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Vip Tours | 1
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| We were on the way to Malaysia to review the
world’s first organic spa and wellness resort, tucked away almost three
thousand feet above sea level, in the
highlands
of Pahang, Malaysia (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), The Chateau
Spa and Organic Wellness Resort. Booming since its independence from the
British Empire, Malaysia is an astounding country climbing the world market
with a GDP of over six percent for the last five decades. We were about to land
at Kuala Lumpur International Airport looking forward to warm temperatures,
having left northern Europe already draped in fall mood. Malaysia’s
weather benefits from a tropical climate with relatively high temperatures and
humidity throughout the year, but as you ascend into the highlands, very
pleasant temperatures and low humidity. Landing at Kuala Lumpur was like
landing in a palm tree orchard, right and left from the runway was greenery
with exotic trees as far as the eye could see, carrying the green theme right
into the arrival halls. It was evident that the airport personnel and customs
officials treated all arrivals with friendliness and respect and they guided us
quickly to a private helicopter landing port while welcoming us. |
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| The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort is easy to
reach from Kuala Lumpur International Airport; it’s about ten minutes by
helicopter and circa an hour and a half by limo. Limo rides to and from The
Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort are included in all the spa packages.
Seeing Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers from the perspective of the
helicopter was fascinating. ‘According to the CTBUH's official definition
and ranking, they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004
until surpassed by Taipei 101.’ – says Wikipedia. |
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| While Kuala Lumpur seems to be
one of the ‘must see’ cities of Malaysia, Putrajaya is the actual
seat of Malaysia’s federal government. We were told that the ‘Head of
State’ is the ‘Yang di-Pertuan Agong’, a monarch elected from
the hereditary rulers of the nine Malaysian states, which changes every five
years. The head of the government is the Prime Minister. Malaysia’s
parliament and legal system is comparable to Westminster’s. As soon as The
Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort, which is inspired by the 18th century
medieval Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg castle, came into sight, we had
to remind ourselves that we were actually in Asia. |
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| The original Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is
located at Orschwiller, Alsace in the Vosges Mountains of France. It’s
hard to imagine that just nine years ago, there was nothing here except a lush
and untouched tropical rainforest, growing freely on unspoiled lands. Tan Sri
Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, the Chairman of the Berjaya Corporation
Berhad had visited Colmar, France and decided to replicate the medieval French
village at home in Malaysia. Today ‘Colmar Tropicale’ is located
within walking distance from The Chateau. |
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| Arrival: The
Chateau: Ms. Ming Teh Wah & Thorsten Buehrmann |
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| We landed smoothly on a helicopter port that was
located somewhere on the lushly manicured grounds surrounding The Chateau and
the Colmar village. The skilled pilot had been in contact with the service
director and expecting us was the driver of a new Rolls Royce limo. After we
stepped out of the helicopter we inhaled deeply the fresh, warm mountain air
and sensed the tropical greens. Within a couple of minutes we drove through the
large stone gates and approached the main entrance of this towering Malaysian
dream castle, surrounded by unusually large pine trees. We received a royal
welcome with grand smiles by Ms. Teh Ming Wah and her well-rehearsed,
international team. |
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Entering The Chateau’s
formal arrival hall was like a breath of this amazing fresh mountain air, with
the light and airy modern interiors ever complementing the bright and warm
smiles of their charming front desk personnel. One’s eyes were instantly
drawn to the impressive, round
Swarovski
chandelier (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), which was matching
the equally sparkling wall sconces. We were told that the
‘Mantra
Design firm’ (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look) was responsible
for The Chateau’s costume-designed furniture, decorations and most of
their architectural elements. We are predicting that ‘Mantra Design’
will receive a well-deserved recognition from the decoration and architectural
professionals of the world for their expert method of marrying French
Château with modern contemporary design. |
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| The Berjaya Hills company has invested close to RM1.2
billion in this mountain resort which includes the development of the Colmar
Tropicale Resort, The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort and its
state-of-the-art organic spa La Santé, the Japanese and
Botanical
Gardens (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), the Japanese Tea House,
the Tatami Spa, the Ume Tatami Suite the Organic Farm, Horse Trials, the award-
winning 18 Hole Golf Course, The Flying Fox, the 4-faced Golden Buddha and the
development of the entire surrounding area of circa 16,000 acres. Our check-in
was pleasantly informal and done in our accommodations. |
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| My suite featured a spacious layout, a large terrace
with comfortable lounges, a raised outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor massage tables and
stunning views of these spectacular mountains and the rainforest. My elegant
accommodation was dressed in relaxing colours and décor, build-in
closets with ample space and large flat-screen cable/satellite TVs. The
luxurious bathroom featured a deep bathtub and a separate shower room with
tiled bench and excellent organic toiletries. The bedroom as well as the living
room doors granted easy access to the terrace allowing natural, cool morning
air to come in, as well as the cooling air of the precious monsoon rains in the
afternoon, clearing the mid-day heat. |
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Our natural and organic
travelers might like to hear that this reviewer needed no AC during my stay in
mid October. Malaysia faces two monsoon seasons, with March and October forming
transitions between the two monsoons, ideal to discover and explore as well as
indulge in adventure and / or golf in the morning and then disappear within
these amazing organic spa facilities in the afternoon.
