Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotels. Show all posts

Sep 11, 2011

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi

Four Season Resort, Langkawi

Kemewahan senibina & dekorasi tradisional
Oleh Diyana Rose Kamalludeen
Isnin September 12, 2011


Dekorasi dalam villa dua bilik yang luas dan menarik di Four Seasons Resort.
Dekorasi dalam villa dua bilik yang luas dan menarik di Four Seasons Resort, Langkawai.

NUN terpencil di penghujung Tanjung Rhu, Pulau Langkawi, tersergam sebuah destinasi percutian tropika ideal yang mengharmonikan segala keunikan warisan budaya senibina Melayu dalam membawakan pengalaman lima bintang terunggul kepada para pengunjung.

Ketenangan dan kedamaian bayu ombak Laut Andaman sedia terhampar baru mengalu-alukan kedatangan tetamu dari dalam dan luar negara ke Four Seasons Resort Langkawi dengan penuh kemesraan layanan hospitaliti yang cukup sinonim dengan masyarakat Melayu pada suatu ketika dahulu.

Ini merupakan sebahagian keunikan pengalaman lima bintang Four Seasons, yang bukan sekadar penginapan mahal sarat dengan ekstravaganza dekorasi asing.

Sebaliknya, keseluruhan konsep resort berkenaan memperincikan keistimewaan struktur kediaman Melayu lama, ditonjolkan oleh landskap kemakmuran tropikal yang menyelimuti premis resort tersebut.

Sementara senibina tradisional Melayu asli dijadikan asas konsep binaan kesemua struktur di resort itu, para tetamu pastinya menyedari pengaruh etnik Asia, India dan Arab. Ini bertujuan untuk menyingkap kepelbagaian suntikan budaya yang benar-benar mewakili Malaysia pada hari ini.

Ketelitian suntikan hiasan menyerlahkan idea sebenar di sebalik konsep dekorasi Four Seasons, bermula daripada ruang masuk utamanya yang menggabungkan unsur rekabentuk Moor terutama pada arca gergasi menuju ke ruang lobi utama berkonsep terbuka.

Kemewahan ruang tidur di Pavillion Melaleuca.
Kemewahan ruang tidur di Pavillion Melaleuca.

Inspirasi Moghul turut membingkai struktur kesemua pavilion dan villa penginapan mewah sehingga kepada motif luar biasa yang menyerikan ruang kamar mandi berlantai terazo dan marmar diimport khas membentuk seakan-akan sebuah oasis persendirian.

Diasaskan daripada konsep sebuah perkampungan Melayu tradisional, kamar penginapan Four Seasons dilengkapi sistem perudaraan ala tradisional agar tetamu dapat menikmati hembusan bayu laut sebenar sama ada dari keselesaan katil sambil menonton televisyen mahupun sambil bersantai di anjung peribadi serba luas.

Di samping itu, hiasan dekorasi dalaman juga tidak kurang kekuatan pengaruh kesenian Melayu dengan penggunaan meluas motif dan fabrik tradisi batik sebagai penghias utama walaupun masih diperkukuhkan dengan kemasan ala Arab untuk menonjolkan sisi eksklusif.

Four Seasons merangkumi 91 pavilion atau astaka dan villa penginapan bersaiz mewah. Sebanyak 68 pavilion Melaleuca dua tingkat masing-masing merangkumi empat unit dan 20 Villa Beachfront eksklusif, setiap satunya dengan bilik spa dan kolam persendirian.

Sebahagian kamar mandi Beach Villa di Four Seasons Resort
Sebahagian kamar mandi Beach Villa di Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi.

Namun paling mengujakan adalah kamar mandi. Lebih layak dipanggil ruang mandian, ia direka khusus untuk memberi ketenangan kepada para tetamu dengan inspirasi hammam (tempat mandian) atau jakuzi ala Turki juga pancuran 'hujan' di luar dalam taman terpencil tanpa gangguan.

Seolah-olah enklaf tersembunyi dalam spa eksklusif, kesemua kamar mandi menampilkan jendela langit (skylight) yang memantulkan pencahayaan suria semula jadi sekali gus memperjelaskan lagi dekorasi unik dan memberikan pengalaman luar biasa kepada para tetamu.

