Launched in 2023, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Datai Langkawi, Serenity - The Datai Well-Being Series reinforces our commitment to providing guests with exceptional, world-class experiences and sustainable immersion in the unique natural world of Langkawi.
The annual programme sees a curated collective of visiting practitioners host six wellness residencies across the year, offering consultations, one-to-one sessions, group workshops and more, all in the midst of our rainforest resort.
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 midst of the rainforest embrace of Datai bay.
The six visiting holistic wellness practitioners for 2024 are:
- February – Dr Rafael Bagheri, Chiropractor, from Canada
- April – Bastien Gonzalez, Podiatrist, from France
- June – Dr Lim Xiang Jun, Specialist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncturist, from Singapore
- August – Savy Ho, Certified Sound Healer, Yoga and Meditation practitioner, from Malaysia
- October – Hannah Prescott, Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor, from UK
- December – Roxanne De Guzman, Fitness Professional and Yoga Instructor, from Canada
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 natural and local ingredients from the rainforest, mangroves and sea. Dating back over 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 own history.
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 own 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.”
For further enquiries or to make a reservation, please call +60 4 9500 500 or email reservations@dataihotels.com
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.
Dr Bagheri is back by popular demand to offer his services amidst our rainforest haven. View the video of Dr Bagheri's last residency at The Datai Langkawi here.
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.
Bastien Gonzalez is a valued partner of The Datai Langkawi, with his Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez located inside our Spa. Enjoy treatments by his trained therapists all year round, but don't miss the chance to have your feet pampered by the master himself this April.
View the video of Bastien's last residency at The Datai Langkawi here.
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, facial acupuncture 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.
Voted Best Sound Healer of The Year at the Yogalife Wellness Awards/Tourism Malaysia 2020, Savy is a certified sound healer 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, 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 and 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, 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.
Roxanne is back on our shores by popular demand and looks forward to offering her services to our guests. View the video of her last residency at The Datai Langkawi here.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Datai Langkawi in the year 2023, we launched the premiere edition of Serenity - The Datai Well-being Series. This exciting new wellness programme brings the very best holistic practitioners from around the world to the heart of the Malaysian rainforest to host a series of residencies.
In 2023, Serenity - The Datai Well-Being Series welcomed a curated line-up of visiting practitioners, selected for their extensive experience, expertise, and holistic approach. Ranging from consultations and one-on-one sessions to group workshops, the programme embraced a diverse platform of specialisms, from ancient disciplines including acupuncture, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and singing bowl sound healing therapy; alternative medical practices such as chiropody and podiatry; to contemporary therapies such as neuroscience.
The six practitioners who took residence for the maiden edition of Serenity - The Datai Well-Being Series in 2023 were:
- December 2022, Dr Rafael Bagheri, Chiropractor, Canada
- March 2023, Bastien Gonzalez, Podiatrist, France
- April 2023, Dr Rui Pedro Loureiro, TCM/Acupuncture, Portugal
- June 2023, Paul Emery, Creator: A Peaceful Mind, Thailand
- August 2023, Roxanne De Guzman, Fitness Professional and Yoga Instructor, Canada
- October 2023, Christina Shiu, Singing Bowl Sound Healing Practitioner, Singapore
- December 2023, Roxanne De Guzman, Fitness Professional and Yoga Instructor, Canada