Spa Review: Manja Afternoon Tea

Vila Manja's Manja Afternoon Tea

The latest promotion from Vila Manja's Facebook is the Manja Afternoon Tea package. Just taking a peep at the poster makes you want to leave everything behind, get a massage and enjoy the freshly brewed coffee with homemade kaya toast afters. In short, this package offers a 90mins body massage session (30mins hot stone + 60mins relaxing massage) and afternoon tea & snack session for only RM150 (weekdays) / RM180 (weekends) 12noon - 5.00pm. A min of 2 pax is required. The usual rate for just the body massages alone cost RM256 without afternoon tea.

hot buttery toast with kaya

Well all this talking about afternoon tea reminds me of my all time favorite Malaysian comedy TV series Kopitiam. Still remember their opening song? Douglas Lim was my idol that time! The song really blends in well, to get away somewhere for a smile and that's just what I did with my bff Buaya Wing today. We hit the road to Vila Manja and was caught in a terrible jam (Matta fair madness).

I wake in the dawn to showers of light
Moments of emptiness surround
Floating away with auras of hope
But reality brings me... to the ground
What can I do?
What can I say?
I need a place to hide away
Just for a while, just for a smile
Just for the life I used to know

reached Vila Manja (Jln Damai)

an urban sanctuary to escape from city life

Asian inspired Spa experience

warm ambience that melts you away

 ginger tea awaits us before treatment

Before our treatments start, we were given ginger tea to freshen up. Chatted and laughed a bit with the Spa manager, Marianne. A lovely woman who has lots stories to share with us. She explained to us what the Manja Afternoon Tea package was about and that she'll prepare us the afternoon goodies while we get pampered upstairs!

the Chinese room

putting my sarong on

The treatment room was amazingly beautiful, set in red hues and curtains hanging from the ceiling. Each room has its own theme in Vila Manja. There's the Malay inspired rooms and the Asian inspired ones. Ours was obviously a couple room, that looked like a Chinese wedding chamber. My bff and I giggled at the thought of us being lesbians. We put on sarongs on and face down on the beds, eagerly waiting for our masseuse to start their magic. 

The first session was the 30mins Manja Stone Massage where an ancient technique with warm stones immersed in aromatherapy oils are used to massage our bodies. This is the signature treatment from Vila Manja that everyone should at least try once. Contrary to many beliefs, hot stone massage is not using hot burning stones on your body. The stones are warmed up, enough just to be massaged onto our bodies to relieve, soothe or loosen tensions and backache. The stones will not burn you! but if you have delicate or sensitive skin, it's always best to seek the advise of the manager before selecting this treatment.

p.s: the hot stones on my back was great, but hot stones being used on my legs? fantastic!

Next the 60mins Manja Relaxing Massage follows. Using aromatherapy oil, my masseuse uses long continuously strokes to massage my body, the pressure I requested was light (not hard, I can't take hard) and soon after I fell asleep. It was soothing, relaxing and the music in the room was so right in combining all the elements together for a relaxing pampering session. My bff commented that this massage was as good as the other luxury hotel spa we tried a month ago.

wing sleeping after her massage

our afternoon tea awaits us!

toast with fragrant homemade kaya!!!

the special of the day! half boiled eggs with black pepper

we enjoyed our afternoon tea so much! (for an hour plus)

will come back next week for another round!

Overall, I would say this is an unique experience for me. You can hardly find spas around town that serve you tea and snacks after a relaxing massage session. The environment of the spa is also unique to say. Set in the heart of the city, one would get lost trying to find this spa (no signage outside) but once you step into the place, it seems that you have been transported to another dimension where time stood still and your worries leaving you behind. Having your bridal shower or party here is a great idea, the spacious setting and ample car parks around the quiet neighborhood is a steal. I would come back here again :) and this time for the head spa recommended by Marianne for my migraines. I heard a special type of oil is used! oh I can't wait...

For more information regarding Vila Manja or updates on promotions and activities, please LIKE Vila Manja's Facebook Fan page :)

VILA MANJA

Jalan Damai, Kuala Lumpur

Bungalow 41 Jalan Damai, Off Jalan Tun Razak,

55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan,

Malaysia

Tel: +6 (03) 2161 5418

Fax: +6 (03) 2161 5417

http://vilamanja.com/

https://www.facebook.com/VilaManja

IDI Italy 1858 Clearance RM10 Only

IDI Italy 1858 Clearance Sale Only RM10

Heads up! for a few weeks already IDI Italy 1858 has been clearing their stocks from selected Guardian outlets in the Klang Valley. For those who do not know what IDI Italy 1858 is, click here. They have got some really good skincare that you can use. Their usual price range is RM90 - RM200 over. It's sad that they're pulling out or something from our market but the good news is, their skincare products are going for RM10 each at selected Guardian outlets. Here's a few for you to hunt:

• Guardian Mid Valley
• Guardian KLCC
• Guardian Bangsar Shopping Centre

They got a lot of moisturizer stocks for all skin types from oily/acne to normal/combination to dry and sensitive. I love their conditioning lotion, cleansing milk and their lab pro range which costs RM200++. Try their Tri-Action age defender. It's a anti-aging moisturizer with SPF, antioxidants and tinted on the color side (so u can use as BB cream). However it's not enough to cover scars, just enough to even out your tone. Lightening cream, RevitAction cream and MultiAction Mask is highly recommended to try out too.

