Dewi Hopley Visits Tanjong Jara Resort

Meet Dewi Hopley, the internationally renowned Aromatherapist and YTL Hotels' latest guest artist who gave up her time to visit the guests of the 'Unmistakeably Malay' resort in Terengganu Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort. The South China Sea resort's guests benefited from Dewi's visit as she shared her knowledge and leaves us with a parting message and a promise to return in the near future.

Hello to all,

My name is Dewi Hopley and I’m an Aromatherapist and strongly believe that essential oils can help balance the mind, body and soul. Aromatherapy is an excellent way of boosting the immune system which is great for those who are prone to getting colds. It is very important to take into account a guest’s mood and physical state before blending the unique oils which I use in whatever treatments they are booked in for.

I was the Guest Artist (offering massage therapies) at Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia for about a month and my most popular treatment by far was the Remedial (deep tissue) Massage and the Neuroskeletal Re-alignment Therapy which focuses on structural imbalances in the body. About 90% of those that came to see me was mainly due to back pain.

I have my own therapy practice in the UK (www.dewihopley.com) but twice a year around March and October time I work at a wonderful wellbeing retreat (www.oracleretreat.com) which happens to be held at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali. This is where my passion lies as it’s all about staying present and being happy! While I was there, I found out about the Spa Village Guest Therapist Program, which invites international therapists, artists, yoga instructors and like-minded creative individuals to work at YTL Hotels' properties. I didn’t hesitate to put my name forward and the rest is history!

I left Tanjong Jara Resort on the 23^rdApril with a tinge of sadness but will be back in South East Asia later this year in October. In the meantime, below are a few essential oils that may help with some common conditions:

Headaches: Peppermint, Basil, Lavender (cooling)

General stress: Frankincense, Lavender, Mandarin (balancing)

Sleeplessness: Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli (sedating)

Tiredness: Rosemary, Lime, Eucalyptus (stimulating)

It was nice to go around the resort and meet and talk with so many of you; it was great to listen to how much you were enjoying your stay, whether it was how you spent your days relaxing on the beach, or snorkelling and diving off Tenggol Island or listening to Captain Mok's tales,  I enjoyed  hearing about your experiences and stories and I can't wait to meet more of you when I return. If you’d like to know more about what I do or just want to keep in touch, don't hesitate to drop me an email at dewihopley@gmail.com. See you soon!

Thank you Dewi for your time and your message and we look forward to seeing you again the next time you decide to visit us in Malaysia.

How we Celebrated Earth Hour at YTL Hotels

It'll be another year before we turn off all the electricity and light the candles once again in support of the annual global Earth Hour campaign.

Throughout Malaysia and across to Thailand, Indonesia and Japan, YTL Hotels' properties supported the global movement on the 31st of March, 2012 by joining the rest of the world in turning off all non-essential electrical appliances and its lights from 8:30pm until 10:00pm.

Those that stayed at Tanjong Jara Resort were treated to a Wayang Kulit performance in the orange hue of candlelight. The candles' dancing flames captured the silhouette of the puppets which provided an entertaining performance of manipulated shadows on a white backdrop which was enjoyed with low carbon footprint mocktails in-hand.

Pangkor Laut Resort reverted back to its tropical nature paradise roots when it turned off the lights, allowing guests to walk through the resort in candlelight and moonlight, and enjoy private dining experiences on the world renowned beach, Emerald Bay, with the sound of crashing waves as their backdrop.

You couldn't miss the fact Earth Hour had reached Malaysia's mystical Cameron Highlands with the '60+' symbol representing Earth Hour placed with candles at the entrance of Cameron Highlands Resort. Staff worked behind the front desk in only candlelight while guests enjoyed a specially prepared Earth Hour dinner as well as a drink at the Highland Bar by the fire which crackled in the fireplace.

Gentle piano music filled the halls and lighted tea lights placed along the stairs guided guests to their special Earth Hour candlelit dinner in The Mansion at The Majestic Malacca. The team at the historical Malaysian hotel decorated the hotel accordingly to suit the global occasion by placing candles all around the resort and creating the Earth Hour 60 symbol out of tea lights.

The words 'Earth Hour' were lit with candles and complimentary low-energy snacks were served as guests were guided by atmospheric tea lights to their candlelit dinner at the Coffee House at Vistana Kuala Lumpur. Guests were able to mark the occasion at Vistana Kuantan and Vistana Penang by lighting the candle displays which were set up while enjoying Malaysian delicacies on offer. 

Over in Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali captured the spiritual ambiance of Earth Hour. The Spa resort was lit only by candlelight and starlight which illuminated the pool in front of the black sand beach. A live Gamelan performance with an accompanying barbeque dinner added to the event.

And the candles were lit in The Surin, Phuket, where there was a candlelit barbeque for guests to experience on the beach which was enjoyed with a complimentary glass of Proseccco in hand. For those that didn't want to dine out in the open, the Lomtalay Thai restaurant also provided a romantic ambiance to celebrate Earth Hour.

Get to Know Erica Mather

Learn more about international yoga teacher, Erica Mather, who answers questions about why she's currently  in Bali giving special yoga classes at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, where her spiritual home is and what advice she has for all of those that are feeling a little lost in their lives.

What brings you to Bali all the way from New York City?

I came to Bali so I could teach at the Bali Spirit Festival.

What were you doing before you became a yoga instructor and what made you decide to turn yoga into a career?

I was a professional jazz pianist. I moved to New York City to attend Columbia, studying Ethnomusicology. 

 

How long have you been teaching yoga?

I've been teaching yoga since 2007.

Are there many different types of yoga and what made you decide to specialize as a Forrest Yoga instructor?

There are many, many different types of yoga. When I was beginning, I tried several different classes and everything about the forest yoga resonated with me; the pacing, the language and also my teacher.

What is it about yoga that you love?

The invitation to connect with your spirit through a physical practice. A deeper understanding of the body.

Where is your spiritual home?

I feel at home in any house of worship, but I mostly feel at home with my beloved.

Why did you decide to come to Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali?

A wonderful opportunity to share my knowledge of yoga, and to take some time to rest and refresh (New York can be exhausting). It's a chance to look and consider my life direction, and to work on music.

What are the benefits that yoga gives to people, physically and mentally?

Physically, it helps you to keep in shape, stay young and strong. Mentally, it promotes a calm state of mind, it opens a gateway to a deeper connection to oneself and from these things, it helps one to develop the ability to make better decisions.

Do you have any advice for those who are feeling a little lost spiritually and need help in finding their paths and rediscovering their life balance?

Find a practice, any practice, which helps you to listen inwards. This could be art, dance, yoga, knitting, running, who knows what will fit for you. Once you find that practice, stay with it, and pay close attention to yourself. Listen inwards for the quiet voices of your heart and spirit and note what they say. Keep the faith. <3

Thank you Erica for sharing with us your time and giving us and our fans a little bit of spiritual advice. We look forward to learning more from you throughout the month as you offer your expertise to those attending your classes at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.