The Healing Power of Forest Bathing in Langkawi

For the video of the Malay Wellness Journey scroll down to the bottom of the article.

One of the positive effects the pandemic had on life is that many people escaped the city to spent more time in nature. Some even decided to move away from the city. The recent Enrich Luxe Retreats in Langkawi was very much on trend with that. During the 5D/4N escape to the island of Langkawi, the six loyal Enrich guests spent plenty of time connecting with nature, especially during the Malay Wellness Journey. This programme is curated by The Datai and lets guests rediscover themselves in the surrounding rainforests.

The Art of Forest Bathing

It is known for centuries that spending time in nature is healthy. In the 1980s the Japanese coined a term for it: shinrin-yoku or forest bathing. Forest bathing is the art of spending time in nature and connecting with your environment through all senses. No need for running or walking, just sitting down and connecting with the energy of the forest through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Needless to say, your electronic devices and other distractions should nowhere to be seen.

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Since the 80s, the popularity of spending time in nature has increased and research was done on its (health) benefits. Not surprisingly, forest bathing has a positive effect on one’s physical and mental well-being. Most people coming back from spending time in the forest feel more relaxed, clear headed and/or rejuvenated. Studies done in Japan explain these feelings and the research suggest a reduction in stress cortisol levels, moderation of blood pressure and enhancement of the immune system.

The Malay Wellness Journey

Forest bathing has a long tradition in Malaysia. Mandi Embun, or ‘bathing in the morning dew’, is a centuries old Malay ritual and included in a very special treatment.

The holistic practitioners of The Datai have taken the ritual of forest bathing and designed a half-day wellness programme around it. The Malay Wellness Journey took the Enrich guests for a short forest walk, some light breathing and stretching exercises, followed by a dip in the fresh and crystal-clear jungle stream. Light refreshments were enjoyed before the guests returned to the resort.

There the Malay Wellness Journey continued with an Urut Melayu at The Spa. Here deep tissue massage is enhanced with the Spa’s signature blended oils, partly concocted from locally harvested herbs: from farm to (massage) table. The whole journey was completed with a healthy lunch (Enam Rasa – 6 taste sensations) at the Beach Club with a calming view of the Datai Bay.

Watch the video here to see the Enrich members enjoy the Malay Wellness Journey.

Enrich Your Life

Enrich members can enjoy two specially curated packages of three-day, two-night resort stays; the Enrich Getaway Package and the Enrich Luxe Retreat Package; and immerse in a wide range of offerings and experiences at The Datai Langkawi while being rewarded with Enrich points. The exclusive packages are available for booking through Enrich’s website until 31 January 2023, for stays from 7 January 2023 until 15 December 2023