Since we're nation bound and the RMCO has been extended til 31st December 2020, I guess we're going to be spending the entire year in Malaysia. This is probably the first time after so long to be spending the entire year in Malaysia and not travelling anywhere overseas.
Luckily during the new year we just came back from
Paris and
Iceland so my travel bug has been quite satisfied and overseas travel halt can probably last me til the end of this year. But I was still very much itching to just travel somewhere eventhough it's within country because our country has very beautiful places to travel to. When more can we take this opportunity to travel within our country if not now? (Also, to contribute to our country's economy and well, we get RM1,000 tax deduction while doing that >.<)
Further, there are so many hotels offering special promotions that it's too good to miss. I will not be talking about those other hotels because almost all the hotels have their own individual offers. What I was looking for is something more a hotel can offer than the normal offers being offered around. I, for one, love doing ample research before travelling(whether far or near). I love finding out value for money promotions, read many many reviews until I will know the information from A-Z before deciding on which place to go to. Yes, so the before travelling research can be quite intense for me just so that I know there won't be any bad 'surprises' from the services to the room to the facilities provided.
Right after MCO was lifted and the introduction of RMCO, I was already researching on a place to travel to because we just needed to get out of the house and travel somewhere to get away from all these quarantine. I wanted a hideaway and a beach holiday was our number one pick. And after going to the
Maldives last year, I had this idea that I wanted an all inclusive/full board package holiday just like in Maldives where we'll just check in to the hotel and then don't need to worry about any other expenses because everything will be provided within the hotel.
It was rather hard to find because Malaysia is not exposed to such packages I guess or rather visitors do not look for such packages and so most hotels do not offer such package. I looked real hard to find a good hotel which provides for breakfast, lunch & dinner and activities within the hotel. Most hotels provide either breakfast only or food credits or no activities etc
But after looking so hard, I can safely now share with you my recommendation- The Datai Langkawi. Nope, this is not sponsored. I actually researched hard to find, called them a few times to clarify on things and paid ourselves for this holiday. You're welcome, I just narrowed your search if you're looking for a similar package like I did LOL.
So anyway, the offer in Datai was just perfect. I took the Seclusion Package. The offer previously was RM1,500+ per night for 2 people (now I heard they have increased price) for a minimum of 3 nights and inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner and a one time couple massage with complimentary airport transfer. How cool is that? Plus, we get an upgrade to a Rainforest Villa which was H-U-G-E! I know you would think the price is on a higher side but let me explain how worth it it was! Best.Malaysia.Holiday.Ever.
Anyway, we flew to Langkawi because ain't nobody gona take such a looong ride up and another 5-6 hours road trip down. Flying it was!
Greeted with an almost empty KLIA.
SOP must be adhered to in flight. First flight after MCO. Flying will never be the same again I guess.
We then touched down in Langkawi airport and were greeted by The Datai's staff who ushered us into a Mercedes Benz and drove us all the way to the hotel. The car ride took around 45 minutes so it was quite far from the airport and from the happening places. Hence, it's best that once you check into Datai, not advisable to go out. The check in process was very smooth, and their services really shone throughout our stay. I would say their services were fantastic! Every staff greeted us with a smile and very helpful all the way until our checkout.
Anyway, here's a peek at our Rainforest Villa washroom. Now, I didn't lie when I said H-U-G-E.
I absolutely love huge washrooms like this. Spent a lot of time in that bathtub.
Told them it was our honeymoon haha and they gave a complimentary champagne. So sweet.
Now, I didn't see many reviews on the Seclusion Package so I wasn't sure how the food will turn out. They promised three course set per person for lunch and dinner but I wasn't sure whether they would have a separate menu for those in seclusion package. Turns out, no! We can absolutely pick from the normal paying guests menu and their portions were huge! Three course per person were a bit too much for us at some point because there were 6 dishes and we were always full after our meals. Plus, we get to pick which restaurants we want to have our meal at. We basically tried their Thai restaurant, Malay restaurant and the Beach club and loved every meal!
