The words ‘luxurious massage’ and “affordable” rarely go hand-in-hand, especially in the Klang Valley. Much to her delight, P. SELVARANI discovers that such a sanctuary exists at her doorstep
I WOULD like to think that I am quite generous when it comes to sharing information about places and things.
But occasionally, selfishness sets in when I find a real gem that I fear may lose its attraction once it’s known to the world.
Such was the case when a colleague introduced me to a cosy little massage centre tucked away in a quiet corner of Jasmine Towers Condominium in SS2/72, Petaling Jaya.
Where else in the city can you enjoy a pampering, relaxing 90-minute aromatherapy massage or an invigorating two-hour warm stone massage for less than a RM100?
Anyway, duty beckons, and thus I cannot but share the information, and so, welcome to Serenity Cove — a simple yet elegant two-bedded massage centre that was born out of the owner’s love for “a good massage that is affordable”.
Like everyone else, former corporate communications head Margaret Ban loved a good massage but could not find any place in town that offered one which was good yet affordable for the average person.
“Since I couldn’t find one, I decided to start one on my own just before I was due to retire.”
Determined to learn the business from scratch, Margaret picked up massaging techniques in Kuala Lumpur and Bali, earning herself a diploma as a trained masseur.
“Serenity Cove started six years ago... with a lot of enthusiasm, loads of passion and 100 per cent commitment,” says Margaret with pride.
While Serenity Cove may not have the luxurious trappings that most up-market massage centres boast, its understated but elegant dècor and its well-trained therapists more than make up for it.
As you step into Serenity Cove, you will be pampered with a warm foot bath of sea salt infused with peppermint oil.
A hot cup of freshly brewed tea prepared from lemon grass, red dates and old ginger is also served.
“The tea helps rid your body of excess wind after a massage,” Margaret explains.
Serenity Cove offers two types of massages — aromatherapy and the more invigorating and popular warm stone massage.
The aromatherapy massage uses grapeseed as the carrier oil as it helps reduce cellulite and water retention. Lavender, which aids in de-stressing, calming and inducing sleep, is the essential oil.
I opted for the warm stone massage, which I have not tried before. It incorporates the aromatherapy massage as well.
As I lay on the massage bed, face down, gently breathing in the infusion of peppermint and orange aromatherapy oils from a bowl of steaming water beneath the bed, the gentle but firm hands of the therapist gently stroked my body with the grapeseed and lavender oils.
After a half an hour, the therapist began massaging my body with her forearm, using long, gentle strokes, soothing my tired muscles, and prompting me to doze off.
I was jolted out of my slumber when I felt some heat being applied on my body.
My therapist informed me that she was going to massage me with volcanic stones and proceeded to rapidly stroke my body with the heated stones.
The initial sensation of discomfort soon gave way to a warm, relaxing feel, easing away tension and pain, especially around my shoulders and upper back.
It felt as good as enjoying a soak in a long, hot bath. The heat from the volcanic stones was so therapeutic.
According to Margaret, the warm stone massage is extremely effective in relaxing both body and mind, flushes away toxins and releases tension and pain.
“If it’s done regularly, it can help rid the body of excess water and tone it,” she adds.
After the massage, the heated stones were placed on specific points along my back, in my open palms, behind my knees and on my ankles for a few minutes.
The session ended with a few more kneading strokes, leaving me feeling “light” and refreshed. The 90-minute aromatherapy massage costs RM60 while the warm stone massage is priced at RM90 for 120 minutes.
“We pride ourselves as the Air Asia of massages. With our affordable prices, now everyone can enjoy a massage!” Margaret quips.
The additional bonus at Serenity Cove is the convenience of parking (there are three reserved parking lots for its patrons) and the security that comes with its location within the premises of a condominium.