Majestic Malacca charms Hanna Hussein all over again on her second visit
MY husband and I were musing over our short vacation at one of YTL luxurious properties in Malacca a few years ago, and we are itching to repeat our sweet stay.
So we book our weekend stay in advance and start the two-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca in a new Honda Jazz 1.5L V, which boasts good acceleration and handling and is comfy for a long drive.
Located on the banks of Malacca river, the Majestic Malacca is one of the world’s finest luxury classic hotels with Peranakan charm. It’s a restored mansion which used to be home to a wealthy tycoon back in the 1920s and later became the first hotel in Malacca.
Still retaining the original architecture, the mansion looks like a typical British colonial house — very symmetrical, white and trimmed with green shutters.
Upon our arrival, a man in a white suit assists us with our luggage and helpfully shows my husband where we can park our car, while I complete our check-in. Standing at the reception, smiling, are two lovely girls in vibrant kebaya Nyonya ready to serve the guests.
Nothing much has changed since my last visit. The inside remains as beautiful, with imported porcelain tiles, expensive teakwood fittings and intricate artwork and antiques.
After a quick check-in, we are escorted to the annexe block behind the mansion by one of the girls in kebaya. The 10-storey building with two elevators is where all 52 deluxe bedrooms and two suites are housed.
Upon entering our deluxe room, we are once again wowed by the exclusivity. Timber floors, four-poster king-bed made of teak wood dressed in cool cottons and silk runner, chic chaise lounge by the window and the classic clawfoot bathtub... everything is elegant.
Stepping into the room, I imagine going back to the past, so bewitched was I by the grandiosity.
Before the girl leaves, she places a brocade-lined basket with a lid on the vanity. Enclosed is a vintage Chinese teapot and two cups. There’s also a plate of kuih, which go well with the fragrant herbal tea.
PERANAKAN PAMPERING
On my last visit to Majestic Malacca few years back, my husband and I went on the complimentary historical walk guided by the resident historian but this time we decide to skip the tour because the sky looks a bit grey for a long walk.
So, we head for the Spa Village at the annexe block to be pampered! Plus, we didn’t get the chance to try the spa on our last visit, so we’re quite delighted at the opportunity.
Spa Village Malacca’s signature treatments are based on the Baba Nyonya heritage.
Rich Chinese and Malay influences are reflected not only through the therapies, but also in the architecture of the spa.
Stepping into the spa, I feel I am being transported into a P. Ramlee’s film — it’s so old-fashioned and refined.
A girl in a kebaya greets us at the spa reception and explains the signature treatments.
“Here at Spa Village Malacca, the therapies are moulded around a person’s cool or warm energies. We have the Suam-suam Panas Experience and Shiok-shiok Sejuk Experience,” she says, handing us each a form to complete.
The therapies are based on Peranakan beliefs and inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. The form has a number of questions that will determine the temperature of your body and help the therapist to decide on the best treatments for the individual.
Both of us turn up “hot” which means we need the Shiok-shiok Sejuk Experience.
After changing into a terryrobe, we are then whisked to the relaxation lounge where there is a line of lavish Peranakan Chinese daybeds, which I have been eyeing since I walked in.
We are given a cold scented towel and a cup of hot Chinese tea to help calm down our body before starting the treatment.
After enjoying the tea, we then are taken into a dimly-lit cubicle with a classic Peranakan swing door. Inside, there’s a classy wooden shampoo bed.
“Our therapy is inspired by the elaborate and colourful 12-day Peranakan wedding ceremony. So every guest enjoys a pre-treatment that includes a soothing hair care ritual typically done for the Peranakan newly-weds,” my therapist explains.
Lying down on the shampoo bed, I watch an old Malay film on an LCD screen embedded in the ceiling.
The 15-minute ritual starts with a shampoo, a light scalp massage and ends with a gentle comb using a wooden comb, which we get to keep as a souvenir.
Next, we head for the second floor and into one of the six private treatment rooms, where I get two hours of pampering.
The spa indulgence covers the head to our toes. It starts with a facial treatment using one of the Peranakan’s favourite ingredients, bird’s nest, which boasts anti-ageing properties, and mixed with vitamin-enriched starfruit.
The treatment hydrates and cleanses even sensitive complexion. The scent of the starfruit is so sweet and overpowering, and the mask is so cooling that they put me completely at ease.
While I am totally blinded by the mask, the second step of the therapy continues. The therapist whispers softly “Now I will continue with the egg rolling therapy for your body, miss”.
Without knowing what to expect, the next thing I feel is something round and warm being rolled on my back. I assume it is a shell-less hard-boiled egg.
“This treatment relieves stress, especially if you are sensitive to heat and prone to tight muscles and cramping,” she adds. True enough, I feel so much more relaxed, especially after she continues with a massage.
The treatment includes a body scrub infused by the two delicious ingredients, yogurt and guava leaves.
Both items have natural antibiotic properties and help to close skin pores efficiently as well as heal stubborn rashes by extracting toxins. Followed by a cooling cucumber wrap, the after-effects of the scrub and wrap are amazing, leaving my skin soft and fresh!
The treatment ends with a refreshing Limau Kasturi Yogurt Hair Mask which helps to treat oily hair. Truly bliss!
DINING AT THE MANSION
Although there are plenty of eateries around Malacca City, I still enjoy dining in.
We breakfast at The Melba of The Mansion on the first floor which has a casual dining atmosphere. The a la carte menu is extensive.
For dinner, we order The Majestic Trio for starters which consist of Ngoh Hiang Roll which is steamed and deep-fried bean curd with minced chicken, Otak-otak and Pie Tee. For mains, we order Mutton Soup and Ikan Asam Pedas.
During noon the next day, we decide to skip a heavy lunch and go for afternoon tea at The Lounge. At RM50 per person, we get assortment of cakes, pastries and nyonya kuih, selection of smoked salmon, egg and cheese sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and a choice of fine tea and freshly brewed coffee.
DRIVING THE HONDA JAZZ
THE Honda Jazz 1.5L V is a sporty compact car suitable for a small group. It’s powerful, easy to handle and very comfortable even for a long drive.
Engine: Four Cylinders, 16 Valve, SOHC i-VTEC
Fuel Supply System: Electronic Fuel Injection
Maximum torqueNm[kg-m]@rpm: 145(14.8)/4600
Maximum Power [PS(kW)@rpm]: 120(88)/6600
MAJESTIC MALACCA
188 Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca.
TEL 06-289 8000
EMAIL travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my
WEBSITE www.majesticmalacca.com
STAY
Two categories - The Deluxe Rooms and two signature suites - Majestic and Tranquerah.
EAT
There are three dining options.
• The Melba at The Mansion on the first floor provides a casual dining atmosphere.
Opening Hours:
7am - 10.30am
7pm - 11pm
• The Lounge at The Mansion on the ground floor is ideal for casual lunch, midday refreshment or afternoon tea.
Opening Hours:
noon - 3pm
3pm - 6pm (afternoon tea)
• The Bar at The Mansion is by the entrance of the mansion. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax, warmly welcoming guests for a round of drinks and casual chat.
Opening Hours:
noon- midnight
GO
Plenty! You can go food hunting, or visit historical landmarks such as the A’Famosa, museums or go on free walking tours at Kampung Morten, Portugese Settlement and more.
Majestic Malacca offers complimentary historical walks (upon request) to explore charming Malacca town accompanied by its residential historian.
HIGHS
Very colonial and traditional but luxurious! Can’t get it at anywhere else. Plus, the location is in the heart of Malacca town, perfect if you enjoy walking tours.
LOWS
The parking is at the back of the hotel. If you miss the narrow lane leading to the parking space, you have to make another round because it’s a one-way lane.