Looking for a respite in the heart of the city? Ong Chin Huat checks into the brand-new Alila Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur and discovers an urban oasis which melds calm and tranquillity with modernity and comfort.
Sleek and contemporary, Alila Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur is a brand new hotel in Kuala Lumpur which is making waves, literally atop a modern and wooden clad façade skyscraper in a cosmopolitan and lively part of town.
Alila, which means surprise in Sanskrit, certainly lives up to its name in the most pleasant of ways!
Occupying the top six floors of a mixed-use development called The Establishment, guests enter through a separate and exclusive entrance on the ground floor and are whisked up by elevator to the sky lobby, which is located on the 41st floor.
With a pristine white and wood-accented lobby, the decor serves as a perfect vantage point to survey and admire the stunning views which envelop the lobby. Sunlight streaming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows adds to the appeal of this urban sanctuary.
Leading from the lobby by a stairway shaded by plants and trees is the swimming pool located one floor down on the 40th floor, complete with shaded loungers and patio daybeds.
Looking enticing, there’s nothing like an afternoon swim to refresh the body and invigorate the mind, and that is exactly what the hallmark of Alila is all about – surprising the guests with refreshing options to make their stay unique and memorable.
Efficient and friendly staff administer a fast check-in, and before you know it, you are cocooned in the comforts of your room. Modern and contemporary, there are 143 guest rooms located from the 35th to the 40th floor and apart from being super comfortable, they all offer uninterrupted views of Malaysia’s capital city.
A specially appointed butler service located in the Alila Living Room located on every guestroom floor provides ample snacks and refreshments 24/7, so you will never go hungry.
And apart from luxuriating in the comforts of your room, the Alila Leisure Concierge team can recommend leisure activities outside the hotel such as cooking classes, Segway excursions or pewter workshops if it tickles your fancy.
Designed by Shanghai-based architects Neri and Hu, this dynamic design duo has created a masterpiece and sets the standards of hospitality aesthetics in their own stylish way.
Balancing the privacy of guests with the desire for sociability, Alila Bangsar is perfect for world-class travellers who seek refinement and luxury as well as local visitors who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by either relaxing in one of their unique bars or feast in their mouth-watering restaurants.
Dining and drinking options at the Alila Bangsar are something to savour and relish. Located on the ground level, Botanica & Co. serves wholesome and hearty Asian and International dishes for the busy executive on the go.
The Korean Bowl, which consists of egg wok-fried rice with crispy fried chicken, pasteurised onsen egg and cauliflower furikake, will definitely satiate any hunger pangs, while the Spicy Jumbo Prawn Aglio Olio will put a zing to your day with its spicy spaghettini.
Meeting friends or business associates after work at the Pacific Standard Bar will put you in a good light and up your cool quotient as this chic cocktail lounge and bar is inspired by old-world Hollywood glamour.
With a multitudinous array of artisanal cocktails expertly concocted by expert mixologists, it’s the best place to start an evening of fun and indulgence if that’s on your agenda.
For gourmands, the highlight must be Entier, Alila Bangsar’s casual yet refined French restaurant. Pioneering the nose-to-tail concept of dining, where every edible part of an animal or vegetable is used in its cooking, Entier is helmed by Chef Masashi Horiuchi, who comes from a pedigreed background in fine dining.
Having spent over 20 years at some of the best French restaurants in Europe, Chef Masashi was the sous chef in the Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in London for five years previously.
Combining French techniques with Japanese finesse, be prepared to tantalise your taste buds with creations such as Escargot with Croquette potatoes and Burgundy Garlic Butter with Herbs; Slow Cooked Ox-Tail Consommé with Spinach, Chives, Ulam Raja and Ox Tail Mantou; Jasper-Grilled Australian Flank with Red Wine Shallot Sauce, Pomme Allumette, Watercress and Calamansi Vinaigrette; or the mouth-watering Poitrin Jasper-Grilled Australian Lamb belly with Miso, Charred Garlic with Herb salad.
Finishing off the meal with a selection of desserts, notably the Chocolate and Cardamon Ganache, Hazelnut Feuilletine, Chocolate Ice Cream, Salt Chocolate Snow and Honey Oat Crumble, or the Lemon and Basil Crème Brule with Basil Ice Cream must be the most satisfying last course to end the day or begin the night!
Alila Bangsar – Where and how
58, Jalan Ang Seng
Brickfields
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2268 3888
For further information on the Alila Bangsar, please visit www.alilahotels.com
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