The Club Saujana Resort Kuala Lumpur is a hidden luxury urban retreat nestled amidst 160 hectares of lush tropical gardens. Ong Chin Huat spends a weekend getaway and re-emerges completely recharged and revitalised from one of the best-kept secrets in town.
Approaching The Club Saujana Resort Kuala Lumpur is a unique experience which very few city dwellers have the opportunity to indulge in. Located just 30 minutes from Malaysia’s capital city centre and nestled among 160 hectares of manicured gardens and lush tropical greenery, not to mention two 18-hole world-class golf courses, this gem of a place must be one of the best-kept secrets in Kuala Lumpur and the ideal urban retreat for a weekend getaway.
Located adjacent to its sister property, The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur which has just undergone an extensive renovation, I was lucky enough to be invited to the relaunch party held recently on its sprawling grounds. As soon as I arrived, I was ushered into The Restaurant, a luxurious and tastefully decorated award-winning outlet which offers contemporary Asian and classic European cuisine. Chef de Cuisine Ryan Arboleda just came on board but he wowed us with a three-course luncheon consisting of Sweet Corn Velouté, Masala Spiced Atlantic Cod and Salted-Chocolate Cremeux. Hosted by Peter Hourigan the resort’s Vice President of Operations and Roland Jagge, the Executive Vice President of Worldhotels, the global marketing and sales company affiliated with The Saujana Hotel, both of them were kind enough to give a short talk on the reinvented, refurbished and revitalised look of the adjacent property.
With the bathtub beckoning, I decided to draw a warm bath with bath salts since I had a few hours of R&R before the relaunch party. With lighted candles and an essential oil burner emitting a calming and relaxing aroma, lying in the warmth of my bath and listening to music seemed like such an indulgent, yet befitting thing to do on a Friday afternoon.
At around 5.30 pm, we were led to the tent set up on the grounds of The Saujana Resort by the poolside. 24 drummers officiated this special occasion and a speech was made by Peter Hourigan before sparrows were released into the air.
A vibrant and colourful Malaysian extravaganza consisting of modern and ethnic dance performances, as well as an electrifying performance by electronic violinist Dennis Lau and a lively Beat Box performance by Koujee certainly added a fun and lively dimension to the party. A lavish buffet of Asian food was laid out and everyone was seen to have a fabulous time. Belly dancing, a tribal fire eating performance and mind-boggling magic tricks performed by Edison Lim added to the enjoyment of all those present. Top models Amber Chia and Thanuja Anathan arrived just in time for the fireworks display over a cloudless night sky and afterwards, those who wanted to party into the night adjourned to RP Entertainment Centre to dance the night away.
After that excitement of the previous night, it was hard to say the least to wake up the next morning for breakfast at The Restaurant but the tempting breakfast fare on offer provided the necessary incentive to roll out of my super comfy king-size bed. With local and European offerings, an egg station with a choice of differing styles was my first stop. I opted for the Eggs Benedict with smoked Salmon which provided the fuel I needed for my morning activity – working out in the gym. There’s also a yogurt station and a variety of fresh fruits, pastries, bread and cheese on offer. But if a local Malaysian breakfast is what you are after, then you won’t be disappointed as there’s tantalizing Malaysian fare such as nasi lemak and mee goreng to fill you up for this important meal of the day!
After breakfast, I was off to the The Spa where the fitness centre is located. Walking into the spacious and well-appointed gym, I was confronted with possibly one of the most tranquil yet stunning views any gym this side of the equator possesses. An entire wall with floor to ceiling glass faces a lush and peaceful garden with a reflection pool where hummingbirds, butterflies, dragonflies and bees fluttered and whizzed around and added to its charm. All the treadmills and cycling machines were placed to face this serene scene and it was such a pleasant experience working out with this peaceful backdrop.
The Club Saujana Resort Spa is set in this natural tropical setting and there are eight spa villas built around this reflection pool where all the spa treatments are carried out. Looking at the beautiful surrounds of The Spa, I couldn’t wait for my session later that evening!
I was looking forward to dinner which was at the Kogetsu Japanese Restaurant. As new dishes were just added to their menu, I was doubly excited. Built on stilts on a man-made lake, it overlooks the lake and the golf course beyond making its location a standout winner. Kogetsu, which means “reflection of the moon on water,” is designed in the style of a traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ or traditional Japanese inn. With Chef Taketoshi Minami heading this much-lauded restaurant, Kogetsu features Japanese cuisine that stays true to its roots using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and prepared with a respect for tradition. I ordered the California Roll for starters and Hotate Mentaikoyaki (baked scallops and fish roe) Gingara (Codfish with Teriyaki Sauce) and Nabeyaki Udon (Wheat Noodles served in Clay Pot) for the main course. Of course, no meal in any Japanese restaurant would be complete without sashimi and I opted for the Shake Toro or Salmon belly. Fresh, delicious and totally satisfying, Kogetsu and Chef Minami certainly lived up to their reputation.
For further information on The Club Saujana Resort Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, please visit: www.shr.my