By Lim Chee Wah

With 11 spas and beauty centres on the same level, Starhill Gallery’s Pamper Zone prides itself as the ultimate urban retreat for total wellness. Lim Chee Wah takes time off for some self love


Starhill Gallery’s Pamper Zone is the first in KL to think of this concept: dedicate an entire floor to everything spa, beauty and wellness and all self-proclaimed hedonists will come flocking. Has it worked? Well, judging from the other ‘urban retreats’ that have since emerged in KL, this idea seems to be a solid one.
In a way, Pamper Zone is similar to the concept of a destination spa but adapted to the urban setting. Yes, it is decadent but it’s also about convenience; with all the pampering under one roof, you can easily get a head to toe transformation within a few hours, minus the mad dash around town. So one Friday afternoon, I decided to do a test run of Pamper Zone.


First stop: Integrated Wellness Centre

Integrated Wellness Centre (03 2142 0860/www.iwc-global.com) is perhaps the classiest traditional Chinese medicine establishment I’ve ever come across. Instead of the medicinal herbs which you have to meticulously boil to extract the broth, they have simplified Chinese medication into granules that you can just mix with water and drink. In recent years, the centre has also integrated many other forms of complementary medicine such as hypnotherapy and acupuncture for weight loss.
I had a pulse reading session with Dr Lai. Her first question shocked me. ‘Were you coughing recently?’ she asked. I had gotten well a couple of weeks ago. How did she know? I confirmed that and she said I have not fully recovered from it; reason being, my lungs are still heaty. She also brought up a few other things concerning my rather weak stomach and, not surprisingly, my lack of sleep. Dr Lai mentioned that a lot of people mistook pulse reading for some sort of fortune telling. Well, it is not. That’s why she kept asking me questions to help her read into my pulse patterns. According to her, I have to stay away from biscuits, chocolate and seafood as to not worsen my cough. I made a mental note of that. But chocolate? Really?


Second stop: Faceworks

Faceworks (03 2144 0080/www.faceworksclinic.com) looks like a clinic but with spa-like finishing, which is quite appropriate I think, considering that it is a facial and body medical aesthetic clinic. It offers a variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as botox, acne management, freckle removal and Fraxel Laser treatment, which is a clinical procedure to smoothen acne scars and wrinkles, and rejuvenate your skin.
I got a quick computerised photo imaging skin analysis. A machine takes a series of photographs of my face and then microscopically examines my skin on several factors that include spots, pigmentation, pore size, skin unevenness, wrinkles and lines. My consultant was refreshing. Very matter-of-factly, she pointed out that I have already developed wrinkles (only four to be exact) and how my skin is only as good as 64 per cent of the population. Feeling more amused than concerned, I moved to Donna Spa for a massage.


Third stop: Donna Spa

Like a Balinese spa minus the outdoor garden, Donna Spa (03 2141 8999/www.donnaspa.net) is very relaxing despite it being confined in a mall. There are eight treatment rooms, and each has a Jacuzzi bath, which you can enjoy without any extra charge. There’s also a common steam room, cold plunge pool and warm hydro-bath for guests. Again, no extra charge – a very attractive incentive quite unheard of for spas in KL.
The treatments are inspired by Balinese and Javanese wellness concepts. My Excellent Donna massage actually lived up to its name. It is a medium to strong pressure massage taken off from the urut tradition that is good for blood circulation and thus alleviating migraines and back aches. After the massage, I was treated to juice and snacks on a cushy daybed. Throughout my stay, I was being absolutely lazy. The therapists didn’t seem to mind that I was taking my own sweet time. I like how you are encouraged to stay and relax instead of being sent off just so they can take in another guest, and that I believe makes a good spa outing.


Fourth stop: Beaubelle

My treatment at Beaubelle (03 2148 4898/www.beaubelle.com) is a lift-me-up treat for the face. The main highlight in this 60-minute Super Oxygen Skin Fitness Face Spa is to infuse your skin with pure oxygen. It improves the skin’s metabolism and as a result, reduces wrinkles, fine lines and even fatigue. I was told that this treatment is specially designed for smokers and sleep-deprived, stressed out professionals on the run who often suffer from dry, tired skin.
The warm foot soak and head, neck and shoulder massage prior to the facial was really enjoyable. But I was particularly amazed at the leave-on mask that was used at the end of the treatment – it also acts as moisturiser and massage oil for the face. Looking all refreshed at the end of the treatment with a brighter complexion, the therapist assured me that the effect can last for a little more than a week.


Last stop: Soho

Now there’s only one last thing to do – my hair. I went to Soho hair salon (03 2144 9993) for the Redken Soothing Balance Scalp Relief, a treatment designed specifically for sensitive scalps. Much to my surprise, the hair wash was so enjoyable. Instead of scratching, the assistant stylist used massaging techniques to shampoo my hair instead. And I can literally feel the tension and the stress on my head loosen up. Now I know why girls like to have their hair washed in a salon.
I was told that many working professionals in KL tend to have sensitive scalps; the appearance of red dots all over the scalp is an indication of stress and the lack of sleep. Well, thankfully I didn’t have many – just a few spots at the back of my head (note to my employer: this doesn’t mean I am not working hard enough, just that I take good care of myself). Still, the treatment is good to nourish, balance and protect my scalp. As the finishing touch, J Wong, the creative director, came to style my hair and I was good to go – refreshed, satisfied and emerging even more presentable for a night around town.