Tadau Kaamatan at Spa Village Gaya Island Wins 'Spa Treatment of the Year' at Asiaspa Awards 2015

YTL Hotels' Spa Village brand celebrates as Tadau Kaamatan, a signature spa experience, was bestowed with the accolade 'Spa Treatment of the Year' at the AsiaSpa Awards 2015. Tadau Kaamatan, also known as A Couples Celebration of Rice, is a Distinctive Journey spa programme offered at Spa Village Gaya Island that pays tribute to rice that has historically played an important and mythical role in the Kadazandusun culture.

The indigenous people of Sabah offer their thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest to the revered rice spirit Bambaazon during the Tadau Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) annually. Among the ceremonies observed during the festival is Unduk Ngadau, a beauty pageant to crown the Harvest Queen and celebrates the Huminodun legend. Papakang – The Odyssey of Seven Brothers, tells the story of the village chief's youngest son in Nunuk Ragang or Red Banyan Tree, believed to be the seat of Kadazandusun civilisation. The legend chronicles his epic journey across the land to reunite his brothers and the mystical Papakang stone. The couples experience pays tribute to these legends and the honoured element of rice, using only the finest fresh local ingredients. The his and her treatment includes a body scrub, hair masque, and Urutan Pribumi, an indigenous massage utilising rice pouches that traditionally helps to restore mobility and flexibility for paddy planters, farmers, seafarers and warriors, before concluding with a facial.

The spa award was presented at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, attended by over 400 leading professionals, key industry players, nominees and distinguished guests. Winners in the 24 categories were recognised for their outstanding efforts in driving the exceptional standard of spas in Asia. 'It is an honour to be awarded Spa Treatment of the Year by one of the world's most prestigious spa awards, in recognition of our authentic healing experiences and the team at Spa Village will continue to strive for excellence', says Chik Lai Ping, Senior Vice-President at YTL Hotels, Spa Division.

The 3-hour Tadau Kaamatan spa experience priced at RM1,815 nett for two persons, can also be conducted individually – Unduk Ngadau (for her) and Papakang – The Odyssey Of Seven Brothers (for him). Gaya Island Resort is now offering an Escape 20 package with 20% off Best Available Rates inclusive breakfast, a complimentary deluxe 50-minute spa treatment per villa, per stay and other benefits. Reservations can be made online or by contacting YTL Travel Centre through email at travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my or by calling +603 2783 1000.

AsiaSpa Awards

The 11th annual AsiaSpa Awards was created in 2005 to give recognition and thanks to the spa industry of Asia, setting the benchmark for quality and innovation for spas in the region. Innovation and quality are the catchwords of the AsiaSpa Awards, whose goal is to recognise the spas and properties that push the boundaries and advance the industry. The AsiaSpa Awards were the first in the region to offer a comprehensive line-up of awards, fully encompassing everything that sets a standard in the spa industry. Starting with 10 categories in 2005, the award categories now span 24, in reflection of changing trends and developments in the industry.

Spa Village

In 2002, Spa Village began as an idyllic spa at Pangkor Laut with a passion for introducing individual and authentic encounters that combine the therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients and age-old healing practices. Since then, it has blossomed into an award-winning luxury spa brand, encompassing Spa Villages across Malaysia, China, United Kingdom and a residential spa resort in Bali. Anchored in the principle of honouring the healing culture of the region in which each spa resides, Spa Village is more than just a place... it is a philosophy.

Gaya Island Resort

Situated on Pulau Gaya within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Borneo, Gaya Island Resort is a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest. The 121 villas respect Sabahan elements and blend harmoniously with the natural environment while interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance. Integrated within the mangroves is Spa Village Gaya Island, offering programmes that reflect the region's healing practices, from the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads. Discoveries and authentic experiences with nature all prevail across the YTL Luxury Resort's land and seascape, offering travellers an escape that is distinctively Borneo. www.gayaislandresort.com

YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train.

2014 brought the launch of Kasara, a new brand of luxury accommodation offering bespoke, one-of-a-kind experiences in Niseko Village. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the group's latest addition, is the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World's collection of legendary hotels and has recently been named one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas in Europe. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information.