These days, more and more travelers place a high importance on privacy, luxury, and service delivery and are willing to pay more for their comfort. When planning trips, they seek properties that are noticeably different in look and feel from branded hotels and hence boutique hotels have flourished in recent years. Boutique hotels are becoming more and more of a social manipulation. Those who do not stay in boutique hotels are categorized as unfashionable and un-hip.
This guide prodives the complete list of the most popular boutique hotels and small resorts in Malaysia so you can avoid staying at those cookie-cutter big hotel chains!
Hotel Maya, Kuala Lumpur - ForeverBee Recommended
Hotel Maya is a boutique urban resort located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. With its resort-type environment, Hotel Maya sets a new benchmark for a unique yet pleasant experience: when you enter the Hotel Maya, your senses are truly transported to exotic realms!
Located in the hub of the business and commercial districts adjacent to Kuala Lumpur's famous Petronas Twin Towers, Hotel Maya is an epitome of class with a twist of nature. The stylish interior of the hotel is finished with bamboo panelling, a pathway over the flowing water and elegant furnishings create an ambience that is both contemporary and compelling.
Luxuriate in your chosen path toward beauty and relaxation at Anggun Spa; guided by the gentle hands of the spa's qualified therapists. The spa brings together a multitude of approaches - Malay urut, Thai massage, even shiatsu - enjoyed in the comfort of private treatment rooms, for individuals or couples.
Room starts at RM300. US$1 equals RM3.65.
Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Carcosa is one of the leading hotels in Kuala Lumpur with its manicured lawns and the lake gardens, a part of Malaysia which seemingly can never change. One of Carcosa Seri Negara's trademarks is the English afternoon tea, served in the elegant drawing room or on the verandah overlooking the beautiful gardens. Savor the delightful variety of teas, assorted sandwiches, hot savories, pastries, cakes, fresh strawberries, and the quintessential English tea fare of scones served with Clotted Cream and homemade strawberry jam.
The 13 suites at Carcosa Seri Negara are furnished in distinctive regency style with fine brocades, old etchings and Malaysian objects d'art. Several suites have large terraces; two actually come with private dining rooms.
Suites are identified by their own name, derived from names of Malaysian States. Most state names are followed by a descriptive virtue of the State. That description, prefaced by "Seri" (Malay for "beautiful") is often reflected in the design of the suite itself.
All suites are air-conditioned, furnished with a mini-bar, personal safe television with satellite, writing desk, and DVD / CD player and wireless internet access.
Room starts at RM1100.
Lone Pine Hotel, Penang
The colorful history of the Lone Pine dates back to 1948 when a lonely bungalow owned by the McKearn family was bought over by a group of Chinese with the intention of operating a hotel on Batu Ferringhi.
On the land where the bungalow stood, was then a lone Casuarina tree, which was thought to be a pine tree, hence the hotel's name 'Lone Pine'. With only 10 rooms, the Lone Pine Hotel was the first hotel on Batu Ferringhi, and was a haven for expatriates and their families fleeing the severe winters of home.
The beautifully restored Lone Pine Hotel is a wonderful escape for those who seek complete privacy amongst an idyllic setting. Having gone through phases of expansions through the years, today, the Lone Pine is an imposing 3 storey high building, thoughtfully spread out over 4 acres of landscaped gardens. This enchanting retreat boasts of 50 exclusive guestrooms, almost all of which face the sea, open out to a terrace, balcony or private patios.
Room starts at RM180.
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel stands majestically along Farquhar Street, in the bustling heart of Penang. The bygone era of a glorious past is seen the minute you catch a glimpse of this imposing white colonial building. Warm lingering feelings of elegance greet you as you drive up the courtyard and walk into the spacious domed lobby.
At a glance, everything about the E&O, from the porter's uniform to the enchanting ambience sets us down memory lane, to the good old days of Malaya. The E&O proudly retains the old-world charm it has been recognized for, even with the infusion of modernity.
To many travelers, the E&O has become a sanctuary. A place where there is always enough time for the things that really matter.