Bayangkan pula tahap kedamaian yang bakal dikecapi apabila melangkah ke The Spa untuk mengembalikan ketenangan dan mengimbangi keperluan diri dengan suasana serta layanan khusus bagi mententeramkan kecelaruan jiwa dari kota.

Tidak seperti mana-mana kemudahan rawatan seumpamanya, The Spa berjaya melangkah kembali ke dunia lampau untuk mewujudkan sebuah perkampungan Asia yang maha tenang, berlatarkan cenuram kapur dramatik dan dikelilingi kolam teratai.

Kamar mandi inspirasi halaman Turki.
Kamar mandi inspirasi halaman Turki.

Selesai bersantai dan memanjakan diri seharian, para tetamu tidak perlu susah payah mencari makanan.

Sebaliknya, hidangan Melayu asli atau gabungan menu gourmet Asia disediakan dalam persekitaran paling sempurna di restoran Ikan Ikan, Serai dan Kelapa Grill.

Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, layari www.fourseasons.com. -- mStar


Aug 30, 2011

Cititel Penang

Fast, attentive service
By Putri Zanina

It’s two different worlds inside and outside Cititel Penang, writes Putri Zanina

IT’S just a few steps away from the busy stretch of Penang Road where sidewalk hawkers sell food and newspapers, and honking vehicles fight pedestrians for space. But it’s a different world inside Cititel Penang.

Cititel Penang Hotel

With gleaming tiled floors in the cool, spacious lobby and a passage lined with a convenience store, café and restaurants for in-house dining, there is much distinguishing this hotel from other cramped and old-looking properties along George Town’s most famous road.

Expect deluxe accommodation and fast, attentive service. The deluxe superior room on the 16th floor is elegant and uncluttered, with a writing cum dressing table, comfy king-sized bed, mini bar, flat screen TV, closet and lounge chairs all cleverly arranged even in some tight corners, giving a sense of chic sensibility.

Even the small bathroom is a perfectly economical use of space. It has a shower stall that’s big enough for two, a long bath and vanity with mirror and sink.

It’s the room colour scheme that truly enchants. Everything matches — from the crispy white bedspread, creamy-white walls to pale yellow curtains and dark brown floor and furniture. The soft lighting that glows along the baseboard lends a zen-like feel.

And the view? On one side is the panoramic view of the north and south sea channels, including the iconic Penang Bridge. And on the other — the concrete jungle that’s a blend of the new and old architecture, including that within the enclave declared as Unesco world heritage sites.

Now, that’s another plus point of the hotel — its location within the perimeter of the heritage enclave.

Just a few minutes’ walk or a ride on a trishaw and you’d enter a time warp that reeks of an era of a charming hybrid of Chinese, Peranakan, Malay, Indian and western culture as well as an ambience of laissez-faire that dates back centuries.

Return to the hotel and you’d be immediately transported to a world of modern conveniences where you’d also want to linger and enjoy its cooling and
calming embrace.

FAST FACTS

HOTEL:
Cititel Penang
66, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang
Tel: 04-370 1188 Fax: 04-370 2288
Email: resvn@cititelpenang.com
Website: www.cititelpenang.com

GETTING THERE:
The hotel is located within
upper Penang Road in the heart of Unesco-certified heritage enclave of George Town. You can approach the area from Jalan Farquhar, Jalan Lebuh Light or Lebuh Chulia, all about 10 minutes’ away from Penang ferry jetty.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
Its location in the main thoroughfare of George Town, heritage areas in its surroundings and some of Penang’s best eating, shopping and tourist spots.

FIRST IMPRESSION:
Spacious, airy lobby and busy, busy city hotel.

RATING:
Four-star.

ROOMS:
451 rooms from Standard, Superior to Studio and Executive Suite. Superior rooms have recently been spruced up with warm colours and better amenities.

RATES:
Current promotional rate of RM215 nett per room per night in Superior Room includes a breakfast while RM245 nett per room per night throws in breakfast for two in a twin-sharing room. Upgrade to the Pinnacle Room (Executive Floor) costs RM260 nett per person per night to enjoy extra privileges, including the use of the exclusive Pinnacle Lounge with free drinks and snacks at specified hours and free Internet access.

