Room to relax
Malaysia isn't short of posh hotels, whether you want a city break in KL's fancy
Mandarin Oriental or something more beachside like Penang's
Rasa Sayang Resort. However, the best of the best is the
Four Seasons Langkawi. The ninemsn style guide says I can't use breathless words like 'amazing' … so you'll have to imagine the 2300+ square feet of beach villa with private pool for yourself.
Take to the seas
An interesting way to see Langkawi's 99 islands is by private yacht. Charter a sunset cruise with
Crystal Yacht Holidays and they'll throw in a barbecue and free-flowing booze.
A ball at the mall
If you love to shop you may find that you never want to leave Malaysia. Credit-card-destroying brands can be found at
Suria Mall, The Pavilion, Starhill Gallery and
Bangsar Village in Kuala Lumpur. In Penang head for
Queensbay Mall. For cameras and computers give
Sungei Wang a try.
Tea for two
Nothing suggests the luxurious colonial lifestyle like afternoon tea. The best teas are to be found in the cool air of the hill stations — either
Fraser's Hill or the
Cameron Highlands. Both locations boast a
Smokehouse Hotel, which is decorated with old-world charm (if 'old-world' means 'tatty'). Don't pay the premium to stay there, but do make use of their attractive gardens for your afternoon refreshment.
Fit for a queen
The Queen may have only stayed a couple of nights (with prices starting at RM1100 she may have been conscious of the cost) but if you want to sleep — or spit if you're a republican — in the bed that the Queen used, then
Carcosa Seri Negara is the place to do it.
Lights, camera, relaxation
Why slum it with the normal people when for RM100 (or less) you can watch the newest releases in absolute comfort? The best 'Gold Class' cinema in the country is called
Signature at
The Gardens Mall, but there are similar offerings around Malaysia. Order some beers or food before you go in and a waiter will deliver direct to your La-Z-Boy. Just pick your film wisely, the censors wield a sharp scalpel so anything ruder than a kids' movie may be cut beyond comprehension.
Food to dine for
Malaysians love their food every bit as much as the French or Italians. To try some real high-end fare, book a table at
Lafite at the Shangri-la KL. As strange as it sounds, many of the best restaurants are to be found in hotels. As unsurprising as it sounds, they are also the most expensive. For something outside, take a taxi to the outskirts of
Ampang and revel in the jungle surroundings of
Tamarind Springs.
So spa so great
Moneyed-up Malaysians love a spa. The popular thing at the moment is to have doctor fish (or
Cyprinion macrostomus for marine biologists) nibble the dead skin off your feet. More appealing is the range of rub-downs offered by high-end establishments such as
Vila Manja in Kuala Lumpur or the
Spa Village on
Pangkor Laut Resort on Pangkor Island.
Got any more luxury recommendations? Have your say using the comments form below.
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