Room starts at RM750.
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang - ForeverBee Recommended
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion owner-hosted home-stay offers short and long-term residential stays in 16 uniquely themed bedroom apartments. These vary in size from the Scholar's Suite to the Straits Suite and others of equally exotic disposition. All rooms are fully air-conditioned [or ceiling fans if you wish] and come with an en-suite bathroom and a personal valet. Common facilities include 2 archive rooms, a reading room, a TV room, an alfresco breakfast area in the courtyard, landscaped gardens, private car-parking and 24-hour security.
Room starts at US$99.
http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com
The Baba House, Melaka
The Chinese in the straits are called Babas to distinguish them from those born in China. and the women "Nyonya." The traditional Peranakan house symbolising its culture, with its formal Chinese arrangement and eclentic mix of furnishings reveal how this unique culture enjoyed a lifestyle that was deeply rooted In Chinese tradition and ritual, and yet was receptive to the cultures of other local communities especially the Malay culture.
Step back in time with The Baba house and we'll take you back to revisit the traditional lifestyle of the Babas!
Room starts at RM85.
http://www.malacca.ws/babahouse
Tiger Rock, Pangkor Island
Tiger Rock -an island and jungle hideaway- is the stunning rustic island retreat located on Pangkor Island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Set in 12 acres of jungle and backing onto 200 acres of forest reserve the 2 houses are cocooned on slopes overlooking the sea and mainland. The owners designed the houses based on the traditional Malay wooden house and a colonial hill station house and added all the creature comforts one could need and has surprised with unexpected color. The owners' paintings and artwork are found throughout the property.
Hill House has 4 guest wings with a central open sitting & dining area, & kitchen. The Main House is rented out as a whole. The Studio is set back, privately secluded from the Main House. The gorgeous Pool House overlooking the jungle is the central meeting place of Tiger Rock. Tiger Rock is truly a spectacular jungle hideaway!
Please contact Mohan for arrangements. Tel:(6)05-685 4154
Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut Island - ForeverBee Recommended
Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca. Situated on this exotic island is the internationally acclaimed Pangkor Laut Resort. Although the island encompasses a total of 300 acres, only a fraction has been developed to house the Resort and its Estates while the rest is covered by lush and unspoiled two million year old rainforest.
There are 148 Malaysian-style luxury villas in the main Pangkor Laut Resort and eight magnificent Estates in a nearby secluded cove. Every villa, suite and Estate is elegantly designed and furnished, yet complements and blends in with the surrounding natural environment. As the island is only accessible to the guests of the Resort and Estates, it makes the perfect private holiday getaway.
The Resort offers many fine dining opportunities, a wide range of facilities and activities, and has been widely praised for its attentive and gracious service. Voted the second best island destination in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, Pangkor Laut Resort consistently ranks high on the itinerary of international pleasure seekers.
Room starts at RM805.
http://www.pangkorlautresort.com
Click here to view Pangkor Laut pictures.
Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi - ForeverBee Recommended
Bon Ton Resort Langkawi is one of the islands most stylish, unique and intimate resorts, with seven antique Malay houses each individually styled to reflect contemporary hospitality and a well known restaurant.
Located 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the main beach of Pantai Cenang, Bon Ton is convenient yet secluded. Built within the grounds of a 100 year old coconut plantation, the houses are centered around a pool/Jacuzzi and front onto a serene lagoon.
There are 7 Bon Ton Houses. Most of them are exclusive and private 100 year old houses, all individually designed. Four houses face the pool & lagoon and are cooled by air con & fans. Houses feature minibar, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary mineral water, hairdryer, sarongs and local slippers. A CD/DVD player and TV's can be supplied on request. Internet access is free of charge in the main building.
Room starts at RM480.
http://www.bontonresort.com.my
The Datai, Langkawi
The Datai, situated on the north-western tip of the pristine island of Langkawi, provides an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a 550 million year old virgin rainforest. Set above a secluded cove, the Datai Bay resort has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. Free-standing villas crafted from local materials are scattered throughout the forest and are connected to the resort's central areas by a series of pathways.
