Review: Where and How To Wind Down for the End of the Year
Wellness 101
In our latest beauty guide, BURO’s beauty team takes you on the ultimate end-of-year wellness retreat.
December is here, and it’s chugging along at a leisurely pace. So, why not take advantage of the slowness and book yourself in for a full wellness retreat? Tackle everything from top to toe and sink your body into bliss. Trust us—when the new year comes around, you’ll be thankful you gave yourself a little time to recuperate. From manicures to massages, find our step-by-step wellness guide to winding down for the holidays below:
Stop 1: A Circadian Retreat at The Spa at Park Hyatt
When it comes to winding down for the year-end, a full-body reset is in order! That’s why, for step one of your end-of-year wind-down, we recommend a spa day at The Spa at Park Hyatt. It’s important to melt away the stress accumulated throughout the year by nourishing your skin, body, and mind—and there is no better way to do just that than with the Twilight Transformation treatment.
“This year has been hectic, to say the least. Work is one thing, but I’ve also been travelling non-stop, so my body has been begging for a reset. That’s exactly why I booked myself in for a spa day at the newly opened Park Hyatt hotel, opting for the spa’s signature Twilight Transformation Circadian Retreat. This 150-minute ritual is comprised of the Malaysian Herbal Compress, the Twilight Facial, and a light cuisine experience.
“I was relaxed from the moment I stepped into the space. The spa is located on the 99th floor of the Menara 118 building, surrounded by jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city. I was blown away by the stunning interiors and the stellar service, both of which put me in just the right mood for my treatments.
“The massage itself was deeply relaxing, with my therapist incorporating a mix of traditional massage techniques and hot herbal compresses to release tension in my body. She was also regularly checking in to make sure I was comfortable and that the pressure was to my preferences, adjusting accordingly to my needs.
“Following the massage, I was treated to an indulgent Omorovicza facial tailored to my skin’s key issues. My skin has been dry, dull, and in great need of hydration, so this was the perfect pick-me-up! I especially loved the facial massage—you never realise how much tension you’re holding in your face until someone’s working it all out of your system with a firm touch and a heaping layer of Omorovicza face mask.
“To end the session, I was then led to a cosy room and presented with part three of my retreat: nourishment for my belly. The flavours of my salmon, radish, and rocket salad were perfectly balanced, and the ingredients were tailored to both enhance my newly found glow and help my belly debloat from within.
“Essentially, if you’re looking for luxury in your wellness retreats, you cannot go wrong here. From the setting to the treatment to the experience, The Spa at Park Hyatt’s attention to detail goes above and beyond to bring you the best.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
The Twilight Transformation Circadian Retreat is priced at RM1,570. Book your appointment here.
Stop 2: A Bacial at Lyla Beauty Lounge
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Christmas is the season of glitz, glamour, and backless dresses. As such, you must be prepared to serve on all fronts! Fortunately, Lyla Beauty Salon is here to deliver with its novel back facial treatments.
“When I first read the words ‘back facial’, I thought I was going cross-eyed. What could it mean? Well, put simply, for girls who are struggling with back acne like myself, this treatment is a clarifying routine targeted at congestion and uneven tone. In other words, it’s a godsend. It’s just like any other decongestant facial, beginning with a cleanse, followed by a mask, an extraction, an exfoliation, and cold compression—only on your back.
“I honestly didn’t really know what to expect from this, but I was so pleased with the experience and the results! Firstly, I was expecting it to hurt a lot as I’m not used to getting extractions on my back, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was only mild discomfort and no pain whatsoever.
“That, and Lyla’s setup was absolutely perfect. Firstly, the table’s face hole was comfortable, so even after an hour and a half on my belly, I didn’t feel strained or stiff whatsoever. Secondly, the bed could make space for your arms, allowing you to use your phone throughout the treatment—the perfect way for me to pass the time! Finally, the bed was heated, meaning that I didn’t feel too cold at any point in my treatment despite the many potions, lotions, and devices gliding over my back.
“My back looks and feels a lot smoother and brighter just after one treatment, and while my breakouts are still there, they’re a lot less painful and inflamed. I’m not quite ready for backless season yet, but I’ll definitely be returning for more appointments soon to get myself there!” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Lyla Beauty Lounge’s back facial treatments are priced at RM250 per session. Book your appointment here.
Stop 3: A Hair Refresh at Goyo Head Spa and Wellness
There is no better time to wipe the slate clean than the end of the year. That’s where Goyo Head Spa and Wellness comes in, offering its headspa services to reset your scalp and hair in preparation for the holiday season (and beyond!).
“As someone whose mind rarely switches off, a well-executed head spa is one of the few rituals that truly allows me to disconnect from the mental noise. While I’ve tried more than my fair share, GOYO Head Spa and Wellness stands out as a memorable experience. Newly opened at KLGCC Mall, this Korean head spa offers a restorative escape that feels thoughtfully designed from start to finish.
