By Patsy Kam

The concept of a spa can be misleading given today's interpretation. Some people reckon as long as there are a few scented candles in the room and flower petals in a bath tub, you've got a spa going.

Aspects of well-being and an ambience of relaxation should be deemed essential for a spa. The Oxford dictionary defines a spa as "a resort providing therapeutic baths or mineral springs" or a "fashionable hotel".

The twin treatment room at Avi Spa where clients can enjoy their treatment

The Avi Spa at Avillion Port Dickson is a bit of both. It's also probably the only floating spa in Malaysia, built above water, located at the very furthest of the resort on the Straits of Malacca.

Avi is the brainchild of director Gricia Gan who worked with Axis Network Design Consultants, the same interior design company that worked on the hotel 10 years ago, to realise her concept.

The spa is divided into three venues - avi lounge; avi spa suites that offer seven luxury suites including two rooms for couples and a premium suite; and avi spa space.

Owned and managed by the Avillion Hotel Group, the word "avi" means sun in Sanskrit and also denotes the first two syllables of the hotel's name. Thus, it seems only fitting that the spa should be all about light.

"The interior offers a play of light and space, and serves to let in the element of nature," explains Gan.

Hence the generous use of glass in the reception and the lounge areas, which are framed by glass walls on one side to reveal the open sea. The glass doors at the lounge open to a gorgeous circular balcony framed by an infinity-edged fountain.

This uniquely designed relaxation area gives one the sensation that you're "floating" above the sea and is set to be the primary attraction of the spa as guests will surely be drawn to the open concept, barring rainy days, of course.

Canvas sheets imported from Germany make up the high roof of the 650.32sqm double-storey pavilion from which hangs a contemporary central light styled after a chandelier.

"Thanks to the white canvas which gives a lighter touch to the design, the imposing height of the ceiling isn't so obvious.

"This spa is really a modern translation of the kampung house, after which the chalets are styled, done in white. This way, you get a brighter and more spacious effect," she adds.

Clients can look out to the sea while sipping ginger tea on the balcony

Traditional dark wood would have infused a heavier mood to the ambience. Nonetheless, the wood grain is carried through in the design and there is a clever mix of textures as seen in the use of timber, glass, the soft furnishing and mod furniture. Italian tiles on the sides of the bar counter resemble the old-style Malaccan peranakan tiles and were specially chosen for their antique edge.

The clean and simple lines decor of the spa come off looking stylish and contemporary, refreshingly different from the many Balinese-styled spas around town today.

The Avi Spa is littered with deck chairs and footstools where enthusiastic therapists offer hand or foot massages if so required. This is more of a private pampering station suitable for group consultations with friends or private functions.

Facials and body massages are taken up to the next level of luxury in the cosy treatment rooms, and couples or girlfriends can opt to have their treatments together.

What's even more appealing is the thought of sipping ginger tea on the open verandah just outside the room after a relaxing massage, caressed by the sea breeze with a view to match.

"This is more of a relaxation spa, a place for people to unwind. As the hotel is now moving into regional and foreign markets, it is only fitting that we offer more lifestyle services," adds Gan.

Guests may choose to have a massage, scrub, wrap, bath, hair treatment, manicure or a facial. There's also special "rituals" offered such as the "velvety batik" or "dondang sayang".

The spa menu comes in three sections - signature, traditional and marine treatments. The signature treatments are mapped according to one of four moods (valour, ardour, lightness and poise) based on elements of nature: water, earth, wind and fire. They are 100% custom-made from pure essential oil blends and each of the oils are based on an emotion inspired by the four classical elements.

Avi Spa is a modern translation of the kampung house with roof made from German canvas for a light airy feel

"At Avi Spa, you choose to counter or reinforce an emotion. As such, you don't just go for a spa treatment - you take home an experience," says Gan.

Avi traditions are peranakan-inspired treatments with a blend of indigenous ingredients and natural remedies from Malay and Chinese traditions. What's interesting is that there's even an adjacent "spa garden" where the herbs used for the treatments such as limau purut (kaffir lime), pandan leaves and basil are home-grown.

For marine goodness, the therapeutic benefits of seawater and algae rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are in the various body and face treatments offered by the brand Phytomer.