The UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Gunung Mulu National Park holds many natural riches. Here, the Mulu National Park and Caves has long drawn spelunkers and travellers to its pristine territory built over 60 million years. This cave system – which includes the Sarawak Chamber (the world’s largest known cave chamber) – is surrounded by 52,000 hectares of rainforest, which falls under the Mulu National Park.
Here, the Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa will play host to a most extraordinary five-day programme, from 14 – 19 June. The Ayus Wellness Experience (AWE) signature programme, Clarity and Peace of Mind, strives to achieve just that. The holistic approach comprises; immersive forest experiences, yoga and meditation amidst nature, wellness nutrition with curated vegetarian menus derived from indigenous food sources and lots more. Participants will also enjoy bathing in a clear forest pool energised by mineral water filtered through limestone, and experiencing natural therapy by the Penan. There will also be sessions in which a type of forest bathing – known to the Japanese as Shinrin Yoku – is experienced.
A host of experts will be present to offer insights into wellness. Yoga Master Shilpa Ghatalia leads an integrative spine-centring practice which aims for a “homecoming” connection. The entire experience five-day experience is intended to confer a host of benefits including increasing energy levels, enhancing the immune system functions, sharpening focus, improving sleep and repairs the body at DNA level.
The programme was founded by Dato’ Robert Geneid – who has been responsible for the protection and management of the Mulu National Park – and Professor Gerard Bodeker, a global authority on mental wellness. Plenty of what is experienced across the five-day programme is founded on a white paper on mental wellness by the latter.
“As Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Mental Wellness Initiative, I have been intrigued by the growing body of research highlighting that when we connect with nature in a relaxed and mindful way, mental health and wellbeing increase significantly,” says Prof Bodeker. “From my work a decade ago as lead author on the book Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan, I had learned that ulam, the Malay tradition of herbal salads, is in fact a living medicine. This inspired the development of the Ayus Wellness cuisine at Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa that combines science and culture to offer unique Borneo-themed food and beverage offerings. Through science, we know the beneficial nutritional and health effects of this menu.”
To book yourself on this inaugural offering; email ayus@ayuswellness.com; or call +6012 825 9988 for reservations. Prices are at US$1,200 (RM4977.72) for an all-inclusive package. This special introductory offer is 50% off the original price of US$2,400.
