An eye-catching addition to the Avillion hotel in Port Dickson, 110 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, Avi Spa (606/647-5740; avispa.com.my) unites Malay and Chinese healing rituals in a dramatic duplex suite. Perched above the water on stilts, the glass-and-wood building sits beside a circular floating lounge, where spa cuisine is served overlooking the Strait of Malacca. Essential oils used in the Peranakan-inspired treatments are based on the four elements, and are blended from indigenous ingredients like wild ginger and mint. The therapies themselves play on marine themes, utilizing spa products enriched with seawater and algae. Try the Dondang Sayang (Malay for “love song”)—a three-hour top-to-toe ritual that will leave you glowing. –FREDINA REBECCA

Originally appeared in the May 2009 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Gypsy Tales: Peranakan Pampering”)