You see what I'm talking about? This is even before dessert. The first night we obviously were being greedy trying to choose the most expensive dish from the menu to make it all the more value for money *laughs* But after seeing the portions and towards our last night, we just kinda took what we liked best eventhough it's the cheapest one on the menu haha because cheapest is still expensive(hotel price!)
The prawns there were huge! I think I had huge prawns back to back during my stay. There were all consistent in sizes haha. My husband, the other hand, had back to back wagyu because he's a meat lover and no complaints!
Had my sashimi cravings fixed. The menu in each restaurant has a wide variety and we didn't eat the same thing twice.
Non alcoholic drinks are complimentary.
There's always dessert to choose after meal hence why we put on weight after this holiday *laughs*
Now, breakfast was another whole new level.
I totally miss this baked egg with foie gras. This was so yummy we ordered this every breakfast haha. Yes, foie gras for breakfast! Where can you get that?
Their French Toast was also veryy good because the bread was so fluffy and soft <3
Lobster omelette.
This is definitely not your typical hotel breakfast. By the way, there's free flow champagne during breakfast! Yup, you heard that right. Am I the only one sounding hysterical here or is it normal? HAHAH Because it's the first time we were treated like this, in Malayisa, no less. So, yes, our country has hidden treasures as well.
Moving on, as mentioned we had a complimentary one time couple massage.
The spa overlooks nature. Can't get any better than this. I think it was definitely one of the most calming massage I ever had. Felt super rejuvenated after that. My husband slept like a baby LOL
The beach was white and sandy overlooking a vast rainforest.
Guests have access to free rental equipments for water activities. Float, life jacket, snorkeling gears, water paddling gears, kayak etc were free to use. We had so much fun exploring all the activities and we even kayak-ed all the way to another island. It was so much fun! Now you see why I like all inclusive holidays so much? Because, you really don't have to worry about additional costs and just enjoy the holiday that is already paid for.
There's also a swimming pool despite the beautiful beach. You can always chill anywhere and the best part is that whenever you choose a place to sit, the staff will be ready to serve you chilled water! Amazing service.
They also have activities like nature walk, butterfly walk and their conservation practices made me in awe because they absolutely do not use a single plastic. Everything is made of wood, recyclable materials and if you join the nature walk(which is also complimentary), they will explain their conservation methods.
Their beach is not their only attraction. Their rainforest is magical too.
I was really amazed with my entire stay there. Their turndown service is also very prompt. Every time when we leave the room for dinner, we come back to a made up room every night. Their beds and pillows were fluffy and comfortable and we're just so happy, we're now recommending The Datai to all our family and friends hehe...I mean, if you're really looking for a 4 days 3 nights hideaway with no hassle and have the budget, this is a very recommended hotel. Will come back again if we have the chance!
But, if you're not looking far and just want within Kuala Lumpur, I researched a lot too because just last 2 weeks, I was going to surprise my husband for a short staycation and EQ Hotel had a quite value for money promotion (don't think they still have it) and their reviews in Tripadvisor had no terrible comments. One of the very few hotels to have such high rating.
I called many times as well to inquire a few things and their service was impeccable. We took a promotion of RM636 which included breakfast and buffet dinner with an early check in of 10am and late check out at 6pm. Not bad right?
Funny story. So I mentioned it was my husband's birthday but when we entered the room, they were no deco or anything. I am not one to make complaints so was not going to say anything but I think the frontdesk suddenly realised and called me to ask if we were going out and can they come in to decorate the room once we're out. But then when we're out, I forgot we put the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and due to their policy, they cannot enter. So the frontdesk whatsapped me to ask if they can enter, and I gave them the okay. So much hassle hahahah but because of this, I can say their service is 5 star.
The room was a standard size room with a bathtub and they did some balloons deco with a complimentary cake for the hubs when we came back.
This cake was actually not bad and we finished the entire cake.
But one thing I like is that, the bathtub oversees the TV so can watch TV while resting in the bathtub hehe.
The best is actually their infinity pool with jacuzzi pool and separate sauna and steam bath with monsoon showers. You should try em' all.
