Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL

Sanctum Wellness

Monica Tindall

Branded as “an urban hideaway,” Sanctum Wellness on the 29th floor of EQ Kuala Lumpur more than lives up to its tagline. Housing a spa, fitness centre and absolutely spectacular, sky-high infinity pool, it’s an all-in-one wellness retreat with an environment that clearly supports its goals.

From street level, we’d never imagine such a haven to be 29 storeys above. Encompassing the entire floor, guests can sign up for a spa treatment or purchase a day pass (RM 150 or various memberships) to use the fitness centre along with the several pools and locker-room amenities.

Sanctum Wellness Facilities

The 25-metre long infinity pool with views of Kuala Lumpur’s four tallest towers is the immediate eye-catcher. The design makes us feel as though we are floating in the sky. It’s a such a freeing feeling; one I’m sure many will appreciate especially after being under various levels of the Movement Control Order.

Not only is the pool a luxurious place to view but additional sensory input takes it to a level above any other in the city. Using a saltwater chlorinator, chemicals are reduced making a dip much softer on the skin. The temperature is a constant 28°C and… the first and only time I’ve seen it in Malaysia (not even in our worldly travels), is music underwater! Dunk your head below the surface and hear calming yet upbeat contemporary tunes as you glide.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Sanctum Wellness – 29th-Floor Deck
Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
More of that Magnificent Pool

The infinity pool alone would be reason enough for me to return but the vitality pool adjacent to it, surrounded by lush landscaping, makes us want to sign up for a membership. Three different styles of hydrotherapy jets pound muscles from a light stroke to a full massaging effect similar to standing under a full-stream waterfall.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Vitality Pool

Splendorous water play continues in the changerooms where a custom-built Himalayan salt sauna, aromatherapy steam bath and tropical monsoon shower make for a full sensory experience. Hubby’s favourite is the salt sauna. He claims that he literally feels the minerals infusing into his skin. Mine is the steam room scented with refreshing eucalyptus. I enjoy the scent so much I want to take some home.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Sanctum Wellness – Himalayan Salt Sauna

Sanctum Fitness

Both day-passes and monthly memberships can be purchased for Sanctum Fitness and they’re worth every cent with the top-of-the-range TechnoGym equipment the space is filled with. In addition to the standard cardio machines, free weights and strength equipment, the gym also holds OMNIA 8 (ideal for functional training) and SKILL technology (used by athletes to improve power, speed, stamina and agility). This, combined with trained fitness leaders offering supervision, personal training and classes, makes for a highly effective training environment.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Sanctum Fitness – OMNIA 8 & SKILL TechnoGym Equipment

Sanctum Spa

Surely a good workout merits an as equally good spa treatment to follow. Inspired by the abundant bio-diversity of Malaysian rainforests, the interior design of Sanctum Spa is immediately calming. Natural woods, tree motifs and organic products confirm its connection to nature. Furthermore, chromotherapy plays a role in enhancing mood and offering a supplemental level of healing to the setting. Note the subtle use of coloured light in the changerooms and throughout the spa.

The wellness lounge is where all experiences begin with warm date tea and a questionnaire to customize sessions for each guest. It’s here too where I choose the oil for my massage. Several scents are infused into organic oil and there’s even scent-free coconut oil for those sensitive to smell.

The spaciousness of the lounge lends a feel of luxury and local connection is found in the products on the boutique’s shelves. Immediately recognizable are the distinctive collection by Nala Designs, snacks by Amazin’ Graze (love their granola and seasoned nuts), and sportswear by Liberty Active. A giant screen is playing the scene of an active fireplace on our visit; the flickering light an attractive soothing force.

Two double suites and four single treatment rooms are all-inclusive of a private bathroom and shower. The beds are long and comfortable. Even though my therapist doesn’t do the usual placement of a cushion under knees when supine or under ankles when prone, there is no pressure on my back. I guess it’s the soft yet supportive structure of the bed that makes it unnecessary.

Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
Reception Sanctum Wellness EQ KL
Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Welcome Tea
Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
Sanctum Wellness Lounge

Sanctum Spa Menu

Sanctum Spa offers a comprehensive range of massages, body treatments and facials. Guests can choose from the menu or ask the staff to recommend the most ideal session tailored to individual needs.

Facials use Biologique Recherche products from France as well as the Italian Marzia Clinic range – high-end organic products with a distinctive focus on chromotherapy. My Revitalising Facial (RM 480, 75 minutes), using the latter of the two, was specially developed to protect against pollution and free radicals. It aims to revitalize dull skin with propolis and hamamelis extracts bringing about a healthy glow.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL
Sanctum Wellness Spa

Sanctum’s Signature Massage (RM 425, 90 minutes) was the highlight of my week. Said to be inspired by the gentle sway of trees, this massage uses heals of hands, forearms and thumbs to dig as deeply into muscles as you so choose. I prefer firm, deep pressure and that is exactly what I got from the surprisingly strong and petite Jessica. Just as I’ve requested, she gives more attention to the back and shoulders, working out under-lying knots and tightness due to hours spent on a screen.

Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
Sanctum Spa Therapy Room

The session ends returning once again to the wellness lounge where I’m served a healthy tea of my choice. Close to two handfuls of crafted tea blends are on the menu, each with their own benefits. All are caffeine-free on a base of flowers, herbs and berries. I take my pot outside and enjoy the cooling breezes from the 29th-floor deck – a perfect ending to an exquisite afternoon.

Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
Wellness Tea
Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
As the Sun Sets
Luxury Activities Kuala Lumpur
Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL

Reasons to visit Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre, EQ KL: a beautiful setting with an exceptional infinity and vitality pools (reason enough to visit in themselves); top-of-the-range fitness equipment; pamper yourself with a massage in the spa; purchase a day pass or gym memberships and get the benefits of the full use of the facilities along with dining and spa discounts.

Sanctum Wellness, Spa & Fitness Centre EQ KL
Equatorial Plaza
Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2789 7872
[email protected]
https://sanctumwellness.setmore.com/bookappointment
https://sanctumwellness.setmore.com/bookclass

Sanctum Wellness EQ KL Opening Hours

Sanctum Spa Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
Age Restrictions: 16 and above only

Sanctum Fitness Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 10 pm (For members)
24 hours (For in-house guests)
Dress Code: Sports Attire

Find more on the spa and beauty scene in Malaysia here and stay up to date with the happenings around KL here and here.

5 Comments

  1. They’ll be allowed to open again – such a nuisance, on off on off…

  2. So wait – they can do 90 minute spa treatments? I thought under current SOP it’s limited to one 60-minute treatment per day???

  3. Lovely place! We cannot use hotels in Poland for the time being, so we dream of traveling all the more.

  4. I miss outdoor pools in Malaysia.
    We don’t have any in London…

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