Westin has got to be one of my favourite brands managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, just because its whole entity and approach is centred on wellness. Check into a Westin hotel and you’ll never fail to find instinctive facilities, amenities, programs and services that are uniquely designed to transform your stay into a revitalising experience for a better you.
To further amplify this experience, Westin recently launched its Well-Being Movement, a global initiative dedicated to enhancing the wellness of all its guests, and the Movement will feature innovative partnerships and programs across Westin’s renown six pillars of well-being: Eat Well, Sleep Well, Feel Well, Move Well, Work Well and Play Well.
For the Southeast Asian region, Westin had seamlessly appointed popular wellness enthusiast Jojo Struys as its well-being brand advocate. Through her role, Struys thoroughly embodies the essence of Westin’s lifestyle of well-being as she explores the world, aside from hosting wellness-centric workshops to elevate the quality of life for various pockets of people.
With that said, Westin Kuala Lumpur recently hosted Southeast Asia’s first Westin Wellness Escape programme that was curated by none other than Struys herself. Westin Wellness Escapes is a series of well-being retreats running concurrently at all Westin Hotels & Resorts worldwide, offering empowering experiences to guests that are focused on wellness.
For the first Westin Wellness Escape, I checked into the five-star Westin that’s located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, just minutes away from the best shopping entertainment and local attractions in the city. Take it as an oasis in the vibrant streets of Jalan Bukit Bintang if you will; it’s a haven for relaxation and restoration amidst the bustling chaos.
Before the programme began, we took a tour around the hotel to familiarise with its facilities, like the outstanding WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio that offers machines for all performance levels and the unique RunWESTIN™ program that allows you to run with a Run Concierge at various locations. You don’t even have to bring running shoes as you can loan some New Balance® ones via Westin’s Gear Lending service.
On top of that, there’s a salt water pool that’s surrounded by lush greenery, the Westin Kids Club®, a dedicated play area for children, an In-Room Massage service and more. My luxurious Deluxe Room was also equipped with a divine Westin Heavenly® Bed that features an industry-leading innovation to promote superior slumber with 250-thread count sheets, down duvet, plush pillows and custom pillow-top mattresses. If you must know, it’s really unlike any other.
During Day 1 of Westin Wellness Escape, Struys guided us through a series of breathing and relaxing exercises to combat stress while promoting a positive mind. As a young working adult who’s faced with daily predicaments, I found her session very insightful as I’ve learned of the benefits I can reap from various breath techniques. It was my first time delving into proper breathing, and I’m surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it.
We were also led through gentle yoga postures and stretching, as well as guided relaxation exercises before heading back to our rooms to thoroughly enjoy the Heavenly® Beds. As Struys’ guided relaxation tracks played in the background, my mind and body became completely relaxed and still. Evidently, I had a great restful sleep that night.
On Day 2, we headed outdoors to the pool area for breath meditation that promotes mental positivity and inner calm. It was a self-exploration session whereby we applied the breath techniques we learned from Day 1, and I have now discovered that breath meditation in the mornings really helps to prep my mind for the day. It fills me with energy, and improves my mood tremendously while keeping me pumped throughout the day.
Aside from the three wellness sessions, I got to indulge in the SuperFoodsRx inspired breakfast and dinner, which offered me dishes packed with nutrients and energy-boosting ingredients that are great for the body to get going. Low in calories and rich in antioxidants, some of the foods I was served included a healthy smoothie, fresh juices, whole-wheat pancakes, grilled salmon and more.
Without a doubt, being at Westin Wellness Escape was enlightening and very rejuvenating. It’s safe to say that I can’t wait to take part in the next Westin Wellness Escape, which will be held at The Westin Langkawi very soon. We’ll keep you updated on when that is happening, but for now, do check out Struys’ guided relaxation tracks here so you can calm your mind wherever you are and no matter what time it is.
You can follow Jojo Struys on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on her latest travels and adventures. On top of that, do access Westin Kuala Lumpur’s official website for other Westin Wellness Escape programmes in the future or to learn more regarding Westin’s Well-Being Movement.
