Exploring the cosmopolitan capital city of Kuala Lumpur can be nothing short of exciting thanks to its vast shopping malls, chic cafés and intricate temples. But everyone needs a respite from the ceaseless energy of the bustling metropolis now and then, and this is where the magnificent Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur comes in. Standing at a lofty 60 stories high, it is a five-star haven amidst the soaring skyscrapers while still offering unimpeded views of the sprawling city. Whether you are a hotel guest or just visiting, come here to visit one of the city’s best rooftop bars, sample exemplary Japanese Peruvian cuisine, or rest your weary feet after shopping at the adjacent Pavilion KL mall at its award-winning luxury spa.
Vertigo Bar
Come for the view and stay for the drinks. This rooftop bar, set 59 floors above the city, is a big hit among locals and travellers alike thanks to the picture-postcard vistas of its grandest skyscrapers: Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Warisan Merdeka Tower, and The Exchange 106.
The vertigo-inducing views here are made all the more dizzying after ordering rounds of their locally inspired cocktails, such as the Hibiscus Collins—a mix of gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and hibiscus syrup. For a taste of Malaysian mixology, try their eponymous flair cocktail gin, a fusion of lychee liqueur, raspberry liqueur, and mixed berry purée. Come early to nab the prized seats on the edge of the rooftop terrace and enjoy views of the sun going down on the frenetic pace of the country’s capital.
Reservations are recommended by visiting their website or calling +60321131822.
Banyan Tree Spa
Serene ambience sets the scene at this award-winning luxury spa, which is a pioneer for the tropical garden spa concept. Eastern-style treatments that focus on holistic well-being are the perfect antidote to a busy day roaming the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Four commodious treatment rooms feature plush massage beds you never want to leave, deep soaking tubs, and stunning panoramic views of the city, all creating a haven for elite care.
Have a true spa-day experience by pampering the body and the mind with a Relaxing Bath infused with indigenous flowers from the region. A wealth of relaxation awaits with their Premium Caviar Treat, a 90-minute facial treatment using only caviar and pearl extracts to leave your skin glowing. Next, a sublime option is their Balinese massage during which a professionally trained therapist applies deep thumb and palm pressure with firm, rhythmic strokes with a scented massage oil of your choice.
A range of other revitalising services are also available such as foot massages, body conditioners and body scrubs. As your spa treatment comes to an end, there is no rush to leave the sanctuary, as you lounge while being served tropical fruits and freshly brewed fragrant ginger tea.
Whatsapp +60168233615, call +60321131888, or email spa-kl@baynantree.com for reservations.
Altitude Restaurant
Most gourmands don’t realise how rich the influence of Japanese cuisine is in Peru, and the newly appointed Chef Ivan Casusol of Altitude wants to shed light on exactly that. The opulent restaurant offers a taste of lesser-known Nikkei cuisine, a harmonious synthesis between Japanese cooking techniques and Peruvian ingredients. A luxurious affair awaits at level 53 of the hotel, with gold-standard service from the waitstaff, handcrafted Italian china, glittering lighting, and floor-to-ceiling offerings of wine and sake.
Sample specialities such as Pulpo, a brightly coloured dish of tender braised octopus with dry garlic chilli sauce, which pairs beautifully alongside Peruvian-style potato. Make sure to try a Peruvian street food favourite for dessert, Picarones, which have an almost crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the doughy interior of sweet potato. The wonderful complexity of flavours can be tasted in the anise seed used and the fruity honey sauce it’s drizzled with.
Call +603-21131823 or email altitude-kl@banyantree.com for reservations.
