Iconic rainforest resort to welcome array of leading practitioners in the fields of sound healing, nutrition, acupuncture, helping guests embrace natural holistic well-being in 2024
Malaysia’s iconic rainforest resort, The Datai Langkawi, is starting the new year with holistic well-being in mind. Announcing the outstanding curated collective of renowned holistic practitioners that will be a part of its 2024 edition of Serenity – The Datai Well-Being Series, the resort will host six wellness residencies across the year, offering consultations, one-to-one sessions, group workshops, and more to guests.
Celebrating the best wellbeing expertise from across the globe, each visiting practitioner has been selected for their extensive knowledge, experience, and dedication to holistic approaches. From sound healing, meditation, and yoga to acupuncture, podiatry, and chiropractic therapies, guests can address and focus on a range of wellness desires. Three of the practitioners are returning from the inaugural series – their services and treatments were so popular and resonated with the resort’s guests in such a profound manner that the decision was made to offer these sessions once more in the rainforest embrace of the Datai Bay.
Launched to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Datai Langkawi, which took place in 2023, Serenity – The Datai Well-Being Series reinforces the rainforest resort’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional, world-class experiences, and sustainable immersion in the unique natural world of Langkawi.
The six visiting holistic wellness practitioners for 2024 are:
- Dr Rafael Bagheri, Chiropractor, 6-12 February 2024
- Bastien Gonzalez, Podiatrist, 23-30 April 2024
- Dr Lim Xiang Jun, Specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncturist, 14-22 June 2024
- Savy Ho, Certified Sound Healer, Yoga, and Meditation practitioner, 19-27 August 2024
- Hannah Prescott, Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor, 12-27 October 2024
- Roxanne De Guzman, Fitness Professional and Yoga Instructor, 21 December 2024 – 3 January 2025
Stephane Duvacher, General Manager, The Datai Langkawi, comments: “There’s an ever-growing desire for wellness to be the focus of, or incorporated into, travel experiences, helping travellers make the most of their time away and truly focus on their well-being. Whilst there has been a significant increase in wellness technology advancements, there continues to be overwhelming support and interest in the healing power of nature, as well as holistic therapies.”
“Sustainable natural luxury has always been at the heart of The Datai Langkawi, and the natural world is at the centre of all our well-being offerings. Our resort is immersed in a 10-million-year-old rainforest and overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches, making it the ideal place to reset and rejuvenate in nature’s healing terrains.”
Louise Ward, Director of Spa and Wellness at The Datai Langkawi, adds: “We’re delighted to be bringing the second edition of Serenity – The Datai Well-Being Series to our guests, and to welcome back Dr Rafael Bagheri, Bastien Gonzalez and Roxanne De Guzman, as well as meet our selection of new visiting consultants. Through this diverse series, we want to help guests explore authentic, natural holistic wellness experiences that stay with them long beyond their stay with us, and help shape their view on the world, themselves, and nature.”
Having won accolades such as ‘Sustainable Spa of the Year’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards, The Spa at The Datai Langkawi seeks to immerse guests in the beauty and sensory journeys that nature provides to support overall well-being. Treatments focus on Ramuan-based therapies, a traditional Malay healing practice that sustainably harnesses local ingredients from the rainforest, mangroves, and sea. Dating back several millennia, Ramuan is uniquely Malaysian and draws upon the health benefits of the natural world, as well as indigenous culture that echoes the country’s history.
Alongside its respect for local healing traditions, the resort also strives to innovate and embrace relevant contemporary practices and therapies, reflecting Ramuan’s heritage of evolution. Through Serenity, The Datai Langkawi seeks to offer guests nurturing, rejuvenating experiences that support a healthy mind, body, and spirit, alongside an inner sense of harmony.
Dr Rafael Bagheri – Chiropractor, 6-12 February 2024 | Canada
Dr Rafael Bagheri, an accomplished chiropractor with over 16 years of experience, holds a bachelor’s degree in health science and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, both obtained in Canada. Proficient in diverse treatment approaches for neuro-muscular disorders, Dr Bagheri specialises in spinal manipulation, muscle release techniques, and various other modalities. His extensive background includes collaborative work with physicians and other healthcare professionals in numerous multi-disciplinary settings, incorporating hands-on therapy and clinical chiropractic practices.
Committed to achieving optimal postural and spinal health, Dr Bagheri advocates for a proactive, prevention-based approach utilising spinal correction rather than merely providing symptomatic pain relief. Beyond his clinical practice, he is a corporate wellness speaker, reflecting his dedication to promoting overall well-being.
