Beautiful Sunset

I finally got the chance to upload the pictures in my digital camera to my laptop. And boy, it was a lot of pictures to sort through. So I spent the entire afternoon today, organising the pictures into mini folders. I’m such a neat freak – feel so happy getting things organised.

Anyway the sunset pictures below were taken from the Empire Hotel and Country Club pebble beach. Prior to this, I have never actually watch the sun set. It is definitely one of those things you have to see during your lifetime.

Sunset taken from the Empire Hotel, Jerudong

The white clouds turning greyish all of the sudden and green colour on the leaves was just so intense with colour. Just when the sun was about to set, everything was put on standstill and the sea breeze seems to stop. The experience is much better with friends, Suse and Peejah came to join me to watch this amazing spectacle. We aren’t the only ones at the beach. Two lovely couples were there too, with comfy blankets wrapped around them and looking especially stylish with classic Ray Bans.

Peej and Suse enjoying each other's company

The pebble beach at the Empire Hotel and Country Club is one of my favourite places, there’s plenty of activities you can do while waiting for the breath-takingly beautiful sunset. Bring your close friends, get your feet dipped in the resort pool or if you feel adventurous take the beach buggy out for a ride at the beach. And later head to the pebble beach, bring your shades and blanket just in time for the sunset.

The clouds turning indigo at sunset

Going through the pictures, 2008 was such a great year for me. I went to loads of beach barbeques – beach volley ball and riding on the beach buggy. Now with the weather back to normal, I suppose I should plan another beach social soon. Its going to be fun. Anyone care to join me?

Great sunset views in Brunei besides the Empire Hotel pebble beach:

Seri Kenangan Beach, Tutong – Go there on Sunday afternoons, you have to try the beach buggy ($10). Come early, to get the open-air huts.

The pebble beach behind Jerudong Medical Centre – It’s the same with the one at the Empire Hotel but its more private. Great place to bring your loved ones.

Body Scrub at Shiatzen Spa, Kiulap

Shiatzen Spa: Living Radiance promotion Body Scrub & Mask with Massage $65 (120 min)

February 2008 – Kiulap

“Restore your skin’s natural balance and radiance with a body scrub to exfoliate and smooth the skin, followed by a firming body mask and an hour’s massage. Emerge radiant, glowing and totally relaxed.”

Absolute Indulgence. That was the word to describe the Living Radiance spa package offered by the ever legendary Shiatzen Spa. After several weeks of contemplating on whether I should try out my first spa body scrub experience and having to compare the scrub treatments offered by different spas – it was not difficult to finally choose Shiatzen Spa.

Body scrub for glowing healthy skin

After a series of exceptional massages that have exceeded my expectations every time, I know I could rely on the spa to make me feel relaxed and revitalised at the end of the treatment. Obviously having to splurge that amount of money, definitely at the end of the day getting your money’s worth on what you have paid for.

I have never had a body scrub and mask spa treatment before, as most of my visits to the spa are mainly for the body massage or the foot reflexology. For two hours of ultimate indulgence, the experience was just bliss. I was given a choice of scrubs to choose from, sea salt scrub, tropical scrub, Javanese Lulur with an array of exotic spices, Japanese green tea infusion scrub were the ones I can remember. I finally chose the Javanese Lulur due to its detox and skin-brightening properties.

The scrub treatment took about 30 minutes where the spa therapist spread the variety spices over my skin. The exotic aroma from the Lulur and the mixed ingredients blends and shedding away the dull skin revealing a healthy skin glow underneath. The therapist really do work the scrub on my back leaving my skin soft like a baby.

Just like the scrub, there were plenty of body masks to choose from: Italian White Mud Masque, Tropical Mango and Avacado, Green Tea and Camphor. I chose the tropical mango and avocado body mask for its skin brightening and replenishing properties. The body mask treatment after the scrub treatment definitely fitting, the skin will continue to absorb the nutrients and vitamins during the course of the body masque treatment. This is definitely a serious attempt towards healthy and glowing skin.

Body masque compliments the body scrub

Next, the Swedish and Shiatsu combination massage. Well, what can I say, I was deeply relaxed and it was exactly what I have described in my previous review. Consistency is what sets Shiatzen Spa apart from the others. Shiatzen Spa still remains one of the top spas here in Brunei – with its pricing and exceptional spa experience.

Verdict – 9/10

Reservation is a must. Call in 8980628 for more details.

Yoga

Article courtesy of ABC of Yoga

Why practice Yoga?

Achieve a state of rejuvenation

In the midst of our modern world characterized by daily stress, fatigue, and pollution, more and more people are seeking that elusive sense of relaxation and inward awareness. Hailing from an ancient tradition originated in India, Yoga has long since provided people with a refuge away from the everyday confusion and entropy, and has transported an increasing number of people to a peaceful oasis within. Though the practice of Yoga is closely associated to ancient texts, beliefs, and values, it also yields benefits useful for people’s practical daily lives. Here are some reasons why more and more people are practicing Yoga:

• Yoga relaxes the body and the mind. Even in the midst of stressful environments, Yoga helps control breathing and clears the mind of cluttered thoughts, leaving only deep physical and mental refreshment.