We loved the turn
down service at The Chateau, presenting healthy, organic little treats with
charming bookmarks, which were remind us in numerous different ways that
healthy organic food holds the cure to many of our common ailments. I always
slept with my bedroom doors wide open, allowing me to listen to the whisper of
the tall pines while my body was covered with these amazing organic sheets, a
unique feeling. |
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| Waking up at the Chateau was always breathtaking, with
the sunlight trying to peak through this beautiful morning mist that was
surrounding the mountains and valleys of these evergreen highlands. We were
always looking forward to a delicious breakfast at the
Belle
Vue Restaurant (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), and the caring
and attentive service directed by Mr. Subra. The organic eggs and pan roasted
fingerling potatoes as well as the grilled purple tomatoes were out of this
world. What else can one wish for? Several of the houseguests attended a
Yoga
class (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look) at 8 am every morning with
Mr. Kenneth Rego – Yoga Siromani Teacher of Yoga, International Sivananda
Yoga Vendanta Centre Madhyama Yoga Siksha, Academy of Yoga, The Yoga Institute
of Mumbai India, and afterwards had their breakfast at the Belle Vue
Restaurant, which is located above the main lobby. |
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| Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan had placed this
resort on unspoiled grounds, raised with organic material whenever possible and
he intends to keep it that way. We swam in the
saline
resort pool (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look) which is filled with
water that comes from the resort’s own wells and is ‘sanitized’
with nothing but organic salt from the ocean. What is important for
today’s traveller is the wireless accessibility of his or her destination;
not everyone is into reading a book at the pool. However while I was relaxing
at this wonderful salt pool and sipping on a delicious, organic fruit drink, I
Googled ‘salt pools’ and found out that a ‘natural salt’
pool does not entirely eliminate but rather reduces the risk of hair
discolouration and eye irritation, just as if one was swimming in the
ocean. |
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| The Chateau developed an effective marketing concept
which grants the overseas guests an all-inclusive spa programme that includes
transportation to and from the airport, while Kuala Lumpur residents can book a
quick therapeutic get-away from their hectic city life. The Chateau guest may
choose from a dozen different spa programmes inclusive of organic meals and
consisting of tailor-made individualized therapies and programmes including
Stress Relief, Body Sculpt, Wellness Getaway, Fit for Life, Beauty Essence,
Body Pamper, Total Beauty, Couple Retreat, Body Cleansing as well as Pre Natal
Therapy and Post Natal Remedy and For the Men programme. |
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| Experiencing ‘La Santé Spa’ as an
organic wellness spa, “granting its guests a complete organic wellness
experience by denying methods that involve modern synthetics, instead utilizing
cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance,
conserve biodiversity and foster recycling of our natural resources” was a
great honor. We tested a one-week rejuvenation spa programme on a female senior
advisory board member and were all amazed by the effects this well targeted,
all inclusive, rejuvenating therapeutic spa programme had on her. Teh Ming Wah
integrated the cutting edge technologies of LPG, a company that is the world
leader in cellular stimulation, into this spa program. |
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| Ms. Glory Nombado, a gifted
therapist, performed this LPG Endermolift facelift treatment which is one
hundred percent natural and non-invasive. She worked first on one side of her
face and was able to improve elasticity, spontaneous tension and a more
youthful appearance through the activation of one’s own collagen. The
effects of LPG Endermolift facelift treatment erased most signs of aging
instantly and gave her a glowing appearance. “Endermolift uses
mechano-stimulation to stimulate the fibroblasts (cells responsible for
collagen production). This 100% physiological and non-invasive mechanical
approach to treating the face's signs of aging appears to be a promising new
therapy based on biological mechanisms, ” quoting Prof. Philippe Humbert
on “The Effects of Endermolift on the Signs of Aging”. |
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| The employees at La Santé spa, from the spa
receptionists, to the therapists, to the spa director are all extraordinary. We
were told that the therapists all have a year of training under their belt, a
fact noticed during each single treatment. A highly aromatic, hot cup of
organic herbal tea was served after every single treatment with the kindest
gesture one hopes to receive. The spa director Ms. Alice Yap recommended to us
the Seaweed Hot Stone Massage, which cannot be compared with a normal massage.