March: Garage Sales (I'm broke)

Limited Edition Aya Takano RM50 (np RM80)

The perfect fun pink girly girl with heart and star stickers

Premium Velvet Feather Deep Forest RM50 (np RM250)

Glamour, drama these babies are hand-crafted, soft feathered premium 

eyelashes in dark green and black. 

Rainbow Eyelash RM30

These eyelashes made me smile :) the only reason I gotten them

Heya! I'm letting go of my Shu Uemura eyelash collection (well the extras I have kept). They're in good condition (new, boxed and never used). This is a good time to get them off me as they're cheaper than buying from store. However I only have a couple of them so first come first serve. Drop me an email tammylci@gmail.com. Check out some of the stuffs below that's also for the buy :)

Loccitane Almond Set RM250 (np RM324)
Scrub RM155, Shape RM169

Crumpler Dr.Strong Man: The Harry Hoard
My price RM300 (np RM690)

(never used, bought during sales)

Comfortably carry everything you need for a day of cubicle occupation or lecture hall surfing with the water-resistant Crumpler Harry Hoard Bag. A tough polyester shell protects against minor squalls when commuting and the padded laptop compartment protects against unexpected collisions. Adjust the shoulder strap on this Crumpler masterpiece for long walks across campus or the morning bike commute. If you don't agree with the internal Feng Shui just move the Harry's configurable sections around until you feel balanced. 

A Short Getaway At Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa

palm trees, waterfall and lots of privacy

Two weeks ago, me & my buddies went on a short trip to Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa, Cyberjaya. We all needed the break and two of our buddies are having their birthdays this month. Celebrating it together would be meaningful, it was the first time all 4 of us survived a night together out in the "nature". Just an hour's drive from KL, Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa was a beautiful tropical paradise hidden away from the city. A 5 star boutique resort with award winning landscape gardens, many blushing brides held their garden weddings here.

 the pool is popular with the kids

 take romantic walks holding hands here

a popular place for garden weddings

waterfall and an afternoon nap

our deluxe chalet, simply beautiful

A night's stay in a deluxe chalet can cost up to RM1.5k but if you're lucky, you can get the online promotions for as low as RM288++ onwards. Our stay was sponsored by Olay Malaysia (big mucho gracias!). The room was big enough for a family to stay in. The king sized bed was huge but the room was not sound proof to my liking. We could hear everything from the bathroom till the neighbors next door. Honeymooners better get the private suites if they don't want to be heard at night.

we spent most of time at Sembunyi Spa

Of course the highlight of the trip was to unwind and relax at Sembunyi Spa (hidden spa). I read many good reviews about this place and here we are finally at it's doorsteps. It's a small luxury spa tucked away outside the resort. The reception is small but serves its purpose. You can smell lemongrass in the air, thanks to the oils on the counter. The friendly lady helped us get ready and was really accommodating to our needs. At first we were indecisive over what to do - the monthly promotion or the combined treatment package in the menu? It wasn't your local spa that costs under a hundred. Camie and Wing had the Massage with Pedicure (RM300++ per pax for 2hrs) while me and Kenby opted for the Body Treatment combo (RM258++ per pax for 2hrs massage, scrub and wrap) It was time to treat ourselves something nice for a change. Price ranges from RM120++ onwards. An hour's massage cost RM160++. Click here for spa prices. 

spa here we come! (sarongs provided)

my massage room

For recommendation, Sembunyi Spa is popular for their Balinese Massage and the Island Dream Scrub (suitable for all skin types). The Island Dream Scrub uses the "Manggir Scrub" which has coconut powder inside. For my full body session, I choose the Aromatherapy Massage instead of Balinese (afraid of pain). The masseuse used the lemon grass oil I choose and slowly in soft long strokes, massage me to sleep. After an hour, I awoke to the fruity smell of the Island Dream scrub. My whole body was scrub from back to front (even my boobs). Next yogurt with earth and petal mask where I was wrapped and left to sleep for another 1/2 hour. When I meet my friends back, they raved on and on about how great the Balinese Massage was. Kenby said it was the best massage she ever tried. Buaya Wing said it wasn't painful and that I would love it. Dam already I am regretting. Can it be as good as the massage I received at Spa Village, Pangkor Laut?

 the hot jacuzzi in the female area

(men and woman are separated)

the ice pool (is FREEZIN cold) 

Guests of the resort can use the spa facilities here anytime while outsiders are required to either purchase a main treatment or pay spa entry fee in order to enter the area. When inside, the gym, jacuzzi, ice pool, sauna and steam rooms, and swimming pool can be enjoyed from 10am - 10pm. You can use the facilities either before or after your spa treatments. 

finish everything at 9pm

birthday celebration at night

After our spa we headed to Alamanda, Putrajaya for dinner. It was a 15-20mins drive away. We came back again to the resort pass 11pm, watched a romantic Thai comedy and then light up the candles on the cupcakes to wish the girls Happy Birthday. An enjoyable day, I would love to go back again and try the Balinese Massage for a change.

