“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” ― Mark Twain
Along Hutton Lane, just along the outskirt of the UNESCO heritage zone of George Town, Penang in the historical Malay Millionaire’s row sits the refurbished Mughal inspired Jawi Peranakan Mansion جاوي منسيون. The boutique hotel is decorated with motifs of Anglo-Indian grandeur laced with intricate Mughal geometry. This restored building now houses one of the Penang’s latest offerings for that exquisite heritage hotel experience. Continue reading
Hidden in plain sight in the Wat Ket district of Chiang Mai lies a 140-year-old Thai teak wood home which has been repurposed into one of the most splendorous boutique hotels in the heart of Chiang Mai, the RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort. The picturesque spa hotel takes its name from the Thai language and means “Jewel on the Water”, and is located on the riverbanks of the Ping River overlooking the Doi Suthep Mountain. It is with these factors that make it one of the most idyllic places to pamper yourself. Continue reading
Situated in the utmost south end of Kamala Beach in Phuket lies an isolated and rustic home away from home, the aptly named Kamala Beach Estate. This mostly privately owned hotel offers a limited number of villas, but its best asset is actually its privacy as the hotel is built on its own promontory, a raised land mass surrounded by the Andaman Sea, essentially forming a private beach. Continue reading
Located in the mountains of Pahang is one of Malaysia’s most prominent entertainment hubs, hosting an assortment of activities for the whole family. Genting Highland is the colloquial name for what really is Resorts World Genting, a hill resort consisting of an assortment of hotels, casinos, restaurants, theme parks but is also world renown as a performance arena, and is also the new home of the Miss Chinese International Pageant. For any first-time visitor to Genting Highlands, these information may be of help. Continue reading
Located in the historical tin mining town of Ipoh sits a unique boutique hotel that almost seems misplaced, the M Boutique Hotel Ipoh. This unique establishment is situated on Hala Datuk, not far from the Ipoh city centre, a city decided by Lonely Planet as one of the Best in Asia. This quaint little hotel is furnished with a fusion of contemporary design and colonial past, being dubbed “urban straits eclectic”. This hotel seeks to invoke a sense of throwback to a time where the straits settlements were in its infancy, but with a modern twist. Continue reading
Located in the Wat Thanon Gate area of Chiang Mai sits a beautifully unique establishment laden with painted white wooden pillars and auburn teak wood which brings you back to the colonial history of Asia, the heritage hotel known as 137 Pillars House. This place is iconic not only for its Anglo-Thai architecture, but also being the former home of Louis Leonowens, the son of Anna Leonowens, famed English teacher to King Chulalongkorn, son of King Mongkut from the fabled story of Anna and the King of Siam, or more famously known from the musical that is The King and I. Continue reading
Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่), also styled Chiangmai, is proverbially known as the spiritual capital of Thailand, with its calming pace of life and mountainous atmosphere. When compared to its other gems such as Bangkok or one of their many beautiful islands such as Phuket or Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai serves to deliver an entirely different experience. Not as famous to foreigners as a holiday destination, Chiang Mai is known to locals as a must visit for its pristine clean air and local vacation spot. Poetically known the rose of the north, Chiang Mai falls under the northern region of Thailand, and home seat to the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, famed for its distinctive Lanna culture and home to Lanna Cuisine. Here, we shall explore some things to do in Chiang Mai for first time visitors. Continue reading
Tucked within the recesses of Persiaran Madge is a hidden oasis within the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur is the perfect romantic getaway that is Villa Samadhi. Colloquially known as one of KL’s best kept secrets, this boutique hotel offers a one of a kind experience for those looking for a private sanctuary that is a walk away from the KL city centre and all it has to offer. But more importantly, Villa Samadhi caters to those that want that luxurious service with that much needed personal space in its natural setting. Continue reading
As you walk down Stewart Lane in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in Penang, you will come across a row of restored shop houses plucked out of the British colonial era of Malaya. These beautiful interlinked building houses the beautifully restored Seven Terraces Hotel. Frequently voted as one of the best heritage hotels you will find according to TripAdvisor, this hotel offers up much charm and refinement that feels like its been plucked out of a painting. Continue reading
As you drive down Jalan Perak you will come across a building parked in the centre of the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Fraser Place is strategically positioned off the main roads giving you the much needed quiet from the bustling city whilst maintaining a 5 minute walk from KLCC. These luxury apartments come with the splendours of a hotel combined with the easement of a luxury apartment, and this unique service is brought to you by Haftarent. Continue reading