Featuring 54 deluxe rooms, 40 villas and 18 suites nestled amidst lush rainforests and a private stretch of sandy shore facing the breathtaking Andaman Sea, The Datai is an idyllic natural retreat for well-heeled travellers.
The Datai's modern hotel facilities, luxurious spa, and 18-hole championship golf course, discerningly complement the resort's serene forested surroundings.
Room starts at RM1390.
The Andaman, Langkawi
The Andaman, Langkawi is a tropical paradise featuring 188 elegantly appointed rooms and suites with spectacular views of ancient virgin rainforests, the legendary Machincang Mountain and Andaman Sea.
Such graceful surroundings complement the inherent warmth of traditional Malaysian hospitality that is conveyed throughout the property.
Superb accommodations, numerous restaurants and bars, and a host of delightful activities to suit every holiday pleasure, ensure guests a memorable Langkawi experience.
Room starts at RM900.
Four Seasons, Langkawi
The Resort Compromises Of 91 Generously Sized Guest Pavilions And Villas That Offers A Fusion Of Standard Setting Resort Features And Contemporary Malaysian Design Elements. All Will Contain The Most Modern Electronic Amenities. The Resort Is Also Suitable For Small Meetings And Incentives. There Are 2 Meeting Rooms With Superb Views That Can Be Accustomed As Per Preferred Set Up Style. Special Events, Cocktails And Receptions May Also Be Staged In The Verandah And On The Beach.
The Main Restaurant Serai Has Innovative Cuisines From Southeast Asia, China And The Indian Subcontinent, While "ikan-ikan" Offers Seafood And Asian Specialties. The Pool Cafe Is Ideal For Light Refreshments, Pizzas And Sandwiches In A Relaxed Atmosphere. The Rhu Bar Offers The Finest Cocktail Mixes And Traditional Afternoon Tea Served With Authentic Traditional Asian Delights. The Resort Also Offers Opportunities For Sports, Recreation And Cultural Activities. A Spa Located At The Resort's North End Will Offer A Range Of Treatments And Massages Using Only The Finest Products From Earth And Nature.
Room starts at US$450.
http://www.fourseasons.com/langkawi
JapaMala, Tioman Island
JapaMala Tioman is an exclusive boutique resort that offers the ultimate Asian resort experience
Situated on Tioman Island, off the East Coast of Malaysia, JapaMala Tioman boasts luxury Sarang Villas and eco-friendly chalets designed to exist in harmony with nature.
A combination of luxurious accomodation and fine-dining facilities make JapaMala Tioman the perfect place to get away from it all, without foregoing the finer things in life.
A protected marine park, Tioman boasts numerous dive sites and a bewildering variety of fish and coral life. A scuba diver's paradise. Pure white beaches and warm emerald waters grace this stunning island.
Some guests are prefectly content to do absolutely nothing at all. While others prefer to try their hand at popular Tioman island activities such as: beach combing, jungle trekking, rock climbing or snorkeling
Room starts at RM335.
http://www.japamalaresorts.com
Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu
Tanjong Jara Resort features 100 luxurious rooms, a spa and two swimming pools. It is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is the perfect honeymoon destination.
The vision of an exclusive resort in Terengganu was based on the belief that the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia was fast developing as a significant destination for tourism. The challenge in the major refurbishment and renovation exercise was to preserve Tanjong Jara's 17th century traditional Malay architectural structures, which won the coveted Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The design of this Resort is derived from the elegantly crafted wooden palaces of Malay sultans from long ago and involved extensive research into traditional forms of craftsmanship, mainly from the East Coast of Malaysia.
The Malay culture and heritage are clearly present in every aspect of this Resort, from the way the rooms and suites are designed, the elaborate details in the woodwork, to the Gamelan music played every evening. Tanjong Jara Resort promises you an experience that is "Unmistakably Malay".
Room starts at RM805.