Setting new standards for luxury and relaxation, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (STARS) recently debuted CHI, The Spa at its premises. Shangri-La's CHI, The Spa is internationally recognised as a world-class spa brand, and its opening brings its trademarks of excellence to Sabah. Inspired by the mystical legend of Shangri-La as captured in James Hilton's Lost Horizon, CHI is built on its own private island named Pulau Bayu, Malay for "Island of the Breeze". Eight islands villas dot the 4161 metre resort spa, making it the largest in Kota Kinabalu. Each villa features CHI's signature spa within a spa concept, and offer private treatment rooms, lounge areas, steam rooms, lush outdoor gardens and bathing facilities. The villas occupy the island, ensuring the utmost privacy for guests as well as a beautiful view of the sea. Three of the villas are designed especially for couples and measure 69 square metres, with 88 square metre private gardens and outdoor bathing facilities. A yoga pavilion allows for full views of the South China Sea and Kota Kinabalu's beautiful sunsets, and lush gardens allow for lounging or meditation.  The CHI concept was developed in collaboration with a team recognised experts in traditional Chinese medicine and Himalayan healing philosophies. In traditional Chinese philosophy, chi represents the universal life force that governs individual well-being and personal vitality. Spa treatments and an exclusive product range have been designed based on the Chinese philosophy of the five elements, in which metal, water, wood, fire and earth are in balance with the positive yang and negative yin energy within the body. CHI Spa's extensive menu features signature therapies like the Himalayan Healing Stone Massage and the Mountain Tsampa Rub based on the ancient healing traditions of the mystical Himalayan region, while natural ingredients like Borneo volcanic mud, Sabah pearls and cocoa find their way into a number of exclusive therapies highlighting the local culture.