In the heart of Tambun, Ipoh, the towering age-old limestone hills guard a secret. It is here where the enigmatic hot springs bubble to the surface, drawing waters from deep within the earth and bringing mineral-rich and curative properties into the open.
Almost immediately, The Banjaran Hotpsrings Retreat comes to mind. Malaysia’s most famous and luxurious hot springs getaway has been the de facto hot springs destination for those in the know. The scene here is always peaceful; villas designed in vernacular architectural style surround a lily pond lake, while an adjacent natural rock pool is perpetually steaming from the active hot springs. Following months of careful work, the resort has recently unveiled its new Royal Villa and four Grand Garden Villas, upping the luxury ante of this unique location. Guests checking in at the two-bedroom Royal Villa will be among the first to luxuriate in this new room category which comes with a private pool, sundeck and dining room replete with glittering chandeliers. There is also a pantry and kitchen for the chef who whips up in-villa breakfast and afternoon tea as part of the standard offerings. The chef can also be booked to curate all manner of meals in situ, from lunches and set dinners to BBQ extravaganzas for vacationing couples (The Banjaran only admits children over the age of 12 as guests).
In this cavernous 3,822 sq ft Royal Villa, the spacious bedrooms offer premium linen and plush beds situated under the signature pitched ceilings. The villa’s extensive pillow menu runs the gamut of charcoaled bamboo (for anti-bacterial protection), contoured memory foam pillows (for spine alignment), buckwheat (to ease back and neck pain), and gingko (to induce quality sleep with its natural fragrances), among others.
The en-suite bathrooms are just as capacious, designed with twin vanity areas, intelligent Japanese toilets and outdoor showers. The piece de resistance, however, has to be the inviting geothermal hot spring whirlpool that comfortably fits four, an unrivalled luxury by Malaysian standards.
Beyond this living area, which is thoughtfully appointed with all the comforts you would need, a stay at the Royal Villa also includes other significant touches with the five-star clientele in mind. Champagne and canapes are offered upon arrival, with complimentary teatime and evening cocktails served in the privacy of the Royal Villa. For those who wish to extend the parameters of this space, they may also connect up to two of the four brand-new Grand Garden Villas (from RM5,000 per night), thus adding two extra bedrooms, making it a private estate for up to four couples.
“Our resort specialises in physical and spiritual well-being, and this new residence provides a sanctuary for the senses,” says Marc Groh, The Banjaran’s general manager. “Here, you can escape the outside world and be immersed in the natural wonder of these healing hills, with their mineral-rich, health-giving waters. We invite international explorers to enter a new era of sustainable five-star hospitality.”
The sustainability factor extends to the local sourcing of herbs and vegetables, with more than 1,000 sq ft of land dedicated to organic farming. Produce from these gardens is then harvested for use at both Pomelo, the resort’s all-day dining establishment, and the magnificent Jeff’s Cellar cave restaurant, helmed by Ipoh-born chef Lee Choon Boon, who specialises in farm-to-table cuisine.
Outside the Royal Villa, guests will find many other natural attractions within this 22.7-acre valley that will astound and rejuvenate. Among them are the thermal steam cave, ice bath, crystal and meditation cave, and guided jungle walks through the 260-million-year-old rainforest.
Photos: Law Soo Phye