“Inspired by traditional Hanok architecture, the space blends warm wood, stone accents, and soft ambient lighting. Careful attention to temperature and acoustics further enhances the experience, gently cocooning you in tranquillity before the treatment even begins.
“My session began with an AI-powered scalp analysis, followed by a personalised consultation with a professionally trained therapist. Based on my scalp’s condition, the treatment was tailored to address dryness before I was guided into a private room. Each step of the ritual was carefully explained by my therapist, Ann, from a relaxing gel and shampoo to an aqua mask conditioner, and finishing tonic.
“A neck and shoulder massage eased me into the experience before Ann worked through my hair with an assortment of wooden tools, each offering a different pressure and sensation. Combined with aromatherapy, gentle combing, and a soothing head massage, the treatment lifted buildup, stimulated circulation, and left my scalp feeling revitalised.
“I also indulged in GOYO’s signature Korean facial, opting for the Relaxing Facial—a calming ritual that eases facial tension while enhancing skin texture and radiance. The treatment included a double cleanse, exfoliation, targeted pressure-point massage, an ultrasonic tool to gently clear blackheads, and a cooling cryo stick massage. A steamed eye mask completed the experience, leaving me deeply relaxed.
“The session concluded with a blow-dry, revealing hair that felt silky and looked glossy. Before leaving, I was treated to a complimentary cup of tangerine peel tea—a thoughtful final pause before easing back into the day.” — Stephanie Wong, Editorial Assistant
GOYO Head Spa and Wellness head spa services start from RM230, while a combined head spa and facial session is priced at RM400. Book your appointment here.
Stop 4: A Manicure at Lyla Beauty Lounge
No holiday outfit is complete without a fresh manicure! For those looking for a nail refresh, Lyla Beauty Lounge offers comprehensive services, including acrylics, extensions, halal nail varnish, and more.
“I’ve never gotten a gel manicure before, but since I’m off travelling for the holidays, I thought it might be nice to have a durable set to last me through Christmas and New Year’s. So, I booked myself in for a gel mani at Lyla Beauty Lounge!
“The nail station at the salon is so cosy—the perfect place to settle in for an hour of pampering! I took ages to decide on a colour, but my manicurist, Lynda, was so patient and helpful throughout. Eventually, I settled on a sage green cat-eye with a nudey-grey cat-eye accent, topped with simple crystals.
“Lynda was so gentle yet thorough with my cuticles, and worked really quickly with the polish. She was also super meticulous, making sure that the polish didn’t touch my skin and checking in regularly with me to make sure I was happy with the finish of the cat-eye reflect.
“I’m so thrilled with my set—it’s festive but not obnoxious, and wearable for everyday, which is exactly what I wanted. That, and my nail beds have never looked cleaner or healthier! I fear that I have been fully converted into a gel manicure girlie, which is horrible news for my wallet…” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
Lyla Beauty Lounge’s gel manicure services start from RM138+. Book your appointment here.
Stop 5: A depuffing facial at Essa Spa at Grand Hyatt
After back-to-back Christmas gatherings and New Year’s shindigs, you may find your mug looking a little… bloated. Not to worry, though—the CACI Non-Surgical Face Lift treatment at Grand Hyatt’s Essa Spa is here to whip your face back into shape.
“I’m going to be frank: if you are looking for a relaxing retreat, this facial is not for you. Don’t get me wrong—I’m pleased with the results, but the experience of the CACI Non-Surgical Face Lift treatment was… far from relaxing. That said, after weeks of holiday indulgence and consecutive hangovers, a little discomfort is warranted to get you geared up for 2026.
“This facial begins like any other, with a cleanse. Simple enough! However, from there, it’s one and a half hours of sucking and pinching, accompanied by a cacophony of mechanical noise. This is, of course, thanks to the Caci Synergy System, a groundbreaking advancement in non-surgical and non-invasive facial technology newly introduced to Essa Spa.
“Incorporating S.P.E.D® technology (Simultaneous Photo Electrical Delivery), the machine works on two levels to tighten and lift the facial muscles while improving the complexion. It does this through LED skin rejuvenation and microcurrent technology, tailored to your skin’s exact needs.
“Honestly, it was a little uncomfortable, and at some points it did hurt, but when I walked out of the spa, my skin was glowing, lifted, and even! In fact, it was so good, I actually went to an event completely bare-skinned right after the treatment! The best part about the facial is that there is no downtime, so I was ready to get up and go immediately after. The only caveat was that I had to avoid sunlight for a full week, and layer up on SPF in the meantime—an easy tradeoff, in my opinion.
“While it isn’t a facial I’d necessarily come back to every month, I do think it’ll be a fabulous way to get your face back into full sculpt once the late nights and parties taper off.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Editor
The 90-minute CACI Non-Surgical Face Lift treatment is priced from MYR1,180+ per person per session. Book your appointment here.
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