• Yoga can help normalize body weight. For people who are either overweight or underweight, Yoga Exercises can help achieve the desired weight. The principles of balance and moderation in physical activity and diet under Yoga can also lead to a healthier lifestyle.

• Yoga improves your resistance to disease. The postures and movements in Yoga massage the internal organs, enhancing blood circulation and functionality, thus, lessening the risk of illness.

• Yoga increases your energy level and productivity. For as quick as 20 minutes, Yoga can replenish the mind and body with precious energy needed to respond to daily tasks and challenges.

• Yoga leads to genuine inner contentment and self-actualization. Meditation -one of the aspects of Yoga- focuses the mind, taking it away from the distractions of the highly-materialistic world and leading it to genuine happiness.

The lotus

Yoga may seem like the fabled elixir of life – a cure-all solution to man’s daily problems and concerns such as illness. But actually, the benefits that Yogis or Yoga practitioners have been experiencing for thousands of years are only being gradually proven by medical science now. Ready to seek an oasis from the chaotic desert of a day at work or in school?

Yoga classes offered in Brunei:

Seraphina Yoga Health and Fitness Center D’Music Motion Fitness Studio in Kiarong Complex – $65 for 8 classes (seraphinayoga.blogspot.com)

Zunic Wellness Plaza Athirah – $80 per month for unlimited Yoga and Pilates

Fitness Zone, Kiulap – please enquire for classes

The City

On a side note, I am currently addicted with reality television. Just finish downloading The City – its really addictive with the drama and the uptown girls. Its a spin-off from the famed MTV show, The Hills. I’m really liking the Olivia, she reminded me a lot of the fictional character, Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl. With her, straight up, independent attitude and an excellent taste in fashion – Olivia seems to be the star of the show.

Uptown New York girl Olivia totting a Hermes

Health Express Day Spa, Kiulap

Health Express Day Spa: Relaxant massage $15

So I was just around Kiulap as usual trying to finding parking, its just annoying especially if you wanted to head to HSBC Bank. People normally just park near the roundabout which tend to cause more congestion in the already traffic-jammed Kiulap. I saw a white leaflet tucked at the door handle of my car, normally I would just throw them away – seeing this tacky advertisements usually involves promotions for gold and platinum jewelleries which people can pay in installments. Yuck. I don’t approve and get why some people actually would like to get a loan to buy engagement rings and any jewelleries. People should actually save up to buy such things, thats the whole point of anticipating and saving up to buy the prize: in this case jewellery. My eyes lit up when I read, 1 hour of relaxant massage $15 and Foot reflexology $10. How very exciting – a spa in Kiulap with such affordable prices!

A couple of days later, I’ve decided to check out Health Express Day Spa. Apparently the spa have a new management now hence the new affordable prices. The previous management charges way too expensive and certainly do not match up with their cheap interior and out-dated massage beds. So, the spa interior is still the same with the addition of a hair salon in front near the spa reception. Their rebonding hair relaxant treatment only costs $50  which includes hair wash and blow. Absolute bargain! The receptionist was welcoming and she takes the time to explain the various treatments available on offer.

I’m actually apprehensive when it comes to out-dated spas offering cheap massage treatments to people, I do not want the Pearl Health hygiene episode. So I am wary that hygiene can be an issue in some spas in Brunei. I chose the 1 hour relaxant massage and then was led to a private massage room to change. The interior in the massage room was pretty much outdated, but with the affordable price offering, I’m not complaining. The most important thing is actually the massage experience itself.

The massage was actually quite good. The masseuse really knows what he’s doing, he claims to have a couple of years of massage experience and this is evident with the right amount of pressure that he’s using and the continuous long strokes at my back. Mostly Swedish techniques and then a lot of clapping at my back producing loud sounds which definitely do not make you sleep during the massage experience. The music background was non-existent, I could hear people talking from the thin walls. The new management should probably play soothing yoga music in the background. I actually prefer to be relax and in a state of neither awake nor asleep during my massage but then again it would be asking too much for a $15 massage.

For those who wants a no-frills, cheap massage experience, I would definitely recommend the relaxant massage offered at Health Express Day Spa. Although, with outdated equipments and zero spa ambience you get what you paid for - a good massage. So with that in mind, you will definitely enjoy the massage experience. Can I just point out that, the Health Express Day Spa also offers a  90 minutes Hot Stones Massage treatment at a bargain price of $25. Shiatzen Spa charges $75!  I will definitely try that one day!

Verdict: 6/10

60 minutes of Relaxant massage costs only $15. Call in 2238492 for more details.

Health Express Day Spa B2, Ground Floor Shakirin Complex, Kiulap Gadong