Parkroyal Penang Spa Review – the St Gregory Spa: Honest Insights from a Massage Therapist
As part of my journey to explore wellness around the world, I visited the St Gregory Spa at the Parkroyal Penang Resort in Malaysia. This spa, located on the island’s popular Batu Ferringhi beach, offers a mix of traditional and modern treatments, aiming to provide a relaxing retreat for travellers seeking rejuvenation.
Here’s my honest review of my experience at the St Gregory Spa, including details about the treatments I received, the ambiance, and whether it’s worth a visit.
Location & Spa Overview
The St Gregory Spa is located within the Parkroyal Penang Resort, a well-known beachfront property. Although I wasn’t staying at the hotel, I decided to book a treatment based on positive recommendations.
The spa itself is situated on the first floor, accessible through a series of winding corridors. The entrance is welcoming, with a tranquil atmosphere designed to make guests feel relaxed from the moment they arrive.
Treatment Details
Treatment Booked:
- Total Wellness Package (120 minutes)
- Beauty Enhancer Facial – 30 minutes
- Oriental Blossom Body Exfoliation – 30 minutes
- Choice of Massage: Indonesian Balinese or Aromatic Body Bliss – 60 minutes
Price:
- MYR 535 (£95)
The Total Wellness Package was designed to offer a comprehensive wellness experience, combining skincare, body exfoliation, and a full-body massage.
The Experience
Arrival & Reception
Upon arrival, I had a brief wait at reception before being greeted by the spa staff. I was asked to complete a consultation form, which is not always a standard practice in some countries. It was reassuring to see that they took client preferences and medical history into account.
Treatment Room
The treatment room was dimly lit, with a massage bed positioned in the centre and a shower to one side. The ambiance was calm, although the room temperature felt slightly chilly when I first entered. Standard disposable underwear was provided, and I was asked to lie face down to begin the treatment.
Full-Body Exfoliation
The session started with a full-body exfoliation, lasting around 20 minutes. The therapist applied a grainy scrub to my skin, working it into all areas. After the exfoliation, I was asked to shower to rinse off the granules. Ten minutes were allocated for this, but I found that excessive—I was ready to continue after five minutes.
Massage
After the shower, the therapist returned to begin the 60-minute massage. I opted for the Aromatic Body Bliss, which used a soothing oil blend. The therapist checked in regularly to ensure the pressure was right and worked on all areas thoroughly. The draping consisted of a towel and sarong, which provided adequate coverage and comfort.
Facial
The final part of the session was a 30-minute facial. This included a gentle cleanse, the application of a soothing mask, and the use of serums and moisturisers. It was a relaxing way to end the treatment, although it’s worth noting that the therapist didn’t ask about my skin type, which might be a concern for those with sensitive skin.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Skilled therapist who checked in about pressure and preferences
- Comprehensive wellness package at a reasonable price
- Calm and welcoming ambiance
- Consultation form provided at the start
Cons:
- Room temperature could have been warmer for better comfort
- Noise from the reception area was noticeable, affecting the relaxation experience
- Limited personalisation of facial treatments
Final Verdict of Parkroyal Penang Spa
For a two-hour treatment at MYR 535 (£95), the St Gregory Spa at Parkroyal Penang offers good value for money. The massage was thorough, and the therapist was professional and attentive. However, there’s room for improvement in areas like room temperature and noise management.
If you’re visiting Penang and looking for a mid-range spa experience that provides a mix of traditional and modern treatments, this is a solid option. Just be mindful of the minor distractions, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Interested in more spa reviews? Take a look here for massage inspiration
