This spa in Penang kept me whimpering for 90 mins but I ain’t even mad

I love getting massages. It’s my go-to fix after a long, draining week, the one thing that can melt away stress faster than any weekend nap or Netflix binge. I’ve tried them all including facials, body scrubs, aromatherapy sessions yet nothing quite beats a good, traditional body massage. When I checked into Lexis Suites Penang for a short getaway, there was no question where I’d be spending part of my evening, Lex Spa on Level 8.

After a full day of sightseeing and sun, I booked an evening slot, hoping for calm relaxation before bed. The moment I stepped into the spa, the air carried a soft trace of essential oils, the lights were dim, and four staff members greeted me with warm smiles that instantly put me at ease.

I was welcomed with a cup of herbal tea which is a light blend of red sugar, pandan, lemongrass, and lemon along with a chilled towel to place over my face. The coolness lingered for about ten minutes, and between the scent of oil and the quiet hum of the room, I nearly drifted off before the massage even began.

Lex Spa houses five single rooms and one couple’s room, each with its own bathroom for maximum comfort and privacy. Once I changed into their provided attire and lay face down on the bed, I was ready for 90 minutes of what I assumed would be pure serenity. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

Meet the experts

Before the session began, Kak Amy and Kak Mira, my therapists for the evening explained the different massage oils and their benefits. Some aid sleep, some help with blood circulation, others are designed for stress relief. Naturally, I went for the one that promised to ease tension. It did, just not in the gentle way I expected.

The moment their hands start pressing my back slowly, I gasped. Not from discomfort with the therapists, but because my body was more knotted than I’d realised. “Your muscles are swollen, they need proper release,” explained Kak Mira.

To their credit, they didn’t go easy on me even when I flinched. “If we stop now, the tension will just come back,” one of them said. Their voices were steady and reassuring, the tone of people who truly know their craft.

When pain feels like progress

What followed felt like a choreography of strength and precision. The two therapists moved in sync, locating every stubborn knot I didn’t even know existed. Every press and stroke had purpose. They worked methodically, explaining how certain points along my back were connected to stress and fatigue.

It wasn’t a “relax and snooze” kind of massage but instead, it was intense, at times even painful but there was a strange satisfaction in it. I could feel the release happening, like my muscles were finally unclenching after months of tension.

When I stood up, the difference was immediate. My shoulders no longer felt like boulders, and my thoughts felt clearer. I slept soundly that night, and by morning, I woke up with a lightness I hadn’t felt in weeks.

What made the experience even more memorable was the care that came after. It was already past 10pm, but both therapists stayed back to share a few stretching tips and advice on preventing stiffness. It was a small gesture, but it showed how much they genuinely cared about their clients well-being beyond the session.

Lex Spa uses Thalion products across their range of treatments including body therapies and facials to reflexology and Balinese massages. You’ll also find detox treatments, hot stone therapy, body scrubs, and wraps for those who want the full self-care experience.

Would I go again?

Absolutely. I may have whimpered through the first half, but I left with nothing but gratitude. If your body’s carrying the weight of work or your mind’s overdue for a reset, this is one session that’s worth every wince.