Lavish Repose

Occupying the top seven floors of the Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur building is the five-star exclusive urban resort, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, offering travellers a tranquil escape amid the bustle of the big city. The resort features 55 exquisite rooms and suites ranging from 51 square metres to 200 square metres in size, with rooms offering stunning cityscape views that feature the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower. Guests are also treated to the Banyan Tree’s signature aromatherapy essentials and chromotherapy shower in all room categories, and private relaxation pool in the suites. Be spoilt for choice at the four restaurants and bar, each of which has been designed to stimulate great sensory and culinary experiences for the guests. Work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art gym and end the day with a dip in the covered open-air pool with stunning views. For meetings and events, the hotel has three spacious and fully equipped boardrooms, perfect for any occasion.

Historical Splendour

Travel back to 19th-century Penang and walk in the shoes of a fabulously rich Chinese tycoon dubbed The Rockefeller of the East at Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion. So named thanks to its iconic indigo walls, the former majestic home of the rags-to-riches Hakka merchant who commissioned it for his seventh wife is a rare surviving example of the eclectic architectural style preferred by wealthy Straits Chinese at that time. Built in the 1880s, the mansion was left in disrepair until a team of local conservationists restored it to its former glory in the 1990s, subsequently winning a UNESCO award for heritage conservation. Blending Eastern and Western designs with louvred windows, art nouveau stained glass and beautiful floor tiles, it was turned into a boutique hotel in 2001 to allow guests to better appreciate its intricate qualities.

PS: The mansion was one of the shooting locations for the recent blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians. 

Par Excellence

Blending contemporary elegance, world-class service and a prime location, the Manila Marriott Hotel welcomes discerning guests to the capital of the Philippines. The hotel features 570 luxuriously appointed guest rooms – each furnished with modern comforts – so expect deluxe bedding, large flat-screen TVs, oversized marble bathrooms and exclusive Thann amenities. When it comes to dining, guests will be spoilt for choice, as they tuck into authentic Cantonese fare from Man Ho, succulent grilled beef at the Cru Steakhouse or all-day dining at the Marriott Cafe. Alternatively, escape the bustle of the city at Still, the hotel’s newest bar lounge. Work out at the gym or take a soak at the rooftop pool while enjoying expansive views of the city skyline, before unwinding to a pampering treatment at the Quan Spa. The hotel also offers event spaces, including five ballrooms, 33 smaller meeting rooms and five outdoor venues.

Ocean Views

Situated on the corner of the famous Pantai Cenang on Langkawi island and just 10-15 minutes from the airport and other duty-free shopping venues is Resorts World Langkawi. Choose from six types of rooms, ranging from standard rooms to the resort’s lavish signature suites, while its premier standard rooms and premier seaview rooms have been recently refurbished. Dine at the Seagull Coffee House, where delectable local and Western buffet spreads for breakfast and a la carte meals are served. Once night falls, enjoy a selection of mixed grills and steak sandwiches, among other dishes at Zest. With the convenience of a private jetty close by, guests can easily enjoy activities like island hopping, boat rides and sunset cruises without the hassle of travelling far in between.

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