The Story of The Elixir of Fresh Elegance

free sample by presenting this e-mail print out

The latest perfume from Salvatore Ferragamo swept me off my feet at Mid Valley Megamall. Their roadshow was not only pink, but the entire area smells of musky vanilla, sweet and irresistible with something floral in the air. I was immediately stunned by this new perfume, called Signorina. The beautifully designed flacon, reminds me of a ballerina dancer adorned in a peach pink ribbon. This was the perfect gift for a friend, who's birthday was the next day. I managed to get matching bags and pouch while shopping here. We (my colleagues) shared the gift and I thought it would be interesting to show what happened and how she felt, when she got her "Signorina" in her hands. Signorina is a lovely and chic Italian name that means young woman. Stylish, truly Italian, fresh and full of life.

the story of a Signorina

scene 1 : the surprise

scene 2: the presents

scene 3: omg thx guys!

scene 4: trying it out...

happy ending...

Happy Birthday Terince, hope you love the gift we got you. We wanted you to have something special on your birthday, befitting of a woman that you have become! May you be a Signorina forever and ever. 

My Kinetin Journey Using Kinerase! Week 8

my final skin check with Dr. Koh

After 8 weeks of use, my skin is better, healthier with a glow. My pigmentation has lighten significantly and I look youthful. Thanks to Kinerase®, I have experienced the Kinetin Effect on my skin. My Kinetin Journey will be coming to an end but my love for this product that I have been using for the past 8 weeks is just starting. I have been keeping this a mystery for my first 3 posts but now I shall reveal the anti-aging product that helped me achieve a beautiful skin is Kinerase. At first I was skeptical about using Kinerase and I didn't know the differences between over the counter products and products recommended by professionals. I search online for information on Kinetin and found many research and articles about it. It was impressive reading through the materials and I found myself slowly falling in love with this product! 

ta dah! highly recommended for sensitive skin!

First, what's the product I have been using? It's called KINERASE! It contains the anti-aging ingredient Kinetin which helps me to look achieve a better, younger and healthier looking skin :) 

Kinerase is the only professional skincare line with optimal levels of Kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine), a bio growth factor that is proven to delay and reverse the visible signs of aging*. It's suitable for all skin types. It nurtures delicate skin and can safely be used even after aesthetic procedures. Your skin will be healthier with a younger look and feel that shows in better overall complexion and improved fine wrinkles, especially in the crow's feet area*.

my skin concerns

Many would ask why do I need to use a anti-aging skincare? After all I didn't look that bad in the first place right? WRONG!!! who knows what's going on beneath your skin? with all the external and internal factors that stresses our skin, only by seeing a professional would you be able to find out more about your skin and what it needs. I am no young bird anymore and though I look OKAY, I wish I look BETTER. Prevention is better than cure as all of said, so with my Kinetin experience using Kinerase, I found out that YES my skin can become better! here's the proof!

Before and After: See The Glow

lighting can be different, but please see overall complexion
(taken with Iphone 4 camera with each visit)

meeting Dr.Koh

watch my final video here

This is no fairy tale happy ending story or magical aging vanishing stunt. This is a real life review with me diligently using Kinerase for the past 8 weeks, morning and evening - everyday! I did not use any face serums or elixirs while using Kinerase so what you see here is what you get. Watch my video to find out what Dr.Koh says after checking my skin. You'll be surprise as he is!

My Skin Has:

• fairer
• wrinkles are less significant
• look better
• pigmentation lighter
• overall complexion has improved

easy to open tube, great for carrying around

the texture is light, non-sticky, fast absorbing

leaves no marks or stains

it's the youth cream I have been looking for

(and not as expensive)

Paraben Free and Contains Kinetin

You can purchase Kinerase at skin care clinics, dermatologist or from Dr.Koh at Damansara Uptown. For a tube of 40g the price ranges from RM199 onwards (depending on consultation charges). The benefits of using Kinerase? It's designed specially for Asian skincare needs based on advance formulation expertise from Japan. It's Paraben Free and contains Kinetin to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to improve skin texture, tone and blotchiness in sun-damaged skin and gently moisturizes dry and sensitive or post-procedural skin.

WIN Kinerase Cream 40g (worth RM199)

3 X lucky consolation prizes! 

Kinerase Travel Set (comes with pouch)

Watch all my videos and answer "What is the content in Kinerase that has been scientifically and clinically proven to delay and reverse the signs of aging?". You may answer as many times as you want. The correct answers will be pick via randomizer, the first lucky name would get the grand prize of owning her own Kinerase tube 40g to start her Kinetin Journey and 3 lucky names onwards will get the cute travel kit to try Kinerase's skincare kit that has eye cream (oh lala!), cream and cleanser.

Comment Using The Form Below:

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Contest ends 31/3/12. Winners will be contacted via email.