Okay, I lied. I really do want the card, gifts, flowers, jewellery, and everything that comes along with Mother’s Day. After 41 weeks of pregnancy that entailed the worst heartburn of my life and carpal tunnel syndrome, 20 hours of labour, and two inductions (read: eviction notices) because my little one was too stubborn to come Earth-side, I think I deserve all that. And then some.
I didn’t, however, lie about wanting some time to myself to just unwind or prattle away with the girls.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than spending time with my kid. Every morning and evening must be met with some cuddle time otherwise things don’t feel quite right. But I’ve also come to realise that for me – along with most of my mummy friends – I’m a better mum when I’ve had enough time to myself.
So, treat yourself this Mother’s Day to some me time, because Lord knows you deserve it. If your kids are past toddler-hood, you can even enjoy some of the activities below together (they’re all in sunny Kuala Lumpur and also #MumGuilt). Or you can both just do your own thing. It’s your day, so you decide.
Eat in peace
Usually, mums are either eating leftovers, scraps, or sacrificing their favourite part of a chicken for their kid. How about a meal where you can order what you want, order a kid what they want, and also have them leave you alone to eat in (relative) peace? Marmalade in Bangsar Village is a family-friendly restaurant that features a playroom along with a healthy-but-yummy kid’s menu.
Mani-pedi, anyone?
For now, Nail Smith at Publika is the only nail salon we frequent that has a kids’ playroom. Equipped with a play kitchen, toys, bean bags, and padded floors, it’s even sealed off to drown out the noise. But if all hell breaks loose, don’t worry, you can still hear them. You can also peep in every now and then while getting your nails done as the room has glass windows.
Should your little one want to get in on your fun, Nail Smith offers baby manis and pedis too! It’s a great way to bond, and once they’re done with their turn they can leave you alone to do your thing while they play for the next hour or so.
Rumble in the jungle
Got lunch with the girls? Have a meeting you need to attend for a bit? Just want to quickly run a few errands with no kids in tow? Even if it’s not Mother’s Day, Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) has become one of our malls of choice for being so family-friendly. Besides a comfortable nursing room where a mum can pump or nurse should she want some privacy, BSC also has Jungle Gym Playland on the top floor.
Your younguns will be entertained for hours in this fun wonderland. They can climb, jump, slide, and run to their heart’s content while you tuck into an ice cream at Godiva or a spot of tea at TWG. The best part? Once you’re relaxed and ready to pick them up, they’ll be tired and ready for a nap or sleep when they get home. Yay! More time for yourself! You’ll also find a Jungle Gym Playland at Atria Shopping Gallery and SkyAvenue if you happen to be there instead.
Spa-rty time
The family that spas together, stays together. To us, the idea of a spa-rty with mums and their kiddos sounds like such a win-win – relaxing treatments and quality time with your little one(s). Ozmosis has a full family spa menu that you can choose from and build on according to your needs and your children’s ages. Oh, and if there are any birthdays coming up, the spa can also help organise a spa-rty for your little ones’ gal pals. Spa-rties even come complete with balloons, spa robes, and finger food!
Go on a getaway
We know that going on holiday with kids is not really a vacation, but hear us out. It’s crucial to pick the right destination, and in this case, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Penang is the best place for a Mother’s Day getaway. This beautiful hotel has a kid-friendly pool with plenty of activities scheduled and an adults-only pool – perfect for mums that want to have a little quiet time in the sun. Once you’re done, pop on over to Chi, The Spa, where you can indulge in an assortment of pampering services.
Mother’s Day Indulgence at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
To celebrate the women that have shaped our lives, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is offering an unforgettable Mother’s Day brunch at Lemon Garden, where she can indulge in mouthwatering Western and Asian delicacies. There are cold cuts, seafood counters, and even a dessert corner. Treating your mum or mum-like figure to a spread of gourmet dishes prepared from sustainable produce will show her how special she really is.
If a hefty brunch is not up her alley, why not spoil her with an afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, where a backdrop of lush greenery will surely get her in the mood to relax? Sit back and enjoy the exquisite selection of both sweet and savoury treats with your special lady. Smoked salmon with arugula and caviar, truffle egg mayonnaise with cress and fresh flowers, and more are on the list of savoury items to be served.
For those with a sweet tooth, expect sago mango pudding, Malay kuih, strawberry cheesecake, and an assortment of fluffy scones! To elevate the special occasion even further, guests can choose to upgrade the experience with a glass of Chandon Garden Spritz.
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet is available from 12pm to 2:30pm on Sunday, 14 May 2023, priced at RM 198 nett per person.
The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea set is available from 11th to 20 May 2023, 3pm to 6pm, priced at RM148 nett per set and RM248 nett per set with a glass Chandon Garden Spritz.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 6 May 2021 and has since been updated to include more locations.
