The Layan welcomes Singaporean Shiatsu Master Terry Liew as its first 'Master in Residence'

The Layan, which recently appointed Hong Kong based operator of holistic resorts “Sanctuary Resorts” as its management company, will organize a series of Shiatsu classes for its guests during the first two weeks of December.

The Layan will, in close collaboration with Terry Liew, the founder and principal of the renowned Shiatsu School – Singapore, provide the opportunity for in-house guests to participate in one to one seminar sessions with the shiatsu master, as well as enjoy the healing effects of Shiatsu first hand by sampling the new treatment in the resort’s spa.

Shiatsu, which means finger pressure, is a form of pressure point massage from Japan. The massage is given by applying pressure through using the natural body weight on the body’s meridians; thus increasing the flow of energy through the body.

Terry Liew, who has opened the Shiatsu school in Singapore 7 years ago, states, “After the success of the school in Singapore, I felt it was time to expand abroad. Sanctuary Resorts, with its focus on helping people to balance their body, mind and spirit very much aligns with what the school is also aiming to achieve. This makes the program in The Layan this coming December so interesting for us”.

Explaining the program in December, Michel van der Hoeven, who heads the regional office of Sanctuary Resorts, states “Terry, who will be with us from 01 until 15 December, will train the resort’s spa therapists in the Eastern science of Shiatsu. At the same time, we feel our guests should benefit from his extensive knowledge and reputation through private classes and shiatsu sessions. Terry is amongst the most renowned masters in his field and his school in Singapore is very well established. Conducting classes in Phuket will provide people with the opportunity to sample his skills in a secluded, beach front location ”.

The program in December follows the completion of the first phase of repositioning the resort; with sunken bathtubs added to the deluxe rooms, renovation of public areas as well as completion of an air-conditioned Thai restaurant at the beachfront.

Andrew Jones, Guardian and founder of Sanctuary Resorts explained the concepts of “Masters in Residence” as “programs to balance the body, mind and spirit in a sustainable and responsible way, are key elements to the Sanctuary Resorts’ experience. By having a regular master or artist in residence, the resort’s guests can benefit from new experiences, learn new things and generally improve on their life style. The “Masters in Residence” will in future include arts, treatments, experiential training, speakers and other programs that guest’s tell us they have an interest participating in ”. 

The resort has tailored various packages around Terry’s visit; which include private shiatsu seminars, various spa treatments including Shiatsu as well as healthy meals, accommodation and activities like meditation, snorkelling trip with the resort’s own boat, bicycle hire and transfers. Details and rates can be obtained through the resort.

Sanctuary Resorts will implement similar initiatives in its other resorts The Bale, in Bali and Hotel de la Paix, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.