Once in a while, we may search for some truly over-the-top stays, not just of glitz and glamour, but as a unique juxtaposition to the plethora of conventional holiday residences. Studies have shown interesting environments to boost creativity and prevent people from getting stuck in a rut — so a quirky stay may be just the thing you need to feel inspired!
Check out this list if you’re in search of an extraordinary adventure – Malaysia’s offerings for a luxurious and distinctive staycation reach far and wide:
Barbie™ Ultimate Staycation at Grand Hyatt, Kuala Lumpur
Now is the time to live up to your Barbie™ dreams with this extravagant collection of Barbie-themed rooms and suites, all equipped with Grand Hyatt’s signature views overlooking the dazzling Kuala Lumpur skyline.
The very first of its kind in Malaysia, all rooms are tastefully decorated with Barbie’s iconic pink palette, Barbie-themed amenities, a Barbie doll playhouse, and even accessories such as a myriad of cute handbags, cool shades, stylish jackets, and colourful wigs that you can dress up in!
Boasting a Barbie Café glasshouse restaurant lavishly decorated with feminine, photogenic wonders, book a Barbie Pink Afternoon Tea to enjoy their scrumptious selection of pink-tinted sweet treats, savoury finger foods, and all the usual offerings of an afternoon tea.
Address: 12, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2182 1234
Legoland® Hotel, Johor
Calling all kids aboard for the time of their lives! Asides from the Lego-themed adventure park, LEGOLAND Hotel is a whole attraction on its own. Kids can choose from Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom, and Ninjago-themed rooms, which all come equipped with LEGO models, a LEGO Bricks Play Pack, an interactive Play Wall, and the room’s very own treasure hunt — where kids can solve the puzzles to redeem LEGO gifts in the treasure chest.
All rooms come with two separate sleeping quarters, with a king-sized bed for adults and a separate room for children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed, and their very own TV. Upgraded rooms sleep up to eight guests, making this an ideal option for a kid’s party or a sleepover.
Address: 7 Bandar Medini Iskandar Malaysia, 79250 Iskandar Puteri (Nusajaya), Johor
Contact: +607 597 8888
arte by Thomas Chan, Kuala Lumpur
The tagline ‘A romantic French getaway dream’ perfectly describes Thomas Chan’s opulent vision. A stunningly lavish collection of 74 artistically-inspired rooms and suites, arte by Thomas Chan is filled with palatial décor straight out of the French renaissance and elegant Baroque. These are Parisian-inspired interiors to say the least.
Choose from the clean Art Nuevo Family Glam suites series to the beautifully embossed, Neoclassical, Gothic-inspired Artisan Aquamarine room. There is something in store for every kind of opulence-loving traveller. Beyond the boudoir, the plush aesthetic extends throughout the propery. The dining lounge is the focal point of arte’s entryway, with its stunningly gilded, jaw-dropping European-featured interior capturing the attention of all who enter.
As an enhancement to your stay, nearby amenities and experiences such as premium shopping outlets, brand-new restaurants, exciting nightlife, and the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) make this an ideal old-world charm perfect for modern escapees.
Address: Level 66, Arte, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 6211 4888
Cheong Tze Fatt Mansion, Penang
The bluest of blue mansions, this property remains Cheong Fatt Tze’s most prized architectural achievement, despite having built various mansions across Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Artisans were shipped in from Southern China for construction, and building materials were imported from countries as far as Scotland.
Choose from the variety of 18 spacious and exclusive rooms, all uniquely adorned and intricately furnished with antique furniture to suit their theme. The Han Suites, the Tang Collection, the Liang Collection, and the Ming Collection are equipped with ornamental furniture like an intricately gilded Chinese screen to modern amenities like a claw-footed bathtub.
Dine at Indigo and have a drink at The Bar; both are excellent restaurants on-site with a spectacular and sultry ambience.
Address: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200, Penang
Contact: +604 262 0006
Signature Family Suite at Parkroyal Collection KL, Kuala Lumpur
Unique, chic, and eco-friendly, the newly-opened PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur is adorned with lush green surroundings, making it a refreshing adventure for the entire family.
The Signature Family Suite is available in four different creatively custom-designed themes. Choose from the vibrant and whimsical Enchanted Sweets suite to venturing into the animal kingdom with Journey in the Wild. Each themed suite comes with in-room games, thoughtful amenities, premium eco-friendly, and biodegradable bath products, and can even be connected to a Deluxe Family Room to accommodate a multi-generational family with ease and comfort.
Address: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2782 8388
Ipoh Bali Hotel, Perak
Stepping foot into Ipoh Bali Hotel is like being transported to Bali itself. From the moment you enter the sophisticated lobby, the grand arching spectacle of traditional handmade cage lights will blow your mind away. Antique rustic furniture is incorporated extensively throughout the hotel’s very fibre, and the natural woods used for the reception furniture adds a touch of Balinese luxury to this beautiful accommodation.
Add in the finishing touches of perfection, such as a tropical black stone water feature, koi fishes swimming outside your sliding door, and towering antique Bali house doors gracing the hallway, Ipoh Bali Hotel will fulfil your romantic dreams and is an excellent place for celebratory occasions.
Address: 12A Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, Off Jalan Tambun, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: +605 242 0222
Colmar Tropicale at Berjaya Hills, Pahang
The actual Colmar town is a 16th-century settlement located in the northeast of Alsace, France, from which Colmar Tropicale is modelled after. Well, save yourself the trouble of embarking on a long flight and, instead, experience this quaint little French town right at your doorstep in Malaysia.
Located on the highlands of Bukit Tinggi, Colmar Tropicale serves as a hotel within Berjaya Hills Resort, where various luxury suites are housed within the colourful French exteriors to suit every traveller’s needs. Talk about chic!
The chilly highland weather makes it great to conduct the plethora of activities on offer, such as paintball, zip-lining, horse riding, and golf, making this a paradise for active kids and adrenaline junkies alike. Snap pictures amidst the café-lined cobblestone streets of the charming French town, and live your life directly out of a storybook.
Address: KM48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak 28750 Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Contact: +609 221 3666