As with every spa treatment my therapist first of all introduced herself and
then explained in all detail the upcoming treatment. |
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| She had soaked strips of organic seaweed in aromatic,
organic essential oils and placed them over her entire back. Heated stones were
then placed onto these strips of seaweed leaves. Soon the effect of the heat of
these stones was soothing the muscles while releasing the healing powers of the
ocean. “Seaweed naturally absorbs or metabolises their nutrients from the
sea. As a result seaweed contains countless minerals, vitamins and beneficial
ingredients in high concentrations. In fact no known plant has a comparable
quantity of minerals and vitamins.” – according to Voya, the
exclusive line of spa products available at La Santé. |
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Another treatment that we
highly recommend for clients who are looking to reduce the appearance of
cellulite, or fat deposits, is the ‘Aroma Total Body’. This anti
cellulite treatment, which utilizes lymphatic drainage “to eliminate fluid
retention, promote detoxification and break down stubborn fat deposits”,
“worked wonders” as experienced by our test person during her 6 day
Total Beauty Organic Wellness Package. This complete beauty & body
enhancement program includes accommodation, complete with all organic meals
(breakfast, lunch and dinner), a couple of (delightful) afternoon teas as well
as a nutritional consultation, fitness and wellness sessions and these
treatments: |
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| 1 Swedish Massage & 1 Reviving Facial & 1
Aroma Lift - Non Surgical Face Lifting Facial & 1 Collagen Activator Facial
&
1
Body Scrub - Bladderwrack Body Buff (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer
look), 1 Body Wrap – Mermaid Purse Body Mask & 1 Relaxing Bath
– Aroma Infusion & 1 Aroma Total Body - Lymphatic Drainage & Cell
Rejuvenation & 1 Herbal Bath (Sauna) & 1 Aroma Bust - Bust Firming
& 1 Spa Manicure & 1 Spa Pedicure & 1 Hair Wash & Style.
Another product from the ocean is Voya, La Santé Spa’s exclusive
spa line, quoting “a revolutionary range of organic products certified by
both the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Soil Association. Made
from hand-harvested seaweed from Ireland’s unpolluted coastline that
unleashes natural powerful resources for the benefit of maintaining &
prolonging youthfulness and at the same time protecting the earth.”
