhile trying it for the experience. I’ve already got 2 more sessions lined up! 😀

What I liked: Heating pad on the bed helps you relax, Attentive masseuse, Relaxing environment, Shower in-room

What can be improved: Music was a bit too loud, Towels provided were a little inconsistent in quality and could be a bit more luxurious

Who will like this: Anyone who appreciates a good relaxing spa and massage experience

I learned that the St. Gregory Spa is a regional chain from Singapore so its also available in various luxury hotels in the Region. In Malaysia, you can find the St. Gregory spa at Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Parkroyal Hotel Penang.

Have you been to a St. Gregory spa? Have you tried a Thai Herbal Compress treatment?

I particularly enjoyed the Thai Herbal Compress which did a lot to relax my tense muscles. I’d been meaning to try one of these for a while but never got round to doing so, so it was a great experience! Are massages your beauty guilty pleasure too? 😉

Paris B

St. Gregory Spa is located at Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Tel: +603- 2782 8356) and Parkroyal Hotel Penang in Malaysia. Spa treatment packages will vary in prices and you can check out their latest promotions at their website.