Showing posts with label staycation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label staycation. Show all posts

Friday, April 22, 2022

'INSPIRE ROMANCE' STAYCATION AT GLENMARIE HOTEL & GOLF RESORT



Rest, repast and a romantic 2 days/1 night staycation in a Junior Suite. Since our last vacay was over three years ago, we caved and succumbed to Glenmarie Hotel & Golf Resort’s Inspire Romance Package, heading to the hotel for a brief fling.

Upon our arrival at the 260-room Glenmarie Hotel with its award-winning golf fairway, we were delighted check-in was smooth and efficiently handled. The towering columns and water features within the lobby area are evocative of a resort.

 

Entering the Junior Suite assigned to us, the lovely decorations adorning our King-size bed: a pair of beautiful ‘swans’ folded using towels and rose petals artistically arranged to form the words ‘I love you’ left us completely smitten. Now such Instagrammable moments had to be recorded for posterity and we left the decorations untouched until bedtime.



There was also a welcome gift platter of delicious chocolates which we savoured while lounging in the comfort of our suite. Complimentary water, coffee/tea-making facilities were provided so we felt quite at home enjoying these creature comforts.


Our suite looked out to the golfing greens – the tranquil landscape edged by prolific greenery proved a nice change when we snuggled into the comfy chaise lounge for reading or just to relax. The in-room WiFi is easily accessible and fast.

Later we went for a quick dip in the pool. Being a weekday, we had the whole place to ourselves.


The highlight of our 'Inspired Romance' staycation was the four-course dinner, served in the privacy of our suite. Right on the dot, the room service team member arrived with our chosen selection at the appointed time.


Such an indulgence we rarely had the privilege to enjoy so it was a memorable experience. The food was surprisingly up to expectations too.

 

After sipping our complimentary mocktails, we sampled our starters of Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, and Cream of Mushroom with Truffle Oil. Both portions were generous enough for hubby and myself to share and swap. The salad was agreeable whilst the soup proved a tad too rich for our liking.


Both the Grilled Australian Ribeye Steak with Seasonal Buttered Vegetables and Fries, and Pan-fried Salmon Fillet with Creamy Dill Sauce and Seasonal Buttered Vegetables were on-point. Again, portions were hearty and we had to pace ourselves before we could proceed to sample dessert.


Dining in-room proved advantageous as there was no time limit, unlike restaurant dining. You could dawdle over the starter or the main course as long as you like. We spent some time snapping photos of the dishes so the luxury of enjoying dinner at an unhurried pace was a nice change.


Wrapping up our evening on a high note was the classic treat of Bread & Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce complemented by Fresh Fruit Platter. Admittedly, both of us shall cherish this romantic dining experience as one to remember.


After a good night’s sleep, we trooped downstairs to Kites Restaurant for our complimentary buffet breakfast for two. We ate our fill from the ample spread of pastries, noodles, rice, fruits, dim sum, eggs, bread, etc served.


The 'Inspire Romance' Package (from RM496 nett) is available for stay-in dates until 30 June 2022, so hurry and reserve your dates now! It's a lovely escapade for couples who need to escape their daily routine just for a day, to rekindle their spark of romantic passion.


For more information and reservations, call Glenmarie Hotel & Golf Resort, tel: 03-7802 5200 or email:reservations@glenmarie.com.my

Tuesday, February 02, 2021

HOMING IN ON STAYCATIONS IN SINGAPORE

Planning a staycation in Singapore? There's plenty to eat, see and do

With Chinese New Year less than a fortnight away, it seems unlikely my old friend AK will get the chance to welcome the Ox Year with her parents in Malaysia. Since the coronavirus doesn’t look like it’s disappearing anytime soon nor will the Malaysia-Singapore borders be opening in time for CNY, I told AK to forgo her trip home and use the festive break to rediscover Singapore instead. 

“AK, thousands of people fly from around the world to visit Singapore every year. Why don’t you take a step back, pretend you’re a visitor and see Singapore through that perspective? Sometimes we take our own backyard too much for granted-lah!” I rationalized with her.

Savvy travellers will find tons of info in Traveloka

When AK groused about not knowing where to start, I pointed her to Traveloka. The online portal is chockful of useful travel tips and information with links to hotel, restaurants, activities, packages, promotions and everything savvy travellers need to enhance their travel experience.

I believe AK will be able to enjoy her CNY break if she puts her mind to it and does her groundwork using Traveloka. Not only would it save her time and effort with the overall planning, she can’t make any lame excuses about not knowing what kind of staycation she wants. For instance, if she looks under Staycation Singapore in Traveloka, out pops a list of inspiring staycation ideas: from romantic rendezvous for couples to family-friendly escapades and gourmet getaways for friends.

Food paradise...from humble fare to refined restaurants, Singapore has it all

Depending on her budget, AK can take her pick from the mind-boggling range of hotels, be it budget-friendly or budget-busting … oooh, how I wish I’m going on staycation too!

As for the types of activities to fill her time, I daresay AK would be spoiled for choice. I must remind her to take advantage of the Singapore Rediscovers Vouchers in Traveloka. I bet many Singaporeans haven’t been on the interesting tours offered in the Singapore Rediscovers section! I find the activities are varied enough to please sporty go-getters and adventure-seekers, animal and nature lovers, history and modern entertainment buffs — there’s something to suit everyone.

Thinking how Chinese New Year is synonymous with our roots and heritage, AK may like booking a Kampong Buangkok tour. I’m sure the charming village will  stir up nostalgic feelings of her hometown back in Perak.

Few visitors can resist the captivating call of a day trip to Pulau Ubin
 
Hmm…she may want a full-blown tour to Singapore’s last surviving Kampung followed by visits to urban mushroom, wheatgrass and vegetable farms or an exciting day trip to Pulau Ubin. Ah, if it wasn’t for these pandemic times, I’d dearly love to join AK on these interesting excursions.

Of course, no staycation is complete without good food. Since it’s Chinese New Year, I wonder if AK would be game to embark on a Crazy Rich Asians Insta Tour with Cocktail Making Workshop…Hey, it’s not every day one gets a chance to ride in a Vespa sidecar touring some of Singapore’s ritzy locations and... YOLO, so why not?

The much-talked-about "Jewel" in Changi Airport's crown is a sight to behold

Again, I found Singapore Rediscovers Vouchers aplenty for guided walks, immersive tours, and hands-on cooking workshops — such a boon for those who are keen to learn and discover local culinary secrets and gems through experiential sessions.

Should AK prefer more sensible suggestions, then I’d propose she goes for the ‘Singapore: Melting Pot of Tea’ tour where she’ll have a chance to learn about more than 20 tea blends, sample delicious tea from traditional to modern, and even try making her own. Although I’m unsure about her interest in kitchen forays, perhaps a Hainanese or a Hokkien cooking class may strike a chord in view of the festive season or would that remind her too much of what she’s missing back home?

Even though she can’t return to Malaysia this Chinese New Year, I’m willing to bet AK will enjoy her staycation in Singapore thanks to all the tips I’ve shared with her from Traveloka. Now won’t that be an Ox-spicious way to welcome the Lunar New Year?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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

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