From The Straits Times    |
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Photo: Pangkor Laut Resort/ Instagram

We’re less than two weeks away from the Chinese New Year. But if you have no intentions of celebrating the day for whatever reason, this would be the ideal opportunity to take a kinda long break

January has felt like the longest month ever, making it the perfect timing for a quick getaway to unwind and rejuvenate. These aren’t your usual hotels-near-malls kinda things. They’re the places you go to for unplug and cherishing that much needed quality time with your loved ones! 

The resorts each have their own little charms and quirks, so the only thing you need to do is pick the right one for you.

 

Pangkor Laut Resort

This is the place to go for all the privacy that you want (or need). Located on a private island, the Pangkor Laut Resort boasts a variety of accommodations for all kinds of group sizes. So whether you’re travelling with your family, or just with a gal pal, there’ll be an idyllic room (or villa) waiting for you.

Lush flora and fauna surrounds you, from the wooden floorboards, to the neutral-coloured walls and the lush greenery that welcomes you at the windows. You could also be greeted by glimmering blue oceans or an aweing view of the island, depending on the type of room you book. Then you’ll find yourself spending your day at one of the many pools, at the spa, or prepping for a romantic candle light dinner.

Rate: From RM8650 (S$2919)/ night

Website: http://www.pangkorlautresort.com/ 

 

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Lexis Hibiscus

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Just a three hour drive away is the Lexi Hibiscus Resort, nestled in Port Dickson. It’s the ideal place to bring your family, with a whole variety of amenities and activities that revolve around the tallest sea fountain in Malaysia. A taste of the beach and water activities – a playground, fish feeding and cruising too. 

The best part of the rooms – that are all above water on stilts – would be the private dip pool (or almost infinity pool) and steam room that every, literally every room has. Besides that, you’re greeted by marble floors and a view that overlooks the sea. Although the rooms don’t come with a bathtub (which isn’t that necessary with a private pool), you do get a little peek-a-boo of the ocean beneath your feet! We’d suggest really relaxing and keeping technology away if you head here. Sip on some TWG Tea, complimentary for each room, then read a book that you bought ages ago. Finally, catch the beautiful sunset as you bike around the resort.

Rate: From RM1218/ night

Website: https://www.lexis.my/hotels-resorts/lexis-hibiscus-port-dickson/ 

 

The Club Saujana Resort

A luxury boutique resort where you’re engulfed by flourishing greenery. Do you remember those movies where characters lived in huge mansions that had a rich green land, a huge lap pool and indoor gyms? Well most hotels and resorts have those but the Club Saujana Resort captures that essence perfectly, with its warm inviting presence. 

Its kept simple with rustic red and brown floor tiles and tiki lamps that lead you to the estate, stylishly designed with fresh Asian elements. You can expect it to be rather quiet, with only 105 elegant suite sized rooms. Besides the golf course, there’s a pool, indoor gym, a rustic restaurant and of course, a relaxing spa to soothe tired muscles. To help you with your natural detox – forest gardens, water features and everything you need. So all you need to do now is pack your bags and slip into some sandals. 

Rate: From RM589/ night

Website: http://www.shr.my/the-club-saujana-resort/ 

 

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The Banjaran 

If you’ve been looking for a getaway to splurge on, this is the one. According to their webpage, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is “cradled by 260 million-year old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, rejuvenating geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls.” Well, we’re sold!

It is as exquisite and relaxing as it sounds. You lose a sense of time when you’re there and your mind absolutely slips away with the help of their many amenities. Just a little teaser of what awaits you – geothermal hot springs dipping pools, a thermal steam cave, a crystal cave and even a fish pool that leaves your skin exfoliated and rejuvenated. You can stay in one of the three villa types which include a garden, water and lake villa. Each of them come with a bubbly, warm jacuzzi!

We say head to this exceptionally serene hideout and leave the young ones (they only allow children above 12 years-old) and make this the ultimate getaway. A Valentine’s Day treat maybe?  

Rate: From RM1344/ night

Website: https://www.thebanjaran.com/ 

 

45Lekiu

Putting a modern twist to guesthouses, the 45Lekiu at Malacca offers a distinctive design to your luxurious accommodation. Expect a cosy, inviting atmosphere at the guesthouse that pays tribute to the city’s rich tapestry that adds to the quaintness and nostalgia.

The house is stylish and breathtaking to the little details – textured brick walls, luscious bathrooms and a mix of both vintage and modern furniture that complement each other. Outside your bedroom door, a grand, antique glass chandelier hangs above the stairway. A few of the perks include a lap pool, a garden, an oversized bathtub and even a roof garden.

Bookings are extremely limited, so fastest fingers first!

Rate: From RM1499/ night

Website: http://45lekiu.com/v1/ 

 

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Puncak Rimba

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Another exclusive escapade for the true nature lovers. Set alongside the charming hills of Janda Baik, the Puncak Rimba estate, owned by Datuk A Shazilly Bakti, is a rather private and exclusive one, which is probably why you haven’t heard of it. It’s a cluster of seven villas, that are surrounded by an abundant stretch of orchards and forest. 

You’ll realise how rich in history the villa’s designs are – there’s a mix of aesthetics and design elements from the Nusantara region that give it a one-of-a-kind, yet appealing look. Then there’s little hints of the culture with decorative elements like a wooden congkak, Dutch lamps and bamboo furniture. The villas come prepped with a rustic kitchen, so you have all you need to cook up a storm. There’s even a pond for you to fish at!

Since Puncak Rimba is an estate, staying there and finding out the rates would require a different process – message them through their social media platforms or send them an email. Is it worth the tedious process? Definitely.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/puncakrimba.my/

 

Amara Sanctuary Sentosa

We get it if you’re a tad exhausted and prefer having a staycation. So if you’re truly looking for a stress-free stay in busy bustling Singapore, head to Amara Sanctuary that’s right at the edge of Palawan beach at Sentosa. 

The white, sandy beach it sits on complements the resort’s fresh interiors, which have elements of colonial-style architecture. You could stay at the deluxe room, but if you’re going all out – get the courtyard suite that comes with a steamy personal jacuzzi. Most of the rooms have an aesthetic all-white interior, with wooden features here and there to add to the luxe look. When you wake up in the morning the sunlight peeps through the shutters and the cicadas’ song fills the air. You could step out to your balcony where an exquisite view awaits you, walk over to the beach for a romantic picnic, or go for a private pilates session that’ll help you tone your body as you admire the South China sea. 

Rate: From S$450/ night

Website: http://sentosa.amarahotels.com/ 

 

*Hotel rates are as of Feb 7 2018.

 

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