The trees rise up above you. Majestic and lush, the foliage reaches for the ground, like falling rain suspended in the form of vibrant green leaves. These century-old trees accentuate the grandeur that surrounds you at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang.

The resort is replete with a sense of history, place and tradition. Its distinctive Minangkabau architecture houses even more artefacts of Malaysian culture. You feast your eyes on the artfully-arranged traditional jewellery, batik-printing moulds, coral sculpture, and signature items from the prolific Malaysian kitchen.  With so much cultural history, it’s no surprise that Penang’s capital, Georgetown, has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It is the resort’s indigenous beauty that keeps you grounded and connected. Set amidst soothing landscapes, the famed CHI, the Spa, invites you to continue your sojourn into your inner self. You emerge rejuvenated, reborn.

Your spa programme, tailored for you, is only the beginning of what the resort can offer. Heading for the Par 3 Executive Golf Course, you anticipate the excitement of the game ahead.

Back at the resort, you sit down to a well-earned meal at the Spice Market Café.  Recalling the days of the old spice trade, the spices on display here are as enticing as ever.  You choose some to take home from the Spice Boutique’s array of over 100 dried herbs and spices.

Tomorrow, you will enjoy the rest of Penang with its colonial-style buildings and multi-ethnic cuisine. For now, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang, holds you spellbound.