Founded in 2005 by Jennifer Chan Lee, (MFHT, UK) and Datin Jeanette Tambakau, Jari-Jari Spa draws upon traditional Borneo techniques and local ingredients, combining these with the principals of modern spa management. Ethnic Borneo Massage, developed by Jari-Jari Spa, incorporates unique therapies found only in Borneo, differing distinctly from the better-known Thai, Balinese and Ayurvedic massage techniques.
Since its establishment, Jari-Jari Spa quickly earned a reputation as the premier spa using traditional Borneo therapies, winning industry awards ("Best Traditional Treatment" for its Dusun Inan Therapy award by the Malaysian Spa & Wellness Awards in 2006 and 2011 for its 'Best Traditional Local Folk Treatment" as well as enthusiastic recommendations by guests from throughout Asia as well as from Australia and Europe.
A member of the Association of Malaysian Spas, Jari-Jari was selected as an affiliate by the Swedish College of Travel & Tourism. Students taking the College's Health and Tourism course study spa entrepreneurship, massage techniques, gym and yoga instruction. As part of their course, selected students attend a training session of five and nine weeks at Jari-Jari Spa, where they are trained in Ethnic Borneo Massage techniques by Jennifer Lee. To date, 5 groups involving over 21 students have been trained.
Always seeking to extend her knowledge and her skills, in August 2010, Jennifer Lee attended courses on Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Stress Management by ETHOS.
ETHOS offer training in Holistic, Complementary, Alternative and Beauty Therapies in Durham, Berwick and Morpeth. They adhere to national occupational standards and core curriculum where available (which includes direct contact hours between tutor and student), thus ensuring that upon successful completion of their courses, students have the confidence and skill required by industry to be successful therapists. Ethos has been awarded contracts to deliver treatments for a number of organizations including a Primary Care Trust in the North East of England and NHS Direct.
After attending an intensive course in the UK and meeting the stringent requirements of the Federation of Holistic Therapists Association (FHT), Jennifer Lee (MFHT, UK), is now a full member of this important professional organization. Jari-Jari Spa has been awarded a Certificate of Accreditation for its Ethnic Borneo Massage 10-hour Training Course, and Ethnic Borneo Massage 22-hour Training Course), the first spa in Malaysia to receive accreditation from FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists - the leading and largest professional association for complementary, beauty and sports therapists in the UK and Ireland).
