The cool air is noticeable as soon as you start heading up the winding road from the East Coast Highway. Immediately, I felt reassured, as this was exactly what was required: a weekend retreat in the cooler air of the Titiwangsa Range, a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur.
My accommodation of choice, The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort at Berjaya Hills, offers a most relaxing getaway that immerses guests in a tranquil setting surrounded by forests on the mountain summit. The resort’s French-inspired architecture and the adjoining Colmar Tropicale are unique in Malaysia.
The Chateau is situated in Berjaya Hills, a highland resort destination located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, but a short shuttle van ride that departs from Berjaya Times Square from the capital. Its architecture is inspired by an 18th-century castle, Chateau Haut Koenigsbourg, in Alsace.
It is located at 800 m above sea level, ensuring a cool, refreshing climate that contrasts with the hot and humid conditions of the lowlands. What impressed me most when I arrived at the resort was that it was 21 degrees, while it was 30 degrees in Kuala Lumpur.
This noticeable difference extended throughout the weekend, and on most mornings, I enjoyed clouds drifting up from the valley to envelop the resort in white puffiness.
What makes the location of The Chateau so special is its serene montane setting with hills that roll off into the distance. The weather encouraged me to exercise and provided a calm atmosphere ideal for relaxation or adventure, wellness activities, or simply recharging.
The Chateau offers a wide array of excellent facilities designed to make guests’ stays comfortable and enjoyable. With a focus on creating an atmosphere of relaxation and luxury, the resort features landscaped gardens, fountains, and pathways that encourage guests to explore the hills. For those who prefer to stay around the resort, there’s a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a soothing spa, and early morning yoga for those so inclined.
A cool rest
The Chateau has an inventory of well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide comfort and an escape from the ordinary. The resort’s design is influenced by French provincial aesthetics, which is reflected in the elegant décor of each room, with soft, neutral colours, fine furnishings, and an emphasis on luxury.
All rooms have modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions with a reasonable selection of local and global channels, mini-bars (soft drinks are complimentary), coffee-making facilities, and luxurious bathrooms with separate showers and spacious tubs. I especially enjoyed soaking in the large bathtub set within cream and eucalyptus green tiled walls.
One of the most alluring aspects of the rooms at The Chateau is the emphasis on natural light and the vistas of the rainforest or pool. Initially, I opened the windows to allow the air to naturally cool the room, but after witnessing mischievous monkeys scampering over the tiled rooftop, I decided to allow the ceiling fan to do its work.
Dining delights
Another feature is The Chateau’s dining options. It is home to two main restaurants, each offering a distinct experience. Guests can indulge in a delicious array of international and local cuisines complemented by an enticing beverage list. L’assiette offers an unusual combination of French-inspired dishes alongside a selection of Northern Indian treats. A compact wine list is also available.
The casual La Vie, overlooking the pool, is where breakfast, all-day dining, light bites, and snacks are served. For those travelling to the resort to celebrate a special occasion, speak to the staff to organise a special dinner in settings such as around or overlooking the pool.
Another dining indulgence at The Chateau is afternoon tea served in the Belle Vue Tea Room. The selection of sweet and savoury treats is extensive, with more than sufficient for two to dine handsomely. Normally not an afternoon tea person, I can highly recommend this activity, but do some exercise both before and after to work off all the calories.
Pre- and post-dinner drinks are served in the Le Rouge Bar, which has an indoor and outdoor area that extends onto an adjoining verandah.
Resort facilities
For those seeking to unwind further, the resort offers a selection of treatments and wellness services at La Santé Spa. These therapies focus on rejuvenating the body, taking full advantage of the resort’s cool mountain ambience.
Guests can opt for relaxing massages, facials, and other spa therapies that promote relaxation and tranquillity. My choice, a 60-minute La Santé Signature massage, was one of the best I have ever experienced, and it explained why the spa has just been recognised with the ASEAN Spa Services Award.
For business travellers, The Chateau provides meeting rooms, a ballroom and well-equipped event facilities, making it an ideal venue for corporate retreats, conferences, or workshops. Weddings also appear popular with some Malaysian couples.
Colmar Tropicale and beyond
The Chateau offers shuttle services to nearby attractions within Berjaya Hills. The proximity of The Chateau to Colmar Tropicale, the Japanese Village, and other popular destinations makes it a convenient base for exploring the area. Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed village, is based upon the town of Colmar in Alsace, France.
While Colmar Tropicale may not be for everyone, I enjoyed strolling around its Colmar Square while watching local families participating in a variety of recreational pursuits that appeared to be more Malaysian than French.
The cool mountain breeze and the resort’s tranquil environment provide the perfect conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks, and simply enjoying the picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring the gardens, or enjoying a meal, the cool air makes it all worthwhile. I admired some guests who used the pool but thought it was a tad too cool for my liking.
Visitors can enjoy these other attractions, adding a touch of adventure to their mountain retreat. For families, there is also a rabbit park and adventure activities such as an elevated forest walk and a rock wall.
A stay at The Chateau in Berjaya Hills combines the beauty of the forested Titiwangsa Range with luxurious accommodation and attentive service. Whether you’re visiting to relax, explore, or indulge in wellness treatments, the French-inspired charm of The Chateau makes it an alluring destination.
Just a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, a stay here is a breath of fresh air in both the literal and metaphorical sense, making it easy to unwind and rejuvenate.
Address: The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Contact: +609 221 3888