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| Meeting with Spa Director Ms. Alice Yap was not only
delightful but educational as well. She even offers organic spa manicure &
pedicure treatments and organic hair treatments etc. We decided not to list
them all here all, but just a couple and let you, the reader, experience the
incredible repertoire of organic spa & beauty treatments all for yourself
at ‘La Santé Spa’ dressed in bath robes and slippers made from
organic cotton and / or bio-degradable material. A few of the European style
spa rituals that one should definitely experience at La Santé are their
uniquely designed Herbal Bath Organic Herbal Infused Sauna Chamber, the
Aquaveda Bed featuring the Soap Brush treatment, the Aroma Hydro Pool
The
Hydro Bath (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look) and the
Salt
Grotto (Please CLICK HERE to take a closer look), studded with thousands of
Swarovski crystals, the Grotto is delightful. |
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| The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort have a
doctor on staff, Dr. Sharifah, who not only teaches the concept of holistic
health and wellness, having met her personally, the kind lady lives what she
preaches. "We believe, ‘We are what we eat’. Our motto is
‘moderation’ and not ‘extreme’.” Developing an organic
spa resort of this calibre takes a team of extraordinary people, lead by an
extraordinary professional like Teh Ming Wah. Ms. Ming developed this organic
spa resort concept and found open ears with the owner Tan Sri Dato’ Seri
Vincent Tan, one of Malaysia wealthiest men. |
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| Tan Sri Dato’ Seri
Vincent Tan is a man with a vision who realized and capitalized on the
increasing demand of the world market for a health-conscious lifestyle and
healthier, preferably organic, foods through other venues as well. Ms. Ming
hired, taught and trained her amazing team of professionals until they were
able to give birth to the world’s first fully organic spa and wellness
resort. Ms. Ming, with a background in banking & investments, spas &
wellness, as well as hotel management, has developed some of the most exclusive
spas of the world and managed Asia’s most exclusive ladies clubs, Phillip
Wain. |
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| It is her passion for spas, wellness and beauty that
has led her to create this new concept in the hospitality world. Seven Stars
and Stripes Inc. in Cooperation with The Seven Stars and Stripes Academy™
proudly recognizes Ms. Ming as a Leader and Champion of the Global Spa and
Hospitality Industry. Ms. Ming is credited with creating the World’s first
organic spa and wellness resort at The Chateau in Malaysia and with her vision,
expertise, leadership and persistence, Ms. Ming has elevated the global organic
spa experience to an entirely new level. |
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Ms. Ming undertook the task to
approach the European Organic Committee (EOC) to obtain the organic
certification for an organic resort. However, she was told that they could not
certify The Chateau as an organic entity as they have not done the
certification for this category previously. Ms. Ming found out after extensive
research on her part, that there has never been a hotel or resort that was
fully organic.
“Our research yielded many resorts claiming to be
organic but upon further investigation, it was revealed that only one part of
their operations was organic, usually their F & B outlets or only their
spa. |
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| There was no resort, which was organic in their
entirety. Hence, we were able to use the tagline “The World’s first
Organic Spa and Wellness Resort” as it fell upon us to set our own
criteria as to what constituted an organic spa and resort. Offering a complete
organic wellness experience to our guests is our main mission. Therefore our
F&B outlets offer organic food and drinks, our spa utilize organic products
and amenities and our rooms are appointed with organic products and then
some.” Ms. Ming approached the Seven Stars and Stripes organization and
after extensive research they developed The Seven Stars Organic World™
Award. |
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| During the official
opening
night (PHOTO TOUR - CLICK HERE) of The Chateau Spa and Organic
Wellness Resort, at Berjaya Hills, The Chateau won four Seven Stars and Stripes
awards, and later in the evening, a personal award was presented to Ms. Ming.
The evening had a Royal touch; it was graced by The Crown Prince of Pahang HRH
Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, ministers of the country, members of
the press and several TV stations (one from the USA), as well as one hundred
and fifty specially invited guests from several different countries. Sir Walter
Staib, a member of the Seven Stars and Stripes advisory board, an award-winning
internationally renowned chef and host & producer of his three-time Emmy
Award winning USA national TV show ‘A Taste of History’ on PBS TV,
attended the event with his camera team as well. They also filmed a show at The
Chateau and some segments in the nearby jungle. The seven course gala dinner
was not entirely organic, as Ms. Ming announced before she wished everyone bon
appétit. She explained that she didn’t want to miss serving this
distinguished group a delicacy like foie gras, which is non organic, and hence
the “not 100 per cent organic” menu. Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan
Chee Yioun, the owner of The Chateau seemed very pleased with his company, the
well deserved awards his Chateau received, the string orchestra and opera
performance with Samantha Chew, Ms. Ming and her entire team. It was a
beautiful night - Congratulations! |
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by
Edmund Buehrmann & Thorsten Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid
Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2011 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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Vip Tours | 1
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