MILLENNIA VILLAGE REDEFINES SENIOR LIVING

Inspired by the emblematic "Hakka Tulou" (客家土楼), the central communal space to foster camaraderie and strengthen ties within traditional Hakka communities, Millennia Village is reputedly the first purpose-built senior living resort in Malaysia.

Nestled on a 32-acre lush enclave in Seremban, Millennia Village aims to redefine the lifestyle of seniors as "the start of more enriching and purposeful golden years”.

Surrounded by prolific greenery and native trees, the main building’s "Hakka Tulou" inspired design envisaged a collective community where residents converge, connect, communicate, and share life experiences.

According to John Chia, Founder of Millennia Village, "We believe seniors deserve more than just a place to stay. They should be in a community catering to their unique needs. We believe the golden years can be just as exciting and rewarding.”

Executive Director of Millennia Village, Diane Chia (right) adds, “Millennia Village is inspired by the principles of Blue Zones, focusing on healthy habits, togetherness and happiness. Those factors contribute to seniors’ longevity and well-being. We aim to enhance the quality of senior lifestyle by providing a safe, comfortable, and socially engaging environment. The tranquility of our location means pristine air quality, minimal traffic and noise along with an unparalleled level of privacy and security.”

We were assigned a 481 sqft Studio Suite room. Clad in white and neutral earth tones with clean, minimalist approach, the glass doors lead outside to a balcony with soothing views of the granite rock wall covered with trees and shrubbery.

Bathroom handrails, a panic button and a wall-mounted fold-up stool are found in the shower and toilet. The door is wide enough for wheelchair access although it would be nice to have a more accessible shelf for toiletries, bath sponge and spectacles.

The current recess space beside the shower cubicle seemed odd and not user-friendly. Also, the empty space in-between means water splashing out of the shower area is inevitable even though the curtain is fully drawn.

Our room layout is nice and practical featuring a long kitchen counter equipped with an induction stove top, microwave oven, electric kettle and sink. Furnishings include a couch with a coffee table, a dining table, a floor-to-ceiling closet and wooden sideboard.

Electrical appliances provided are a fridge, an induction cooker with hood, an electric kettle and a microwave oven. There’s aslo a flatscreen TV and a working desk. Fans, an air-conditioning unit and Wi-Fi access are par for the course.

Currently, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Saffron all-day dining restaurant. There’s plenty of natural daylight within the space. A private room is also available for group dining.

One floor above is Kopitiam which will be serving simple, local fare and snack items. Plans are afoot for a grab & go bakery cum convenience store of sorts.

Located at the 9th Floor of Block B, The Rooftop is ideal for lounging around with friends for drinks and conversation. The balcony seating accords panoramic vista of the nearby surroundings.

We love the saltwater infinity swimming pool where aquarobics classes can be held. Nearby is a walking trail with various fitness equipment for those who desire working out in the open.

More walking paths with a 2-acre nursery for eco-farming and zero waste practices e.g. growing organic produce and composting food waste are also available. Avid gardeners will like pottering around the raised garden beds and elevated planters. Built using permaculture principles, the fertile farm garden aims to provide edible herbs and vegetables for a farm-to-table experience.

Serene strolls along trails purpose-built by the Orang Asli wends through a regenerated forest covering 8 acres of prime land amidst the stunning vistas of a majestic rugged granite rock face.

Planned group fitness activities: tai chi, line dancing, senior yoga, physiotherapy, and stretching exercises to arts and craft and even a community kitchen should keep senior residents occupied and fulfilled. A gym, a multi-purpose studio, an airy and spacious library, a games room, a theatre and event space accommodating up to 200 persons are found onsite.

The first phase of 344 units features one- and two-bedroom units tailored for independent senior living whilst the second phase will comprise 75 units for seniors requiring assisted care. Phase three will offer larger units for independent senior living.

Millennia Village offers medium and long-term tenancies of 1 month to 3 years, with pricing depending on the stay duration. For a limited time only, Millennia Village is offering a long stay promotion at RM5,500 per month for two persons.

A trial stay of 3D/2N is also available from RM1,200 for two persons. All room packages include a fully furnished unit, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, free access to all facilities, daily breakfast and dinner. The offers are valid until 31 August 2024 and are subject to prevailing taxes.

For more information about Millennia Village, please call 06-7609677, email: dianechia@milenniavillage.com or visit www.millenniavillage.com.

TRAIL BLAISE-ING HIS WAY TO FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL

The hotel of choice for KL-lites. Newly appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur (FSHKL) Blaise Montandon aims to attract local city dwellers as well as international visitors to the FSHKL, making it the most happening place in town.

Having relocated from Hoi An, Vietnam over a month ago, Blaise Montandon is no stranger to Malaysia and Asia. He has been to Melaka and Sabah previously for brief holidays and worked for two decades in the Asian continent.

Enthusing over the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur, Montandon is eager to get acquainted with our multi-cultural society, and explore the diverse food scene.

Hailing a small Swiss town, young Montandon became enamoured with hotels whilst holidaying with his parents around the country and in neighbouring regions. “I was fascinated by the energy, the glamour, and the opportunity to meet people from around the world. I knew this was what I wanted to do!”

After graduating from the Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, he studied management at the University of Lausanne before cutting his teeth at two reputed hotels in Geneva.

Since then, his hospitality career path has taken him to Singapore, Japan, China, Thailand and India, alongside stints in Europe and North Africa. His last outpost prior to KL was at Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai).

His appointment as General Manager of FSHKL sees Montandon moving to an urban environment. “It’s completely different from Hoi An which is a resort, so I’d be drawing on my strengths and diverse experiences as a hotelier to see what I can bring to this Hotel.”

Montandon cherishes the time spent in Hoi An as it gives him great satisfaction to see how the various stakeholders collaborated and worked together to come up with distinctive products and services, the way his opening team members grew and developed, and how they managed to create different experiences for their guests.

He says: “There will always be different challenges for new and even existing properties. Otherwise, life will be boring. Sometimes challenges can arise from people, the product, or the location. You’d have to understand your clientele, the market, and the situation. For instance, when I was at the Four Seasons Hoi An, we have to open and close thrice during the pandemic.

“It was a difficult time but it was also most heartening to witness the solidarity amongst the people and the community. We had the involvement of key team members throughout those trying times to keep things going. Thanks to the support of the resort owners, every team member was retained during the two-year pandemic period. Our team members were deeply touched as their livelihoods affected not only them but also their dependents.”

On his plans to make FSHKL as the preferred hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Montandon affirms he will need to get a thorough feel of the Hotel then delve into understanding the team, the market, and the local community better.

“I want international visitors to fall in love with this dynamic, kaleidoscopic city. This Hotel should be an active place in town – I want to attract the city people to come here: for lunch, for tea, to stay, and to celebrate any and every occasion.”

Conversant in French, English, German, Italian, and Dutch, Montandon admits he hardly gets a chance to pick up Asian languages. “I often speak English with local team members as it’s to help them brush up their English-speaking skills at work.”

On the personal front, Montandon can’t wait to immerse in the city’s gastronomic scene, especially its legendary street food. Also on his agenda: exploring the local arts scene through museums, galleries and events. A lover of contemporary and modern art, opera and musicals, Montandon finds experiencing new cultures through their art forms “reveal so much about a place and its people”.

According to Blaise Montandon, the best thing about being a Four Seasons Hotel GM is the strong values they uphold. “Our philosophy is simple: treat people like how you would like to be treated. We believe in and apply that core value to every level of our team. We want to create an indelible impression on our guests and make a connection with them so that when they leave, they will have lasting memories of their time spent at the Four Seasons.”