It is often the case that we travel because we wish to experience new cultures and to go sightseeing. After all, tell me, is it not the norm for us to take snapshots of special moments, places or persons we encounter or experience? Unless you’re willing to make another trip, it is unlikely that you’d revisit the same places. However, what if I told you that the reason we travel is because we wish for a break from the city? Perhaps you’d want to spend some time reading your favourite book in your hotel room. No, don’t even think of going shopping! This is when, above all else, tranquility is the essence of travel.
The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort
‘Eh, come-lah, let’s go somewhere for a break’, my dad told me about two years ago. Reluctantly, I responded with an ‘Aiya, dowan-lah’. Let’s just say it was because I was expecting the usual from a Malaysian vacation. Eventually, all of us in the family went. When we arrived at the entrance, I was indifferent. When we entered our room, I felt a little more at ease. However, it wasn’t until I spotted a bowl of chocolates on the coffee table that I exclaimed ‘Gosh, even the chocolates are organic!’ Yes, everything here is organic. Oh, in case you’re wondering, I finished all the chocolate in one sitting! But the adventure didn’t stop there.
The next day:
Come-lah, try the jacuzzi, I help you. In my heart, I was thinking ‘Dad, are you crazy?’ I’ve always needed help to get into a normal bath tub, and now you’re asking me to go into a jacuzzi?
Well, I did get into the jacuzzi… but not without freaking out while bathing in it. Haha… >.< Even then, I can safely say it was a bath like never before. 🙂
Jacuzzi aside, we had our dinner – authentic French cuisine, while admiring the French-style architecture of the castle-like resort. My dad summed up the trip perfectly with his ‘See? At first you didn’t wanna go’.
What more can you ask for? If a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur to the globe’s first organic spa and wellness resort is too much for you, then I don’t know what else will make you want to get there.
The Belum Rainforest Resort
Located in Gerik, Perak, this resort is the country’s first eco-tourism resort. What stands out about the resort is that it blends natural elements with modern amenities perfectly. What? Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi? Hey, I lived without the Internet for four days when my family and I were here back in 2010 (Uh-oh, the hotel staff are going to kill me). Anyway, I came here to experience tranquility at its finest. From what I found, you can explore the island via canoeing and kayaking. It is definitely a good place to calm your mind. In fact, some people hold business meetings here! If you’re willing to fork out a little more, why not stay in a houseboat? Yes, you’d be sleeping on water in a boat. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
