Halaluxe Retreat 2024: Gaya Island Resort, Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia
A journey into Borneo.
For 5 days, you will seclude yourself in the beautiful 5* Gaya Island Resort in Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia, surrounded by lush rainforest and exotic wildlife. Nestled within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, this luxurious setting sets the backdrop as you journey through insightful journaling, body awareness activities, and soul-enriching reflections with plenty of personal time to enjoy the beautiful resort at your own pace.
Wake up to spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu. Take a guided tour around the resort in search of the Proboscis monkey. Indulge in traditional Borneon spa and hospitality. Or simply relax at your private balcony.
"Do as much or as little as you want."
Halaluxe is excited for you to experience Gaya Island Resort at the 3rd edition of our Halaluxe Retreat this September in Sabah, Malaysia with the theme:
"Five Before Five".
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.”
– Bukhari
What is a Halaluxe Retreat?
- Halaluxe Retreats offer a chance to have fun and relaxation, and a getaway to discover a balanced development, focusing on the body, mind, and soul.
- Our retreats seamlessly integrate a holistic approach to total wellbeing. From enriching the mind with authentic knowledge to honouring the body for optimal wellness, and nurturing the soul through congregational prayer, Halaluxe Retreats combine pure knowledge with Prophetic traditions to elevate your spiritual growth.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Convey from me, even a single verse.”
– Bukhari
- The retreats are designed to equip you with the right knowledge and mindset, and inculcate the sharing spirit to foster engagement with others.
- Beyond self-development, InsyaAllah, you’ll also empower yourself to not only grow personally but discover ways on how to share the knowledge forward to benefit others.
- Halaluxe Retreats are often set against the backdrop of inspiring resorts and scenic destinations. They provide an opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge, while experiencing local culture and traditions, with fun activities in between.
The Resort: Gaya Island Resort
- Gaya Island Resort is a tropical paradise in the heart of the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah (North Borneo). You’ll feel worlds away from everyday life once you step onto the resort, yet Sabah’s capital city Kuching, is just a 15-minute boat ride away.
- Each villa offers panoramic views of Borneo’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. With the resort’s emphasis on protecting the island’s ecology, the resort blends into the natural vegetation, reducing its environmental impact and creating habitats for birds and other wildlife.
- During your stay, a range of activities await. You can join guided jungle treks to explore diverse wildlife and lush flora, enjoy mangrove kayak tours, snorkel from the beach, or visit the Marine Centre. At the Marine Centre, you can learn more about the resort’s Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration, and Conservation Through Education initiatives.
- The resort’s award-winning Spa Village reflects the cultural healing traditions of Sabah’s many indigenous people, using sustainable, native ingredients. Set amidst lush mangroves, treatments include rice scrubs of Sabah’s ethnic Kadazandusun and age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads.
Accommodation
- All participants will be booked into the Canopy Villa. Amenities include a king-sized bed, a flat screen television with satellite channels, a large open ensuite bathroom with an oversized bathtub and two vanity units, and an outdoor verandah with day beds.
- Limited twin-bedded rooms are available and subject to availability at the time of booking. Alternative arrangements for twin sharing can be made upon request when twin-bedded rooms are not available. The Resort can arrange a “German Setting”, where two separate set of duvets are on one king-sized bed.
- The resort prioritises eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact. It operates as a walking resort, minimising the use of motorised vehicles for operations. If you prefer, you can request villas closer to the main facilities.
HERE we GO
YOUR PROGRAMME
Package 5 days 4 nights
Only MYR 5,999.00/Person*
Your Investment Includes:-
- Four nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- “BBQ Under the Stars” on Tavajun Bay
- Guided journalling
- Daily Soul Care reflections
- Basic Bodyworks session
- A choice of one Borneon experiential journey (spa/personalised aroma scent workshop/snorkelling/mangrove kayaking)
- An exclusive gym confidence session
- Guided Jungle Walk
- Local market excursion
- Return scheduled speedboat transfers to and from the resort
What’s not included
- Your flight(s) to/from Kuala Lumpur/Kota Kinabalu
- Travel to and from the resort
- Personal expenses
- Visa
- Travel insurance
Bonus
A unique experience at the Marine Centre to release a turtle!
*proposed itinerary. All activities are subject to availability and weather conditions, T&C apply.
THE NEXT STEPS TO JOIN THE RETREAT
1. Read FAQs
2. Complete application
3. Finalise booking with Safar Trips
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Anis Ramli
Anis is the Founder & Curator of Halaluxe. She travels the world working with luxury properties eager to embrace halal mindfulness to welcome the underserved affluent Muslim traveller. She speaks regularly at conferences sharing her insights on this segment and contributes to publications in both Malaysia and Singapore on the niche Muslim luxury travel market.
