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.

A SERENE STAYCATION AT E&O RESIDENCES

Far from the madding crowd. Tucked away behind the Weld on the site of the former St Mary’s school, the E&O Residences is a serene haven where 200 units of luxurious one and two-bedroom suites beckon for a nice staycation in the city.

Wake up to an unobstructed view of the KL Tower. Or revel in the overhead view of an outdoor swimming pool surrouded by verdant landscape and lush foliage. That’s the advantage of staying at the E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, managed by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). Across the courtyard is the St Mary Residences.

After a warm welcome at the plush Reception, we explored every inch of our 1,442 ft² two-bedroom apartment. Tastefully furnished, the spacious living area consists of a well-equipped kitchen and a compact dining area. Our balcony looks out to the KL Tower and nearby skyscrapers.

It’s easy to feel at home here as both bedrooms are comfortably furnished with quality linen. Our master bedroom boasts built-in wardrobe with a safe box, an ensuite bathroom with a standalone bath tub, a vanity area, separate shower and toilet, and luxe amenities.

The second bedroom is similarly furnished except there’s no tub in the bathroom. At 1,131 ft², the one bedroom suite is just as nice and comfy. Catching forty winks during the two nights' escapade were a breeze as the cushy beds ensured we slept fitfully like babies.

 

 

Depending on your needs, both types of suites can be home away from home for corproate relocations, business and leisure travellers, long-stay medical tourists thanks to the secured privacy and comprehensive range of creature comforts provided. 

We managed to work productively in the dining area thanks to the broadband WiFi access while my girl completed her assignments in the study room furnished with an executive desk. Later, we kicked back, lounging around the sleek sectional sofa and channel-surfed, making full use of the home entertainment system. Music streaming is made possible with the iPod docking station provided.

 

Feeling a little peckish, we then rustled up some light refreshments in the kitchen which comes equipped with a microwave oven, a toaster, cutlery and crockery. Besides a kettle for making hot drinks, there’s a fridge as well. We were told rice cooker and blender are available upon request. Longer staying guests will find the washing machine and dryer a boon. An iron, ironing board, and hairdryer are also provided in each suite.

 

Peace of mind is ensured once we headed to the serene oasis where the outdoor infinity pool is located. Flanked on all sides by rows of ornamental palm trees and manicured hedges in a landscaped garden courtyard, the pool offers a beguiling view of imposing buildings too.

 

 

Steps away are several private gazebos where the jacuzzi pool is, with sauna and steam rooms nearby. Fitness buffs will find the fully furnished gym with aerobics and yoga room adequate for their needs. Families with children in tow can make a beeline for the kids’ playground and play room, to allow their young ones free reign to unleash pent-up energy.  

 

Checking in to the E&O Residences is a seamless affair based on our first-hand experience. There’s welcome drinks laid out and steps away is a business centre where guests can acess the internet or do some document printing should the need arises. In addition, a multi-purpose function room can be rented for small-scale, customised meetings and events.

 

Security is provided around the clock. Also entry and exits to the residential suites are strictly through access cards provided. Ditto for car-park access, ensuring a seamless stay experience throughout.

 

Within walking distance from the E&O Residences are convenient stores, shopping malls, commercial offices, banks, selected tourist attractions and the city’s integrated monorail and LRT lines.

 

Guests who have breakfast included in their stay package can make their way to  Delicious, an independent restaurant. Served at from 7 am to 10 am daily, the buffet spread is ample enough. From nasi lemak and fried noodles to eggs cooked on request and baked items, the selection should leave you spoiled for choice. (Full review on Delicious coming soon)

Other restaurants in the same block include Glass Tartines & Tipples, Black Market pub and Sushi Hinata. A spa and beauty salon upstairs provide essential services for those who desire some self-pampering. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information and reservations, call E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2023 2188. Address: No. 1 Jalan Tengah, off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.eoresidences.com