BE Urban Wellness, HIS Experience, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Words by Caning Jaramillo

As an expat living in Kuala Lumpur for almost ten years now, I feel pretty confident in knowing the city for great places to eat, play and relax. However, it seems that every year that passes, this city presents me with new undiscovered gems. This time, BE Urban Wellness arose as one such treasure.

BE Urban Wellness is a holistic three storey spa, gym and wellness center. It's available to everyone who wants to take a break from daily routine (or develop a healthy habit) and those who feel it is time to heal and rejuvenate without leaving the city.

Arriving at its entrance, on the 11th floor of WORK@Clearwater building, the reception is a display of joy and sophistication. An astounding view of KL is the first thing to catch the eye, and the next is the serene infinity pool inviting you in for a dip. The warm staff immediately welcome guests with a delicious ginger tea, the first step in preparing you for a new world of peace and wellbeing.

My BE Urban Wellness experience started with a comprehensive body composition test. A few minutes on a high tech machine determined my percentages of muscle, fat, water and minerals. A deeper analysis showed more details on each, including areas of my body where each were stored the most.  These were summarized in comparison to a ideal healthy levels. This in turn led to personalized recommendations just for me, and was a great objective analysis of where my program should begin. 

I was introduced to Rose, my personal instructor at the gym, who guided me through an intensive session of exercises combining flexibility, strength, coordination, stability and mobility. Wow… what an incredible workout! With an expert guiding my form, and holding me accountable for the entire period, I found I accomplished much more than I do on my own. I was also introduced to movements I don't usually do which proved an interesting break to my regular routine. The gym is well equipped with kinesis and cardio machines, weights and a spacious room for pilates, yoga and group classes. Various packages are available so check out their website to see the latest promotions.

Feeling suitably tired and achy after my workout I entered the Oxygen chamber where I spent 45 minutes rejuvenating and really relaxing. The Oxygen Chamber is a therapy that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room. Oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness, a hazard of scuba diving. Other conditions treated with oxygen therapy include: serious infections; bubbles of air in your blood vessels; and wounds that won't heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury and; overall body rejuvenation. I felt like Michel Jackson - he used to spend time in his own rejuvenating bed… so lucky myself!

As part of my package I took a 90 minute BE Signature 1 massage. Both Eastern and Western techniques are combined to "unlock the flow of energy, release tension and relax the muscles." The essential oil, Be Rejuve, a blend of geranium and eucalyptus, had a silky smooth texture and uplifting, yet relaxing aroma. Heavenly.

Finally, I closed my spa day with a golden belt - a 60 minute face lifting session combining a traditional facial with the sophisticated Dr. Shigemoto machine. It left my face so radiant that I feel I could be the star in a baby food commercial! hehehe

Undoubtedly, BE Urban Wellness should be marked on your list of "must visit spas in Malaysia." I definitely can’t wait to come back!