Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spa. Show all posts

Sunday, April 30, 2023

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


Saturday, July 09, 2016

JOURNEY TO GREAT VALUE BRITAIN...THE FINALE

The city of Bath made a literal splash with us as we arrived amidst a feather-light drizzle. It was difficult to see much in the dark but The Edgar Townhouse (64 Great Pulteney Street, Bath, Somerset BA2 4DN, tel: +44 (0)1225 420619) proved warm and cheerful once we entered the boutique hotel's warm, homely premise. Designated as a Grade I listed building and in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Edgar is located in Central Bath; close to all the major attractions, shops and restaurants.

After a speedy check-in process in the well-furnished and cosy lounge, we lugged our luggage up to our respective bedrooms. Mine was done up in less than fifty shades of grey, complete with a sleek white-tiled shower and wash room. Besides the comfy bed with a whimsical throw cushion, the linear, minimalist room included a writing table and heart-shaped mirror.
After a quick breather to refresh ourselves, we trudged out to grab a bite for dinner. Since it was rainy and chilly, going for Indian food seemed ideal. That was how we ended up at Rajpoot, a multiple award-winning Indian restaurant.
 
The flight of steps taking us down into the resto barely prepared us for the intricate warren of private dining rooms and alcoves within. It was akin to being transported straight to Incredible India thanks to the profusion of ornate lantern lights, Indian motifs and wall murals, artworks and collectibles.
 
Redolent with exotic and fragrant spices, our selection of chicken tandoori, several different curries, king prawn biriyani and Indian roti were out of this world. Some of the specialities packed enough hotness to warm our hearts and stomachs.

Needless to say, we slept like logs that night...well, at least I did. A cheery blue sky with wisps of white clouds greeted me when I looked out of my room window the next morning. After packing quickly, I made my way downstairs for breakfast in the light-filled dining room.
Besides cereals, bread and fruits, the affable team on duty served cooked breakfast upon request. I opted for smoked salmon with scrambled egg and fried mushroom which as expected turned out delicious. It was with much reluctance, we had to depart from this serene and tasteful haven for we had to visit some of Bath's famous attractions.
View of the weirs in the city centre of Bath
 
It was a lovely day as we strolled briskly towards the city centre. There were so many breath-taking, picturesque vistas Jennifer and myself dawdled ever so often to take quick snapshots of them. We couldn't help it as we wanted to remember as much as possible from this sojourn.
One of the key highlights which gave Bath its name is the Roman Bath which was founded upon natural hot springs with the steaming water playing a key role throughout its history. Lying in the heart of the city, The Roman Baths were constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex; one of the best preserved Roman remains in the world.
 
The domed building where the ticketing and reception areas are sited alone is fantastical and awe-inspiring. Loads of visitors trudge through the Roman Baths daily but the sprawling attraction is so huge, you'd hardly notice the crush of people constantly streaming in and out.

The ancient ruins depict Bath’s spa culture 2,000 years ago when the Romans once bathed in the natural thermal spa water. Despite signs posted reminding visitors not to dip into the water, many sneakily broke the rule just to feel its warmth. If you observe closely, the rising steam is evident from the pool surface.
After the whirlwind tour, it was time to head over to Royal Hotel (Manvers St, Bath BA1 1JP, tel: +44 1225463134) for lunch. The city is immensely walkable but Jennifer and myself had to depart for Heathrow Airport to catch our flight home so we had no choice but to make haste.
 
First opened in 1846, the classic hotel has a French-style brasserie known as Brasserie Brunel (named in tribute to architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel) where we had our farewell lunch.
Since it was Easter Sunday, the menu featured 'back to basic' fare: roast chicken and fish & chips. Maybe we felt too down in the dumps to really appreciate the lunch. Sigh.
 
The hotel is strategically located across from the Bath Spa train station (pix below). We were to catch the train heading to London Paddington Station so we made good time before settling down for that 90-minute journey back to London. 
Once we reached Paddington Station, we simply kept our eyes peeled for directional signs indicating where to board the Heathrow Express. Everything was seamless and hassle-free - a relief for us travellers who had heavy luggage in tow.
All in all, it was an exhilarating experience having the fortuitous chance to discover and enjoy Great Value Britain. From the time we landed up at Heathrow to the time we depart, we have had countless #OMGB moments to cherish. I'd like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Visit Britain for the unforgettable travel experiences!
Travelling from Malaysia to the UK on a budget? Discover Great Value Britain with some great tips from http://www.visitbritain.com/malaysia or visit CIT Malaysia http://cit.travel/europe/united-kingdom to plan your VisitBritain itinerary.

Featured Post

EXPLOSIVE SURPRISE FROM CAKE RUSH

Whimsical. Fun. Impactful. Imagine a flock of butterflies fluttering up once you open Cake Rush’s latest Explosion Gift Box. We were thrille...