By Rama Gaind.
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is surrounded by natural caves, geothermal hot springs, pristine jungle and 260-million-year-old Palaeozoic limestone hills.
Three magical words: tranquil, rejuvenating, relaxing are enough to describe the ambiance of The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. This luxurious sanctuary is surrounded by lush rainforest and natural hot springs, a perfect place to abandon all worldly concerns and stresses of life.
Built around the beauty of nature in Ipoh, Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat offers bespoke holistic experiences for ultimate relaxation and to restore overall wellbeing.
This is also where you embrace nature and cave dining and enjoy exclusive and organic hospitality. When you add that it’s nestled in a 9.1-hectare valley blessed with lush tropical rainforest, geothermal hot springs, cascading waterfalls and limestone caves, then your sights are set on staying at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.
In this serene corner of Malaysia, peaceful turns out to be ineluctable. This award-winning haven is the perfect place for an enchanting and eco-sensitive escape. Showcasing its organic surroundings, The Banjaran is now allowing visitors to embark on a journey of culinary discovery in a vast cavern.
Discover a unique fine dining experience at Jeff’s Cellar.
The retreat, Sunway Hotels & Resorts’ naturally luxurious wellness resort, is where you can go to unwind in a stunning and calm setting with a series of truly unique experiences.
It’s encircled by natural caves, geothermal hot springs, pristine jungle and 260-million-year-old Palaeozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, revitalise, geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls.
The secluded caves at The Banjaran also provide an opportunity for guests to enhance their spiritual and physical wellbeing. Harnessing the earth’s geological power, the Crystal Cave is an ethereal arena for energy healing treatments such as Reiki, while the Meditation Cave allows travellers to focus their mind and achieve a deep sense of inner peace.
Enclosed in the cave’s illuminated chamber lies Jeff’s Cellar, a remarkable restaurant and wine bar. Within this otherworldly atmosphere, guests can sip the world’s finest wines and savour exquisite local and international cuisine at a private table, next to natural water features, with stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
Top accolades
The Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools provide a relaxing soak that also aids in alleviating stressed muscles and tired joints.
Enjoy an unforgettable epicurean adventure under the resort’s signature ‘Dine and Dream’ concept. It is no surprise to learn that Jeff’s Cellar was named one of the five ‘Most Magnificent Bars in the World’ by CNN. It is also one of Tatler’s ‘Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia 2020’. Alternatively, you can dine on the Star Deck that overlooks the amazing hot springs lake, under a galaxy of twinkling stars that can be viewed through a telescope.
Take a dip in the Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools for a relaxing soak that also aids in alleviating stressed muscles and tired joints. Alternatively, visit the Spa & Wellness Centre and choose from an extensive selection of body treatments, soothe the senses in the Geothermal Hot Spring Dipping Pools, warm up in the Thermal Steam Cave, cool off in the Ice Bath and even cleanse your feet in the Garra Rufa Doctor Fish Pool. There is also a jungle walk that puts travellers in touch with the environment and a well-equipped fitness centre for energising workouts.
Feeling fully restored and reinvigorated, couples can conclude their evening in style at the resort’s Sky Bar, which promises breath-taking views over the hot springs from its upper deck – the perfect end to the perfect day while sipping a drink.
The spacious Garden Villas allow guests to stay and unwind in complete privacy.
The Banjaran makes for the ultimate getaway spot to recharge and re-energise. Stroll through the jungle at your own pace and be at one with nature or find your inner peace in the Meditation Cave. Take in the towering rock formations around the retreat. The choice is yours.
The retreat is where calm becomes inescapable. As the retreat’s general manager, Michael Schaer, describes it: “We specialise in exquisite experiences that go beyond guests’ expectations and transport travellers into a world of wonders. Our pristine wilderness is the ideal place to come and press your ‘reset’ button. With original activities such as cave dining and meditation, guests can discover the joy of nature when they stay with us”.
Practising COVID-19 safe protocols, the retreat is nestled in the northern state of Perak, only a 15-minute drive away from Ipoh city and two hours from Kuala Lumpur. In keeping with the exclusivity and ideals of this bespoke sanctuary, The Banjaran only accommodates adults and guests 12 years of age and above.
This luxury spa resort nestles in an unmatched peacefulness atop one of the most untouched and sublime environments on earth. This luxury getaway is on my wish list – again!
DETAILS BOX
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Ipoh, Malaysia
