Nestled in the lush tropical rainforest valley, the 16 acres The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is Malaysia first luxury wellness hot springs resort. Merely 15 minutes’ drive from Ipoh awaits us is a hidden sanctuary blessed with geothermal hot springs, natural caves, cascading waterfalls & 260-million-year old limestone hills.
The Reception
With only 25 luxury villas surrounded by the tranquil & peaceful mother nature, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is definitely an ideal choice for a romantic getaway or a stress release vacation.
There are 2 types of villas in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – Water Villa & Garden Villa. The Water Villa offers a water canal view while the Garden Villa is nestled within the serene lush tropical gardens.
All villas feature an outdoor terrace with a plunge pool, a luxurious king bed master suite, ensuite seating area, private outdoor rain shower and the main highlight – a private Jacuzzi in the villa that comes with natural geothermal hot springs water.
If you are having doubts which villa to choose, we do recommend Garden Villa as the Jacuzzi in Garden Villa is more spacious than Water Villa.
Our plunge pool – Garden Villa
From the reception, we hopped on the hotel’s complimentary buggy which shuttled us for a hotel tour before heading to our villa. To be honest, we were surprised how big the villa was as most villas tend to be half the size of Banjaran’s.
Courtesy of the hotel, ice-chilled Asti sparkling wine and delicate canapés were already prepared to celebrate our arrival.
Patio with living room & dining table
7-foot king-sized bed with 10cm thick feather-bed topped mattress, feathered-down duvet, cotton-rich linens and hypoallergenic pillows
Front view
The Bathroom & Aromatherapy body care amenities
What’s a better way to kick-start our relaxation trip with a dip in our own private hot spring with Jacuzzi in the villa.
Blending with nature
Jungle Walk
Rest assured the villa isn’t the only highlight in The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Tapping into its natural surrounding & resources, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat pampers its hotel guests with several holistic wellness experiences.
These include Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, natural Thermal Steam Cave, Ice Bath, Meditation Cave, Crystal Cave and Garra Rufa Doctor Fish Pool.
Crystal Cave is filled with amethyst and quartz crystals which facilitates metaphysical healing.
Thermal Steam Cave – The cave presents a natural steam bath from the entrapped Hotsprings steam which is a rather unique experience
Doctor Fish Pool – Dipping our legs attracts the swarm of Garra Rufa fish aka Doctor Fish. The sensational tingling experience seems unbearable at first, but slowly we got used to it. It is said the Doctor Fish helps eliminate dead skin cells by nibbling them.
Pomelo All Day Dining – Gazebos Seating
The Pomelo is Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s all-day dining restaurant emphasizing on flavorful yet healthy & nourishing dining. It is also the place where all hotel guests enjoy their daily breakfast.
Dinner
The outdoor gazebo seating extends over the hot springs that offers a nice geothermal lake view in the evening. The cool breeze at night makes it even more comfortable.
Romantic turndown service
Enjoying our getaway with a bubbly & sunbath
Worry-free indulgence
Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools
There are 4 natural hot springs dipping pool ranging from 40 to 44 degree Celsius for guests to enjoy. The natural hot springs is sourced from the 3 million litres of fresh hot springs that billows up daily from the ground below.
Ready to be pampered for 90 minutes of Banjaran Signature Massage
The Spa & Wellness centre is certainly one of the jewels of Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. More than 40 types of holistic Asian wellness treatments are available which infuses Ayurvedic, as well as Traditional Chinese & Malay Therapy, are offered. Each treatment includes a suitable ritual which aims to maximize the enhancement of the procedure.
We went for The Banjaran Signature Massage which is a 90 minutes treatment combining the therapeutic and healing effects of 3 unique traditions of Malaysia.
Our massage begins with a tension release of Indian head massage, followed by the Traditional Malay Urut massage and ending it with Chinese pressure point foot therapy which improves the blood circulation.
Jeff’s Cellar
Well hidden in the 260 million years Paleozoic limestone cave, Jeff’s Cellar is one of the most unique wine bars restaurants in the world. The cave is illuminated with ethereal lightings providing an intimate atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner.
Jeff’s Cellar is open for dinner only and with a maximum capacity of 50 people, hence prior reservation is recommended.
Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah’s Private Collection – I hope he doesn’t mind us taking some sips
The restaurant offers a 5-course set menu ranging. Hotel guests are able to enjoy the same menu for a lower price.
For discerning wine lovers, Jeff’s Cellar features an extensive range of organic & rare wines around the world.
Romantic Candle Light Dinner
First Course – Lobster Mille-feuille with wasabi honey mayo, compressed red watermelon & Asian dressing
Main – Angus Beef Fillet with Potatoes Truffle, Onions, Fresh Herbs & Vegetables
Main – Roasted Black Cod with Bell Pepper Coulis, Asparagus, Green Peas, Kaffir Lime Turmeric Emulsion
Caramelized Lemon Parfait with Mango, Pomelo & Mixed Berries
The food was exceptionally splendid as we started off with a sensational burst of flavours from the fresh succulent lobster. Followed by cooked to perfection medium rare Angus beef which was tender & juicy before ending it with a delicious lemon parfait.
Sunway’s ‘The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’ is certainly a great choice for a relaxing or romantic getaway especially on short weekends were flying overseas doesn’t seem feasible. The hotel surprised us in many ways, especially the delicious food. Throughout our stay, the staff’s service was great as with only 25 villas available, full attention was given to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests.
Be the first to comment