It is a competitive landscape in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur city centre and the AWAY Spa with a location next to the Petronas Twin Towers at KLCC has surely entered the fray. The W branded hotels all have similar spa concepts, albeit in different cities, and while they all have pretty much the same hardware, yet it is all about the software – that intangible feeling conveyed by the ambience and therapists. Tucked away on level 13, AWAY Spa is a cocoon haven away from the bustling city for an inordinate relaxation. When the lift door opens, be prepared to enter to a dimmer lighting mood that creates that soothing spa ambience. The interior is simple yet highlighted with brighter earth tone wood flooring panel laminating to the walls of the entire foyer. The monotone effect almost camouflages the space, adorned with a off-white plush sofa that makes the centre piece. The spa lobby looked more akin to a retail shop for spa products, among a few other W Hotel’s spas which we had experienced, so they could take a leaf out of some other brands books to think more about how you create that “zen” feeling from the moment you walk in and further enhance the relaxing mood.
Another blue couch sits on a blue printed arty carpet strategically placed at the other end corner which doesn’t seem to blend into the entire zen or minimalist flair to the already cozy ambience. Neither did the the illuminated “icicle” hanging pendant lighting on a reflecting ceiling mirror. Sometimes less is more can turn into a Less No More effect with the not so expedient elements chosen. Someone like it NOT! Despite the website blurb may have pre-empted such notions of expectations for its cutting edge design, playful scents, imaginative sounds and soothing lights for touches of modern comforts, but this may not be for die-hard spa junkies based on this description.
While the spa also bends the spa rules by turning the traditional treatment experience into an amped-up social scene, credit has to be given to the interior in the ‘Wet and Steamy” area. The classy black mosaic walls juxtaposed those mounted round mirrors on the wooden wall in the (male) changing room with ample big lockers for storage. Showers, wet spa area are spacious and perhaps the Vitality Pool could justify for being one of the most luxurious facilities in the entire city’s spa.
With modern technology controlled whirl pool features an air-flow stainless steel water bed, experience the tropical rain showers for you to find your best way to soak into the the power of water and recharge. And then, you can heat things up at the sauna and stream room to detox, retox and repeat.
Our spa experience was not off to a great start, as we had not been prompted prior to our stay to make a booking and when we popped into the spa on the day of arrival, the lobby was momentarily empty, so we were perplexed as to why no one was in attendance, but the Spa Manager turned up within a minute or two (perhaps we were being screened on the cctv) and we were informed that they were fully booked, even the next day, but this problem was quickly solved as the AWAY Spa allow flexibility to fit your schedule and she managed to squeeze us in for a late afternoon session, so we breathed a sigh of relief despite our two nights only short staycation.
On arriving for our treatment after the relaxing Wet Spa experience, once again no one was at the reception, the manager then came out a minute or two later for the brief spa consultation and she herself escorted us to the treatment room without having the therapists being introduced before hand. Both of our therapists turned up shortly thereafter, which seemed to be going against the grain of the normal protocol, but we gave them the benefit of the doubt. The 90 minutes Flow Away Signature Massage was recommended and started straight away omitting the feet-spa ritual as one would normally expect (perhaps our last minute booking caught them short staffed and time poor). From that moment forward just when we began to feel more at ease, but just as the treatment was about to begin a glass was dropped on the tiled floor shattering everywhere. The therapist decided to push some of the mess to the side and continue – all we could think about is what were to happen when we get to stand up on the floor at the end of the treatment instead of having it cleaned up at once. Ehmm! Point not taken!
Despite all the shortcomings so far, both of our therapists had a very thorough technique and a pair of soothing hands that provided us with the requested medium to hard level massage, as well as having an unerring sense of where the knotted muscles were, which momentarily seemed to pique the pain threshold, but did the trick. And then the long, flowing strokes resumed and we could relax again knowing that our bodies tired muscles were been given the right attention to detail. As for post treatment, there was no ceremony and the overall feeling was perfunctory, rather than an immersion into the world of a fabulous spa. They do have all the bells and whistles when it comes to the modern facilities and amenities that is a bonus to enjoy and finish off the spa experience with bliss. At that moment, we precipitously felt that something was lacking, perhaps the attention to details and the courteously or promptness deliveries were not spot on. Or perhaps, this is what favours the younger generation that love this kind of approach – after all they were fully booked. When it comes to a spa experience, we were not convinced and longed to be transported into another world based on architecture and design, especially with a service approach that shows care and attention to detail. We would say room for improvement in order to glam up and treat yourself with one of their signature AWAY Spa treatment.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Room Amenities: 4.5/5
Service: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5
121, Jalan Ampang,
Wilayah Persekutuan,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +603 2786 8888
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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