SERENE STAYCATION AT AMARI SPICE PENANG

Connected to SPICE Arena (Penang's newly renovated indoor sports arena and preferred MICE venue), the Amari SPICE Penang hotel in Bayan Baru is easily accessible via the second link from Butterworth. It's about 20 minutes away by car from  Georgetown but you won’t miss much of the hurly-burly pace.

Tastefully designed with a minimalist, arty approach, the 453-room hotel boasts a spacious lobby with lofty ceiling. Gigantic modernist sculpture of the nutmeg, shelves of bric-a-bracs and potted palms add visual interest and splashes of colour.

A smiling frontline team welcomed us upon check-in and formalities were swiftly dispensed with, allowing us to go straight to our Deluxe room. 

Spacious with neutral tones, the floor-to-ceiling window accords an expansive view of the SPICE arena and nearby buildings against a verdant green hilly backdrop.

The executive desk gave ample elbow room and together with an ergonomically design chair, made working a breeze. We give extra brownie points for the USB-type ports and international traveller-friendly plug points. My favourite is the cushy chaise lounge with ottoman, ideal for reading or power napping.

Like the lobby and public spaces, artworks by local artists adorn the rooms. A mini coffee brewing machine with a box filled with tea bags and accoutrements, a smart flat-panel TV with a wireless sound bar are the in-room conveniences.

I like the practical, sizeable bathroom with brightly-lit mirror and vanity top. The rain shower is powerful and its easily adjustable flow made us reluctant to step out whilst the wardrobe comes with an iron and ironing board, a weighing scale, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes.

The bed with just the right degree of firmness and fluffy pillows ensured we slept like logs.

Amaya Food Gallery – the all-day dining restaurant on Level 4 – comprises lots of seating space and dedicated live action kitchens. 

The generous spread of East-meets-West breakfast and dinner buffet selections draw inspiration from Penang, Malaysia, and Asia; leaving diners utterly spoiled for choice.

Outside patio seating overlooks nicely landscaped water feature, plenty of semi-alfresco and outdoor seating. Easy access to the purpose-designed jogging/walking path adjacent to SPICE Penang makes it a boon for exercise buffs.

Ascending a short flight of stairs from the patio, we found ourselves at the 25m salt water swimming pool. Insta-worthy nooks abound as the poolside cum sun deck area is surrounded by greenery and nice view. Breeze Spa and the 24-hour, well-equipped Fit Centre gym are mere steps away.

If there’s one compelling reason to stay at Amari SPICE Penang, it would be the heavenly massage therapies at Breeze Spa. The two spa consultants who attended to us are so patient and well-versed in their skills, my daughter and I couldn’t believe when our one-hour session flew past in the blink of an eye.

From the various Signature Mood Massages available, I chose Dreamy – a combination of hypnotic aromas and long, flowing massage strokes ideal for alleviating tension from a busy day, a long flight or life’s daily hustle. My daughter chose Serene – soothing long strokes and palm pressure techniques to get rid all the knots and kinks in her stiff muscles.

We surrendered to the petal-strewn foot wash and scrub before we were ushered to one of the dimly-lit spa treatment rooms. Employing our preferred choice of essential oil, the ladies gently yet firmly worked on us until we succumbed to a blissful state of mind. It was well-worth the price as we felt instantly invigorated and relaxed post-therapy.

For reservations at Amari SPICE Penang, tel: 04 683 1188. Address: 2 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang