Garden hotel in garden city

Tired from the stress of city living, Hanna Hussein packs her bags and heads for a hotel within a park, park within a hotel

THE hectic pace of city life gives me enough reason to treat myself every now and then to a peaceful and quiet break.

The chance to stay at Putrajaya Shangri La comes at a  time when I need to release my stress and weariness, so excitedly, I pack my bags and drive to the garden city, about a half-hour from Kuala Lumpur.

The posh hotel is located on a green hilltop within the Putra Perdana Park. Driving there is a delight as it takes me through amazing landscapes dotted with buildings sporting some lovely architecture. Finding my way is easy too as I just have to follow the many signboards to the five-star hotel.

Surrounded by greenery, Putrajaya Shangri La is definitely a tranquil oasis for a weekend getaway.

Park in a hotel

An elegant glass door opens to the lobby tastefully designed in a modern, luxurious style that really stimulates my “holiday” mood.

The glass walls allow one to see the surrounding nature outside, while the white painted space adds a sense of purity inside. Bamboo, palm and other greenery, beautifully placed around the interior gives the feeling of being embraced by nature inside and outside.

This goes with its theme of “hotel within a park, park within a hotel”.

There is a small garden inside the hotel with a man-made stream that makes a pleasing view especially for those taking a ride up the glass bubble elevator.

A sitting area in the indoor garden allows guests to chill over coffee and chit chat.

Room with a view

Though compact in design, the deluxe park view room is a joy to relax in. It’s furnished with a two-door closet, comfy big bed, a working table, a  rest chair and a television with many channels.

The bathroom with a long bath tub is another delight. I feel quite cheeky as I soak in the long bath with the sliding door wide open to  give me the full view of the room and the television outside.

But best of all, the room comes with a balcony that gives a sweeping view of Putrajaya. I sit on the balcony of the fourth floor room to take in the nice view of Putra Mosque and the surrounding greenery.

Balancing indulgence

Adding to the whole holiday mood is the spa experience. Now, who doesn’t like being pampered and emerging with a feeling of having recharged and rejuvenated? I love going to the spa.

This time, I opt for a one-of-a-kind treatment, the Balancing Therapy which is said to be able to balance the flow of qi energy through the body. The Asian massage using therapeutic oil is complemented by the soothing ambience of the semi al fresco spa villa.

The spa has a signature spa experience known as the Zodiac Ritual, a revitalising mix of pressure messages applied to the reflex points of the body to energise as well as restore strength and using personalised zodiac ritual.

Dining pleasure

Dining is another indulgence in the hotel as the view from the Palm Hill Cafe is amazing. Through the glass walls, I can see the grassy garden and trees with squirrels playing around the area.

The cafe offers international and local buffets with quite a number of cooking stations for pasta, noodles and many more.

There is also a variety of pastries, cakes and desserts which are a must-try.

On weekends, it offers Flaming Barbecue Nights and one can enjoy dining outside among the trees while enjoying the fresh air.

FAST FACTS

Hotel
Putrajaya Shangri La, Taman Putra Perdana, Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya Tel: 03-8887 8888 Fax: 03-8887 8889 Website: www.shangri-la.com Email: slpt@shangri-la.com

Getting there
Just 25 minutes from KL International Airport and half an hour from Kuala Lumpur.

Main Attraction
Serene natural surroundings and easy access to nearby tourist attractions.

Rooms
118 rooms and suites with panoramic views of Putrajaya.

Facilities
Outdoor pool, business centre with private workstations, gymnasium with relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, steam room and spa villas. The hotel also has six multi-function meeting rooms and Dewan Putra Perdana. Free in-room Internet access is available.

F&B Outlets
Palm Hill Cafe offers international and local buffet and a chic restaurant, Azur, features international cuisine. Lobby Lounge is for light drinks.

Overall Service
Excellent, polite and friendly.

First Impressions
Classy, calm and peaceful.

Places within walking distance
Taman Putra Perdana is around the corner and there are also other nearby parks. Alamanda shopping centre is just five minutes’ drive away.

 

 

The awe-inspiring entrance

Compact but the deluxe rooms a joy to relax in

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