Bastien Gonzalez – Podiatrist, 23-30 April 2024 | France
Bastien Gonzalez is globally renowned for his meticulous and distinctive approach to foot treatments. A recipient of multiple awards, including Men’s Spa Treatment of the Year and overall Spa Treatment of the Year by the AsiaSpa Awards, his studio, the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez, was honoured as the World’s Best Nail Studio Brand by the World Spa Awards. Trained in Paris, he is a pioneer in the integrated approach to hands, nails, and feet, seamlessly combining health and natural beauty in his treatment protocol.
As one of the first practitioners to champion this holistic approach, Gonzalez’s unique treatments go beyond standard podiatry. He incorporates medical-grade care for the nails while providing deep massages that relieve muscle tension and heaviness from toe-to-knee or finger-to-elbow. Not only celebrated for his hands-on expertise, Gonzalez has also developed a highly regarded product line, Révérence de Bastien. Currently, he is dedicated to expanding his impact by establishing a training academy, aiming to share his revered treatments with a wider audience worldwide.
Dr Lim Xiang Jun – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)/Acupuncturist, 14-22 June 2024 | Singapore
Dr Lim Xiang Jun, a seasoned Singaporean practitioner with a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, boasts an impressive 18-year journey in the field. She achieved the highest qualifications in both Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Science, on a journey that included seven years of immersive learning in Beijing, China, under the mentorship of esteemed practitioners, including the renowned Taiwanese Grand Master Shao.
An eclectic healer, Dr Lim seamlessly integrates Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various ancient energy practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Reiki. With a global clientele spanning Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, she is recognised for offering a unique blend of services. From acupuncture, cupping, and hip balancing, to tension release therapy, yoga, meditation, and medical QiGong, each session is tailored to address both physical and spiritual well-being. Beyond traditional medical advice, Dr Lim provides psychosomatic and spiritual counselling, offering a transformative experience that extends far beyond conventional healthcare. With a passion for demystifying ancient traditional medicines and energy healing, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
Savy Ho – Certified Sound Healer/Yoga/Meditation, 19-27 August 2024 | Malaysia
Voted Best Sound Healer of The Year at the Yogalife Wellness Awards/Tourism Malaysia 2020, Savy is renowned for her transformative, heart-centred approach to yoga, meditation, sound healing, and tea ceremony sessions. Drawing from a diverse skill set, Savy is trained in the Light Energy Weave healing modality, Cranial Sacral therapy, body work, and sound healing.
With a profound dedication to elevating levels of higher consciousness, self-love, and inner awareness, Savy guides individuals on a journey to heal and restore inner alignment and balance. Having traversed the globe attending meditation retreats in Nepal, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hawaii, she holds a remarkable 500 Hours of Yoga Alliance Certification.
Hannah Prescott – Nutritionist/Fitness Instructor, 12-27 October 2024 | United Kingdom
Hannah, a dedicated Registered Nutritionist (AfN) and fitness instructor, is driven by the belief that nutrition should seamlessly integrate into one’s lifestyle, catering to individual tastes and preferences for sustainable, enduring results. Committed to helping clients achieve optimal well-being through healthy eating habits, Hannah is passionate about fostering happiness and health in every aspect of life.
With a deep-seated love for health, fitness, and, above all, food, Hannah advocates for approaching these elements as a lifestyle rather than a temporary solution. Her vision revolves around creating an evidence-based platform that empowers the community with knowledge for sustainable changes and an enhanced quality of life tailored to each individual’s needs. Offering personalised nutrition plans and consultations, Hannah invites clients to share their goals as she guides them towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Roxanne De Guzman – Fitness Professional and Yoga Instructor, 21 December 2024 – 3 January 2025 | Canada
Roxanne De Guzman, a seasoned fitness professional, yoga instructor, and spa and wellness consultant, brings over 25 years of expertise. In her private fitness training and yoga sessions, she engages with guests on a one-to-one basis, tailoring her approach to their unique goals within their fitness and well-being journey while infusing a youthful and playful mindset.
Offering a comprehensive array of services, Roxanne provides personalised fitness training programmes, private and group yoga sessions encompassing Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar, Ashtanga, or Jivamukti styles. Additionally, she offers Thai yoga stretch sessions, a harmonious blend of passive yoga with Thai massage, PNF stretching, and shiatsu pressure points. With numerous certifications and licenses, Roxanne has been a vital force in the fitness and spa industries, collaborating and consulting with top luxury resorts worldwide.
For more information on Serenity – The Datai Well-Being Series and to book a stay at The Datai Langkawi, please visit Serenity – The Datai Well-Being Series, call +60.4.9500 500 or email reservations@dataihotels.com.
Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com; 020 7843 3597) can arrange a seven night stay from GBP1,859.00 per person sharing, including flights, transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast and access to the Spa and group activities
