Although The Datai Langkawi rainforest resort boasts a spa of its own, I have to hand it to the team. Their dedication to guest wellness truly stands out with its Serenity—The Datai Well-Being Series, an annual programme that invites practitioners from around the world to offer guests unique experiences beyond its standard offerings.
You’ll find that with each visit, there is a fresh event to uncover, with something new to experience every time. Earlier this year, guests at The Datai Langkawi were treated to sessions with Dr. Rafael Bagheri, a distinguished chiropractor from Canada, and Bastien Gonzalez, a highly acclaimed podiatrist celebrated for his award-winning spa treatments.
Most recently, Serenity—The Datai Well-Being Series welcomed Dr. Lim Xiang Jun from Singapore, a specialist with 18 years of expertise in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She holds the highest qualifications in Chinese Medicine and Biomedical Science, honing her skills under the guidance of esteemed practitioners, including the renowned Taiwanese Grand Master Shao, who provided health counsel to politicians and business leaders in China and Taiwan during the 1990s.
While rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Lim’s practice extends beyond just that, integrating insights from Western medicine and other ancient energy practices such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Reiki into her holistic approach. Among her comprehensive range of services include tension release therapy, medical QiGong, psychosomatic, and spiritual counselling, to name a few, as she addresses both the physical and spiritual well-being.
A sense of calm washed over me upon arrival at The Datai Langkawi. Embraced by the soothing sounds of nature, it compels you to take a pause from the bustle of city life and work. It’s the perfect place to be in for a wellness retreat, surrounded by its verdant tropical rainforest and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and Tarutao Island.
After taking the first day to settle in, I met with Dr. Lim for my session the next morning. During our consultation, she patiently listened to all my concerns. She meticulously reviewed my health details and conducted an analysis of my physical elemental constitution through Metaphysics Bazi Astrology, an ancient Chinese practice that unveils insights into one’s life path. It was a fascinating approach that left me introspective and intrigued.
Dr. Lim began my treatment with acupuncture across my entire body, focusing on the areas of concern. The effects were almost immediate—my neck and shoulders felt remarkably lighter even without any applied pressure to release the knots. For my back, the acupuncture treatment was paired with a cupping therapy, targeting pain relief, muscle fibre elongation, and detoxification to alleviate blood blockages, as well as reduce stress and inflammation.
As I struggle with acid reflux, Dr. Lim performed moxibustion, a treatment that involved the burning of mugwort leaves placed on my stomach to promote gut healing, relieve digestive issues, and provide an energising effect. She also conducted hip balancing for me, which was much needed given the long periods that we writers often spend sitting. This was followed by a facial guasha that almost put me to sleep. It helped with my migraines and insomnia, along with aesthetic benefits such as lymphatic drainage, upliftment and anti-wrinkle effects. By the end of the treatment, Dr. Lim concluded the session with holistic health coaching, proposing lifestyle improvements and exercises for me to take.
For those interested in Dr. Lim’s treatments, consider a visit to her practice at Tanglin Road in Singapore. When asked about what she thinks about those with misconceptions regarding the practice of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Lim said: “It consists of a lot of customisation and it is very individualised, which is why it is very difficult to standardise the practice.” She encourages approaching it with an open mind instead and without preconceptions about how traditional Chinese medicine should be perceived or understood.
Meanwhile, there are more experiences to anticipate this year at The Datai Langkawi. From 19 to 27 August, Savy Ho, a certified sound healer, yoga and meditation practitioner from Malaysia will join Serenity—The Datai Series to share her expertise; Hannah Prescott, a nutritionist and fitness instructor hailing from the United Kingdom, will take the wheel from 12 to 27 October; and from 21 December to 3 January, Roxanne De Guzman, a fitness professional and yoga instructor from Canada will be present to offer her guidance.