F&B OUTLETS:
Twenty-four-hour Main Street Café for local and international food, Zhonghua Gourmet Restaurant for Chinese food including dim sum, Kirishima Japanese Restaurant and Pinnacle Lounge for Executive Floor guests only.

FACILITIES:
These include wireless Internet access, business centre, jacuzzi pool, health centre with gymnasium, function rooms and pillarless ballroom for up to 500 persons.

OVERALL SERVICE:
Fast and efficient with friendly smiles.

PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE:
All kinds of eateries including hawker stalls offering famous Penang food. All other Penang Road attractions like bazaars, markets and shopping malls.
Many heritage-listed buildings are within walking distance too, such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Kapitan Kling Mosque, Goddess of Mercy Temple and Khoo Kongsi. Love Lane, Stewart Lane and other nooks and crannies within the heritage sites are fascinating to discover on foot, and the hotel makes a good point to start your walk.

Cititel Penang -- NST

Jul 30, 2011

Avillion Port Dickson Chalets

Avillion Port Dickson has very interesting and peaceful surrounding for quick tourism Malaysia getaway holiday. With their recent refurbishing of chalets, give it a go and try!

'Rejuvenated' chalets
By Chitra S. Nathan
Saturday July 30, 2011


I WAS immediately enveloped with a sense of calm the moment I stepped into a recently "rejuvenated" water chalet at the Avillion Port Dickson.

The spacious room was a sight to behold with a large four poster bed, a comfortable pangkin (daybed) to lounge on and a big bathroom which had a tub as well as an open air shower.

The sliding glass doors of the chalet opened out to a private balcony which affords guests gorgeous and uninterrupted views of the sea

Nostalgic: At Avillion Port Dickson, guest can get a gorgeous uninterrupted view of the seas.
Nostalgic: At Avillion Port Dickson, guest can get a gorgeous uninterrupted view of the seas.

Feb 12, 2011

Romantic getaways in Malaysia

Romantic getaways
Saturday February 12, 2011
By Boey Ping Ping

Love a good holiday? Then break away this Valentine’s Day.

LOVE is in the air. Whether you’re lovebirds, newly weds or long married, rekindle your romance on Valentine’s Day at one of seven unforgettable destinations right here in Malaysia.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

For the self-indulgent couple: Champagne and strawberries, check. Roses, check. Private villa, check. The crème de la crème of Langkawi’s resorts has all the trappings of an extravagant sojourn; from sipping bubblies onboard a rustic sampan (local boat) at sunset to reclining by the beach gorging on giant, double chocolate-dipped strawberries to being serenaded by musicians at a private seaside dinner. Roses turn up in specially drawn baths, flower trails and a hand-held bouquet for the lucky gal.

Jul 6, 2008

Honeymoon bliss

Honeymoon bliss
Sunday July 6, 2008
Compiled by Faridah Begum


Honeymooning domestically is just as good as doing so abroad.

Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills Bukit Tinggi, Pahang.

None can compare to the French influenced Colmar Tropicale, which is only about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and boasts of not just a setting but the ambience is not unlike the real towns of France that it emulates. Perfect for a weekend or just a short honeymoon, it is sure to appeal to the hearts of newly-weds for a repeated honeymoon trip.

Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Strawberry Park, Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

The highlands offer honeymooning couples a great English setting. Not having to fork out thousands to get to the outskirts of London, you can enjoy afternoon tea, cool weather and many cold evenings together with good steamboats and Continental meals at most restaurants here.

The Andaman, Langkawi, Kedah

The Andaman, Langkawi, Kedah

Situated in the picturesque Datai Bay, honeymooning couples will find the tranquillity a great help in keeping the romance burning. Lots to do with the natural setting such as bird watching, sunsets and even a round of golf if either one or both are enthusiasts.

Serai di Lanjut, Pahang

Serai di Lanjut, Pahang

If a timeless holiday is on the cards, then this place is just right. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life coupled with the slow and easy pace here, one can just stretch out on the white sandy beaches for hours on end or play a round of golf or even go river fishing.

Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Many couples have met on scuba diving trips and this can account for quite a percentage of marriages. It is only right and perhaps understandable if they choose to go on a scuba diving honeymoon, especially where they first met. Pulau Perhentian may be the place or even a good alternative. Known as one of the best diving posts in the country, Pulau Perhentian is actually made up of two islands, namely Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Pangkor Island Resort, Pangkor, Perak

Look forward to sunset cruises, traditional Malay massages and lots of time together in the beautiful resort that was voted the best in the West Coast. With a private beach exclusively for guests of the resort, you can plan many outdoor activities such as jungle trekking, archery, parasailing and cycling.

