The Spa Village Tanjung Jara in Terengganu has won Tatler UK magazine’s Most Innovative Spa Award.

The Spa Village Tanjung Jara in Terengganu has won Tatler UK magazine’s Most Innovative Spa Award.

The Dungun-based resort, a YTL Corp Bhd luxury spa retreat, was selected for its ancient Malay healing tradition and techniques

Its resident therapist Yahya Mamat received the award from Tatler editor Geordie Gregs at a special ceremony here on Tuesday.

Pak Yahya, as he is affectionately known, said the award was a great honour for the resort and Malaysia as a whole.

“I hope to see this traditional Malay healing art being spread across the world,” he said.

Yahya, who was winner of the Best Spa Therapist in the Asia Spa and Wellness Awards last year, comes from a long line of traditional healers and midwives.

He acquired his knowledge of indigenous remedies and treatments, herbs and plants, and ancient massage techniques from his grandmother at the age of 13.

“She taught me total devotion towards healing the sick,” he said, adding that the heart, mind and hands must combine as one in the healing arts.

Despite his 40 years of experience, the grandfather of 11 is modest about his skills, preferring to let his fingers do the talking.

Yahya, however, expressed concern that the younger generation was reluctant to learn Malay traditional massage due to lack of interest and discipline.

“My only hope now is my 16-year-old daughter Yasliyana, who shares my passion in acquiring such knowledge and skills,” he added.

Tatler Spa Guide consultant Jo Foley said the resort bagged the award since Malaysia had comparatively fewer spas than other Asian countries like Thailand, India and China.

“It won the hearts of the judges for introducing its unique treatment and therapies based on ancient Malay healing traditions to the 21st century market,” she added.

The innovative category was one of several introduced in conjunction with the launch of the Spa Guide to Asia by Cleveland Collection, Britain’s leading luxury tour operator.