With a passion for holistic enrichment rooted in Prophetic values, Anis has curated the Halaluxe Retreat as an exclusive haven for self-improvement. Drawing on her background in Psychology and journalism, she effortlessly integrates spiritual growth with relaxation, creating an environment where guests can elevate their connection with the Deen while enjoying a fun and rejuvenating experience. Anis has taught journalling as Guest Artist at Spa Village Resort Tembok in Bali as well as in Malaysia. Beyond her professional endeavours, Anis is deeply involved in community outreach, leading the New Muslims programme at Malaysia’s Al Khaadem NGO where she also mentors reverts. She will go to the ends of the Earth for a good bar of dark chocolate and remains a Crossfit fanatic.
Coach Daing “Dann” Daniel Fitri
CEO and Founder of Crossfit Pahlawan, Coach Dann, makes wellness attainable for everyone. His proven track record in crafting bespoke fitness and wellness programmes, grounded in real-life applicability, makes him the ideal host to guide participants on their wellness journey. Weaving fitness, nutrition, lifestyle and spirituality, Coach Dann’s sessions promise a lasting impact, inspiring guests to continue their fitness journey long after the retreat ends. The retreat’s signature “Gym Confidence” session is popular with guests as Coach Dann shares hacks to calm gym nerves, including a game plan for all ages.
Dato’ Sheikh Hussain Yee
As Halaluxe’s Advisor, Sheikh Hussain brings on board decades of specialised knowledge and experience as well as strategic advisory services to drive Halaluxe’s growth. He is also instrumental in the development of Halaluxe’s retreats and programmes, focusing on bringing a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the body, mind and soul. He leads the soul care and sembang-sembang (chit chat) sessions, imparting practical solutions to everyday challenges through the Prophetic lens. Sheikh Hussain is also Founder & President of Al Khaadem, Malaysia and is known on the international lecture circuit for his empowering lectures.
FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
InsyaAllah. Our partner, Safar Trips, has two extensions packages designed to maximise your stay either in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. They are also able to curate a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs.
Gaya Island Resort sprawls across a gentle hill and the only way to get around is on foot. Motorised vehicles are used only by the staff for operational purposes. Guests may find the climb to the hilltop villas to be steep, but the views are breathtaking.
The good news is, there are villas in the lower area of the resort, located close to the restaurants and pool. These are accessible via a wooden boardwalk that meanders through the resort’s mangrove area. We would be happy to assign these villas for you should you indicate to us.
It is for everyone and we welcome families to attend the retreat together. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “When a Muslim spends something on his family, intending to receive Allah’s reward, it is regarded as charity for him.” (Bukhari)
Please note the resort’s maximum occupancy & child policy here: gayaislandresort.com/accommodation.html
Halaluxe Retreats are crafted to be intimate gatherings. As such, spots are limited. If you need assistance with your decision-making process, feel free to reach out to Safar Trips or anis@halaluxe.com. We’re here to help!
A typical day begins with performing Fajr in congregation and a soul-enriching reflection. After breakfast, choose from the day’s activities before we proceed to lunch.
The afternoon is meant to give you space for rest and relaxation, and time to reflect, absorb and go deeper into the activity. You may decide to do it with a walk, swim or just curl up and nap. It is up to you. Reconnect for Maghrib before proceeding to dinner. Breaks and rest periods are built into the daily schedule.
All scheduled offerings during the retreat are optional and we encourage and trust you to make choices that best support your needs!
InsyaAllah. Just reach out to our Safar Trips representative before booking to find out about availability.
You’ll receive a welcome message with general trip information three weeks before the retreat. We will create a WhatsApp group one week before the retreat to share time-sensitive updates both before and during the event.
If you need to cancel your booking, we will retain your 25% deposit in all circumstances and will apply cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below: –
Days Before Departure Cancellation Charge
90 days or more: 25% of your retreat cost
30-90 days: 75% of your retreat cost
Less than 30 days: 100% of retreat cost (no refund is granted)
Testimonials
Hear what others say about our Halaluxe Retreat
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Book Now – we’ve limited spots!
Halaluxe Retreat will help you reconnect with our Creator, insyaAllah. By engaging the body, mind and soul, you’ll find yourself returning home with a refreshed purpose.
Beyond personal growth, the skills and insights gained from this retreat will help you gain the confidence to share the knowledge with others, and invite more to discover the beautiful values of this Deen.
Don’t hesitate any longer – join us and embark on a unique journey of discovery and growth.
