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Staycation: The Banjaran Hot Springs Resort

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"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list" ~ Paulo Coelho

 

 

 

We are fortunate to be able to drive to different parts of the country for a getaway during this time. To step away from the valley for a bit and just drive on open roads playing my favourite songs. The adventures are close to home for now but nevertheless new adventures, and so needed for the soul.

A 2-hour drive from KL sits a luxurious eco retreat set amongst million-year old limestone mountains and caves with hot spring lakes. I have been curious about The Banjaran for some time now plus I wanted to treat myself to a luxe holiday (being my first holiday in 2020) AND being Mum's birthday in September, I decided it would be a good mother-daughter trip to come here.

We didn't care to leave the resort once we checked in. Mum got her hot tub fix while I explored the lush natural surroundings, had a much-wanted and satisfying massage at the top-notch Spa & Wellness Center, and dined at on-site Pomelo Restaurant where most of the vegetables and herbs are grown in their organic garden. I nipped into Jeff's Cellar, a top-rated fine dining and bar built in a 'lost world' glistening cavernous cave for a personal tour by its chef and a glass of wine. My thoughts traveled back and forth between dinosaur-era times to year 2020, questioning our own fragile existence on earth as I sit here with the spectacular limestone backdrop. It was sublime. 

 

The view from our Lake Villa. 
Early morning stroll after breakfast. 
Lush greenery everywhere. From tall old trees to flowering greens. 
The Banjaran at dusk. 

 

Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western wellness therapies from head to toe at the resort Spa & Wellness Center. The Banjaran Signature Massage is highly recommended. 
In Dharma Dress in White at Jeff's Cellar, a cavernous fine dining establishment of the resort. Note: I didn't change for dinner after my massage. I would have worn Cameila Dress otherwise ; )
 
The Banjaran delivers the full experience of a luxurious eco retreat with its natural geothermal surroundings being its grand opus. It was a blissful and tranquil time spent here. I hope it will continue to elevate its quality and fully harness its unique natural assets. 
A Highlight: The crystal cave encrusted with amethyst and quartz crystals with cushions strewn on the mat floor for meditation practice. Caves usually scare me as they are dark and dank with unseen critters and bats. This one was more like a holistic Aladdin's cave! My kind of cave ; )
In the Crystal Cave in Viviana Tunic Caftan in Green Palm Print over HariHari Shorts.
A women's circle here would be perfect!
We did a couple of pit stops in Ipoh Old Town before heading back to KL to have the requisite Tau Fu Fa (Beancurd) at Wong Kee and Ipoh Chicken Rice with fat juicy Taugeh (Beansprouts). 
Silky smooth and light Tau Fu Fa beancurd with Gula Melaka Ginger Syrup
The home of Ipoh White Coffee and a side stack of Kaya Toast at Thean Chun Kopitiam

 

More staycations to come (fingers and toes crossed) if the number of corona cases are under control. I think I have the travel bug again : p 

 

Stay Safe and Stay Grateful. 

 

XX

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 comments

  • Carol: October 24, 2020

    Come visit when the borders are reopened. There’s so many beautiful spots here. xoxo

  • TRICIA KIM: October 23, 2020

    That cave looks surreal! It’s calling me, take me there Carol! Xoxox

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