Simply beautiful. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa is summed up in these two words. Set on (an unheard of these days) 30 acres of beachside land, the magnificent property is encircled by lush verdant grounds. Century old rain trees shade expansive lawns and manicured tropical gardens bloom with the bounties only found in climates with equal abundance of rain and sunshine. In the evenings, the sunset is captured right from the property’s front porch and early mornings gift guests with the first light glimmering off the sea creating a silvery sheen.
The beauty is carried over into the architecture, with Minangkabau (an ethnic group from the region) design housing arts and crafts of Malaysian culture. The lobby is the first to present this sense of history and tradition with carved sculptures and wall hangings adorning the space. On Friday evenings the resort’s own gamelan group entertain guests, bringing some of the artifacts to life. The value for local customs is carried over throughout the property, with batik-printing moulds, traditional games, jewellery and fabrics taking centre stage in hallways, rooms and public areas of the resort.
Allure too is found in the rooms. Benefiting from recent refurbishments the Garden Wing is fresh and inviting. Natural hues in flooring and walls are brightened with splashes of colour in cushions and rugs, but the real rainbow comes from looking out the window to the aquamarine pool below, further out to the deep blue of the ocean, and all around to the patches of tropical flowers in full bloom.
A ceiling fan is an appreciated touch, allowing us to open the balcony doors and fully soak up the beach holiday, fresh air included. From our Deluxe Seaview Room we have sweeping views of the property and action below. It would be easy not to leave this perch: coffee in the morning, room service for lunch, a bottle of wine at sunset and a good book in between.
Complete facilities of tennis courts, fitness room, gorgeous spa, par three golf course, pool after pool after pool, and thorough food and beverage options are all brushed with the same wand of elegance. Seems there’s a fountain, a water feature, a piece of artwork or tasteful lighting at every turn.
The true virtue of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa however, comes to the forefront in its people. Smiles, grace and friendliness are present in every interaction. No query is too small or too large. In fact, my breakfast waiter has an uncanny manner of figuring out what I want before I even know I want it, and our room attendant has noticed my fondness for the green grapes in the daily fruit platter and topped them up generously. The selection and training process for staff here is one to be modelled worldwide.
And there you have it, from location, to the grounds, to the physical facilities and the people themselves, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa is simply beautiful
Reasons to visit: seaside location, expansive lush green grounds with gorgeous gardens, seaview rooms, CHI The Spa.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Batu Feringgi Beach
Penang, 11100
Malaysia
rsr@shangri-la.com
+6 04 888 8888
www.shangri-la.com/penang/rasasayangresort