SHANGRI LA, PENANG

Set in sprawling 30 acre gardens, designed around the 8 majestic rain trees alongside the Andaman sea sits Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa.

The Rasa Sayang was the first ever five-star resort and the first Shangri-La property to open in Malaysia. The original motto of Rasa Sayang was “A love of life and all its pleasures”. A motto which has remained true for over 40 years. The hotel offers beautiful surroundings, pure serenity and impeccable service.

ACCOMODATION

The exclusive and prodigious Rasa Wing, which features some of the most elegant and spacious accommodations in Penang was our home during the stay. Designed with the sophisticated traveler in mind, the unique Rasa Wing is set amidst the lush Shangri-La gardens with a separate driveway and entrance. Offering guests a choice of 115 guest rooms, with each room offering a different view depending on its location. Guests are accorded a smooth, express check-in with courtesies which include daily afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Whilst the Rasa Wing is definitely worth the upgrade we can say wholeheartedly that there aren’t any bad rooms in the resort. Even the standard rooms are decorated in excellent taste, epitomizing charm, discreet luxury and sheer relaxation.

The best feature of our room was the balcony, which features a large outdoor marble bathtub. With a click of a remote, the blinds lower and the balcony is completely private. The room service menu offers a run bath complete with mineral salts, rose petals and essential oils for an extremely decadent experience.

CHI SPA

A stay at the resort wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the CHI spa, spread along a secluded corner of the resort. It has 11 spa villas, built under the centuries-old rain trees. The incredible views complement the rich variety of massages and treatments on offer. The views alone will leave you feeling revitalized.

RESTAURANTS

The resort has five innovative dining options and includes bars and a 24-hour room service. A particular favourite for us was the Feringgi Grill: elegantly situated on the mezzanine floor of Rasa Wing, this fine-dining Western grill gives a panoramic view of the grounds and gardens of the resort. This multiple award-winning restaurant is named after the legendary beach on which the resort stands. Open daily for dinner and serving some of the most exquisite traditional delicacies and signature dishes. The restaurant also boasts a wine cellar carrying unique vintages and has an extensive cigar list.

What better place to enjoy the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ than the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa.