After spending most of 2020 being cooped up at home, we looked forward to this trip to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.
We took a 3D2N package with the itinerary as below :
CELEBRATE LOVE
10.11.2021
Check-in
1x Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and canapés in the villa (inclusive)
1x Romantic Candle Light Dinner at The Pomelo Restaurant
Illuminated Jacuzzi done by housekeeping (turndown service)
11.11.2021
Breakfast
Complimentary access to Lost World of Tambun (LWOT) by Jungle Walk
1x 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage for 2 persons (inclusive)
1x Romantic Candle Light Dinner at The Jeff's Cellar (inclusive)
12.11.2021
Check-out
Breakfast
Rest & Relax
1. Our Lake Villa
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is truly a peaceful and unique retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city. This resort is surrounded by lush beauty and mountains, which is something different from the ordinary beach resorts. It is only a short distance from home so it makes a good start for us to adapt to the new travel behaviours before we get to do it more actively.
At this time of recovery after Covid-19, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat was operating at 50% occupancy so with limited guests we did felt safer to be here.
The Lake Villa comes with a hotspring tub and also a private cold dipping pool. At this age I couldn't agree more that we enjoy similar pampering service especially it is in the coziness of own room. Everything was wonderful be it the cleanliness and room services except the cable TV might be time to upgrade.
Our illuminated jacuzzi with a sprinkle of rose petals.
Romance VS Reality
5 minutes Appreciation
10 minutes Photograph
2. The Pomelo Restaurant
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet catered both local and international breakfast options and it was pretty enjoyable in that food was ordered from a menu hence it was served hot. The variation was just nice to me because sometimes when you have too many choices it may end up confuse the guests (and cause food wastage too). There was also a juice bar that allowed you to pick your own combinations of fruits and vegetables. Frankly speaking we did not expect anything on food in this resort but we were pleasantly surprised with most of the food we have ordered. Saam said because it is near to Ipoh so food must be good.
Candlelight Dinner at The Pomelo
I) The Art of Yeast
II) Tuna Tartare - Raw Ahi Tuna with Yuzu Creme, Tropical Amu Caviar, Seaweeds, Edible Flowers, Avocado Dip, Wild Cress OR
Bouillabaisse - Saffron potato, shrimp, black mussel, scallop, cod fish and fennel
III) Sorbet - Signature Pop
IV) Beef Tenderloin OR Atlantic Cod
V) Chocolate Fondant - Truffle gelato, almond crumbles
I was a bit worried of mosquito bites but it turned out to be okay probably I have made good use of the complimentary repellent spray. The staffs have provided us with a romantic set up (just some candles) before the wind decided to merrily passing by and joined our dinner.
If it wasn't for the package the food was probably double or triple the price of any in town but overall the food was well presented just that some wasn't served hot or at least warm. In addition, the downside of this place for a candlelight dinner is that it was too dark to enjoy any views at night. I would skip The Pomelo to exchange for a dining experience at The Jeff's Cellar.
3. Stroll Around
Swimming Pool
The Banjaran only welcome guests 12 years and above due to safety reason and guests privacy. Without families with kids it seems a little quiet than usual at the pool.
Geothermal Hotspring & Dipping Pool
Soaking in the hotspring water to relieve the tense muscles with a good view is like the ultimate self-care you want to do it everyday. Equally relaxing, I still prefer the hotspring in our villa over the dipping pool because the water temperature wasn't hot enough (and more privacy). It was 40 - 45°C and only 4 pools were available.
Crystal Cave, Meditation Cave & Steam Cave
The Crystal Cave contains amethyst and quartz crystals, which are generally believed to use for metaphysical healing. We did our 5 minutes meditation in that calm and silent ambiance and I hope it was useful. I admire the shimmering crystal formation and with some added lightings in the cave it was beautiful.
Other than Crystal Cave, you will also find the Meditation and Steam Caves. The Meditation Cave is surrounded by natural granite and limestone, very quiet from the inside. It is a perfect place to rejuvenate your body and soul. The Steam Cave, on the other hand, is a huge natural sauna that helps to soothe and detoxify. We didn't get to explore these places further as we did not want to interrupt the others who were already in here.
Skybar
All the facilities are open except for Skybar that was temporary closed for maintenance. Nestled on top of the limestone hills, it felt like a great place to enjoy the panoramic view of The Banjaran.
4. Jungle Walk
This guided jungle walk is a leisurely half an hour trek connects to the LWOT. In spite of not having much free time as we arrived late on our first day, we decided to keep our time and explore The Banjaran. You can arrange pick up at the end of the trip to the theme park so you don't need to walk back through the jungle.
5. Spa & Wellness Centre
Personally I feel the spa package rate offered by The Banjaran was slightly steep when compared to PLR. No doubt The Banjaran's spa was indeed wonderful, but I can't help to draw a comparison and I would expect it be more unique with the value spent.
We came with no expectations but to our surprise we loved and enjoyed the serenity of this place. We highly recommend the Banjaran Retreat and looking forward to coming back again.
For candle light dinner at The Jeff's Cellar, please click here.
END
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