I was just slightly disappointed with the dinner buffet as the variety wasn't great. There were limited food but I saw good reviews so maybe I'm just spoiled haha
I'm quite impressed that they have this old school ice cream we had in school last time hehe and they are probably the first hotel that served fried cempedak. Not bad.
Breakfast buffet was better and we were full from all the food and the best thing about late check out is you can sleep all the way til 6pm =)
EQ refurbished quite recently and everything was new and clean and staff greet you well at all times. Our stay was pleasant and everyone were so welcoming. Great stay for a one night staycation and totally recommended hotel in KL in terms of value for money and service.
My next recommendation is Ozmosis Spa! We love going for couple spa together so as usual I did a thorough research and found out about Ozmosis. They had mixed reviews but after connecting with them and looking at how fast they replied me plus how accommodating they were, I chose them for the most expensive couple's spa we ever had *laughs*
RM1,500 for 2 people for 5 hours of spa which includes tea time spread and complimentary pick up. So they picked us up from EQ and we went to the branch at Ascott.
The whole set up was really romantic. Love love it.
They started off with a scrub, mask, wrap then off we went to...
The floral bath =)
All while we were served with fruits platter, chocolate and sparkling juice.
After that, we continued with massage and facial. We both fell asleep because it was so soothing! My masseuse did a very good job because I told her I wanted a relaxing massage whereas my husband wanted a deep tissue massage. We both got what we wanted!
Thereafter, we were ushered into a private room for hi-tea.
It was so beautifully decorated with a complimentary cake.
It was the best spa we ever had(the longest one too) but the hours passed by so fast because there really was no waiting time and everything was timed perfectly. If you're looking for a spa to pamper your loved one, this package is really worth it!
So, yes, that's my recommendations on the places you can visit for cuti-cuti Malaysia hehe Another place which I've been but not stayed is actually Banjaran Hotsprings in Ipoh and their package seems luxurious too for couple. So there's another place. Any place with good value for money and service with a smile that you would like to recommend me? I'm always on the lookout for good hotels with a good package for staycations.
On a side note, if you're in KL during your staycation, I would like to recommend the below restaurants:
1. Tapestry, KL
Their egg drop is a MUST TRY!! So yummy we almost ordered a second one haha
My avocado bowl was a healthier version I was looking for =)
2. Toastbox, PJ
For the cheaper version of the Egg Drop but tasted just as good.
3. Aliyaa, Bukit Damansara, KL
If you're a fan of crabs, you absolutely MUST come here. They serve the freshest crabs, amazing sauce and have the best service with a smile. I'm a crab lover and I can safely say, this is the best place to have crabs (other than my mom's lol)
Their mutton is also one of the best we've tried.
The pricing was reasonable which surprised me considering this is fine dine. I will definitely recommend those who have not been to Aliyaa, to please go try their food. Everything seems good. If you've been to, you know what I'm talking about =) But don't go without a booking!
4. Thosai Cafe, The Curve Mall
If you're a fan of variety, you will love this humble cafe.
They serve 78 different types of toppings on thosai. You can not get bored coming here haha
We ordered thosai filled with Chinese mee(yes, you read that right!) and Paneer Thosai(right)
Both were good and were very filling. There's Masala Coke drink as well. People are getting more and more creative these days. Price is reasonable and value for money.
5. 33 Blue Room, PJ
This is quite a hidden restaurant amongst factories so I was surprised at the amount of people when we were there. Booking is a must.
Truffle fries.
Pork ribs.
Portion was good for 2 people sharing so in fact we only ordered the above 2 dishes and were full. Their pork ribs are a must try. Their signature sauce was yummy and price was very reasonable as well so very value for money. Atmosphere was also nice with very attentive waiters. Plus, their Covid SOP is one of the best among the many restaurants we visited.
There you go. Pick and choose which you would like to visit. These are filtered through many many hours of research and have thrown off the list the ones visited but didn't make it only to be able to recommend these places so I thought why go to waste and I should share the good ones. Yes, we do research even for restaurants we want to go *laughs* I just love reading about a place before going in to know what I'm expecting. These shortlisted ones stayed true to the reviews while the rest were not up to par.
Happy exploring our own country with good food and hotels =)
