Fringed by coconut palms, pristine beaches and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea, Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary of tranquillity, immersed in the age-old traditions of the East Coast of Malaysia.

This winter, the resort invites you to make it your muse; embark on several unique culture-rich retreats based on the ancient Malay concept of Sucimurni­-which emphasises purity of spirit, health and wellbeing.

Through wellness, culture and culinary awakenings, the Sucimurni Signature, Santapan and Sesegar Bayu retreats provide a wholesome and authentic escape to this gentle region. Crafted according to theme, each retreat encompasses cuisine, a host of enlightening complementary activities (one for every two nights of stay) and accommodation. As part of the retreat, also experience the resort’s Belaian Kaki foot ritual followed by a 50-minute spa treatment per day at the resort’s award-winning Spa Village, where authentic Malay holistic therapies have been handed down from generation to generation.

The Sucimurni Signature provides an insight into the traditional Malay way of life, focusing on wellness of the body, mind and spirit. Guests may choose from specially crafted healthy daily menus, which feature dishes such as Gado-Gado -a salad of raw and blanched antioxidant-high herbs and vegetables, served with piquant dipping sauces at Di Atas Sungei, and the French Fish Soup at Nelayan restaurant. A daily fresh juice concoction with properties such as detoxification and vitamin boost complete each meal. Personalised activities to suit the Sucimurni Signature include the Art of Making Ubat Periuk (traditional health tonics and remedies), a personal bicycle tour through a local village or a handicraft tour of Kuala Terengganu. To round off the retreat, signature spa experiences aimed at achieving overall health and wellbeing including Urutan Gamelan, Boros Puteri and Rendam-Rendam are offered.

Through the Santapan Retreat, guests are given a gustatory exploration of Malaysia’s East Coast. Deliciously designed daily menus showcasing the region’s best dishes have been put together, with items such as Nasi Dagang- consisting of rice steamed in coconut milk with fresh mackerel curry, at Di Atas Sungei and Pan-Fried Red Snapper with Coconut, Turmeric & Lemongrass in Nelayan. Activities complementary to Santapan, include the Art of Terengganu Cuisine cooking class with the resort’s best chefs (based on each guest’s preference of two local dishes), or discovering famed local delicacies on an exotic culinary tour of Dungun town. At the Spa Village, treatments incorporating local herbs, spices and sweet scented flowers such as Assam Massage and the Roselle scrub leave guests pampered and relaxed.

With an emphasis on rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, the Sesegar Bayu Retreat offers guests the chance to learn the art of the Malay massage with a professionally trained Spa Village therapist, or to immerse themselves into a personal, in-depth session of Sucimurni exercises. Meals are packed with excitement, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy delicious Malay cuisine according to personal preferences at Di Atas Sungei, with Chef Ann, Menu Master, guiding on signature dishes such as Beef Rendang and Butter Prawns. At Nelayan restaurant, tastebuds are tantalised with fresh seafood dishes such as the Octopus Terrine with Tapenade and Seared Mirror Fillet on Potato Mille Feuille, cooked with a contemporary French twist by the talented chef Florent Passard. To further boost relaxation and rejuvenation, spa experiences such as Sesegar Bayu and Ulik Nyuir complete the experience.

In addition to the preferred retreat, Tanjong Jara Resort offers a myriad of complimentary activities on a weekly schedule such as; bicycle rental, Sucimurni yoga class, traditional handicraft demonstration, cooking class, Malay language lesson, Jara Hill Walk, Chef’s Market Tour, Dungun Town Tour, Night Market Excursion, Batik Painting and learning traditional Malay board games and congkak. As a fun inclusion, the resort also offers guests the choice of exchanging their daily spa experience for a bottle of house wine per day, should they wish to relax and soak-in the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical gardens instead.

The Sucimurni Retreats are bookable through www.ytlhotels.com/sucimurni_retreats.html and includes accommodation, daily meals according to chosen theme, one complementary activity per two nights of stay, and complimentary daily activities based on the resort’s weekly schedule. Prices begin from MYR950 nett per room. For more information, please visit www.tanjongjararesort.com.