Permai Rainforest Resort, Kuching, Sarawak

Permai Rainforest Resort, Kuching, Sarawak

If your wish is to have a taste of everything, then this is the perfect getaway for you. You get a package of the sun, sea, beach, mountains, waterfalls and modern facilities all in one place. Just 30 minutes from Kuching, you will want for nothing except more time to do all the things you want together as a couple, and more.

Tanjong Jara, Terengganu

Tanjong Jara, Terengganu

Noted for its pristine turquoise waters and its hidden location, there are lots that a honeymooning couple can do here. For one, it boasts of a good spa, just right for a couple that has gone through the mill with the preparation of the wedding and the crush of relatives. It also provides the couple a chance to be just by themselves and enjoy their newly entwined lives together.

Pulai Springs Desaru, Johor

Pulai Springs Desaru, Johor

Designed like an ancient Malay palace, Pulai Springs is on one of the unspoilt beaches south of the East Coast in the peninsula. Like most resorts, it promises the excitement of a beach resort yet maintains a calm and serene atmosphere that is conducive for honeymooning and gives couples time to acquaint themselves further besides enjoying the array of activities available here such as golf and jungle trekking, and with an untouched forest that casts a romantic glow in the evenings.

Nexus Resort Karambunai, Sabah

Nexus Resort Karambunai, Sabah

Winner of many prestigious awards, this place has been described as heaven on earth with its natural setting and the numerous activities that come with it. A lagoon park fulfils one’s desires of water games and the 30ha nature park within the resort gives honeymooning couples hours of trekking together.

-- The Sunday Metro

Feb 15, 2008

Majestic Hotel reopens (Malacca)

Majestic Hotel reopens
By Steven Daniel
Friday February 15, 2008


MALACCA: The Majestic Hotel has regained its colonial grandeur and sophistication that made it one of the prestigious hotels around in its heyday after a RM30mil restoration and expansion project.

Reopened recently by Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Khalil Yaakob, the Majestic Hotel is now part of the YTL stable of high-end, world-class luxury five-star hotels and resorts.

Constructed in 1929 as a private mansion for a prominent businessman, it was sold and converted to a hotel in 1953.

Fit for a king: The Majestic Hotel recently underwent a RM30mil renovation project.
Fit for a king: The Majestic Hotel recently underwent a RM30mil renovation project.



It was closed down in 2000 and restoration works on the hotel commenced in October 2006.

In its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, the Majestic Hotel was one of the most prestigious hotels in the state with a wide ranging guest list comprising Cabinet members, local and foreign dignitaries, as well as artistes and movie stars.

The hotel draws influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Peranakan cultures, with an architectural style that mirrors the state’s multi-faceted colonial past.

During restoration works, the original floor tiles, stain glass windows, roof tiles, reception table and many more items were left untouched so as to preserve the hotel’s mixed colonial past.

In the rooms, four-poster beds are draped in a mixture of rich silks and cool cottons and bathtubs for two provide the comfort and romance required by the discerning modern traveller.

“Like its sister properties, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort and Pangkor Laut Resort, this 54-room hotel on the banks of the Sungai Melaka is set to be placed among the world’s best, providing the quality, service, luxury and the absolute authenticity of every YTL hotel and resort,” said YTL Hotels executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh.

Adhering to the brand’s philosophy of honouring the healing traditions of the local region, the Spa Village is the only spa in the world to base its therapies on the healing heritage of the Baba-Nyonya culture.

Colourful ceremony: Mohd Khalil (centre) cutting the ribbon to signal the reopening of the hotel. Looking on are Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (second from right) and Datuk Mark Yeoh.
Colourful ceremony: Mohd Khalil (centre) cutting the ribbon to signal the reopening of the hotel. Looking on are Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (second from right) and Datuk Mark Yeoh.



Malacca’s newly invigorated landmark is expected to provide a unique and memorable experience to visitors who walk through its doors to be transported back to the hotel’s glorious past. -- The Star Metro