Royal Villa – The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Royal Villa – The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s Latest Addition

Monica Tindall

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat has long been an icon of luxury in Malaysia. Nestled amongst 260-million-year-old rainforest, ancient limestone peaks and caves fed by mineral-rich waters, the collection of private pool villas is high on the bucket list for discerning travellers worldwide. Despite already topping the luxometre, the Sunway team have unveiled a new standard of opulence with the Royal Villa.

This spectacular private residence marries the joys of the natural world with the ultimate in design. A capacious 355-square metres holds a living space that streams natural light, two generously-sized bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, outdoor showers, incredible whirlpools, a dining area, a pantry kitchen, an outdoor courtyard and private HEATED (the only one in the collection that is) pool. Geothermal hot springs feed the outdoor jacuzzi, and luscious tropical gardens connect the villa to the natural rainforest, therapeutic waters and striking rocky outcrops the area is celebrated for.

Royal Villa, Ipoh

The journey begins at the villa’s grand gateway amid exotic gardens. Guests are escorted directly to the entrance foyer and welcomed with Champagne and canapés while a butler assists with a personal check-in. This personalised service extends to daily afternoon tea and evening cocktails presented in the exclusive surrounds of the villa.

The villa is furnished with pieces that are not only stylish but comfortable, too. Danish designer recliners line the sundeck, and the living room sofa encourages you to sink right in with a good book. Supportive king beds are fitted with premium linens, and a pillow menu allows guests to customise their sleeping experience. The bathroom features double vanities and even intelligent Japanese toilets. A Bose sound system, espresso machine, high-speed Wi-Fi and huge TVs afford a quality similar to a home rather than temporary accommodation. 

Sounds too good not to share with family and friends, right? The team at The Banjaran are of the same opinion and designed the Royal Villa with the ability to connect to two of the resort’s new Grand Garden Villas. The result is a massive estate sprawling over 1,000 sqm with four bedrooms, multiple hot spring geothermal whirlpools and three swimming pools. If that isn’t the ultimate pad to connect, unwind or play, please educate me otherwise.

With such splendour, you could close the villa gate and never feel the need to exit. After all, the pantry kitchen allows for a private chef to cater meals, and those thermal waters are channelled directly to the private whirlpool anyway. Still, given the exclusivity of the property, the wider grounds often feel as though we have them to ourselves, and they’re worthy of exploration, even if it does mean you must put on clothing.

The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat

Outside our Royal Villa is a magnificent collection of thermal pools ranging from hot to bone-boiling in temperature. Mineral-rich geothermal waters are purified when passing through the prehistoric limestone rocks. Of countless documented benefits, time in the water is said to revitalise the skin, improve circulation, reduce stress and ease pain. The Italians have so much research backing the health benefits of thermal springs that the national health system covers sessions in “the boot”! Read more about the wellness benefits of thermal springs here.  

The Spa & Wellness Centre further draws on the waters’ benefits complemented by regionally-inspired therapies. You can put your relaxation in the hands of a therapist (we had a magnificent 90-minute signature massage) or be the architect of your own tranquillity with visits to the thermal steam cave, ice bath, crystal cave, meditation cave, garra rufa pool (those little fish that exfoliate your feet by nibbling away the dry skin), fitness centre or outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively, guided nature walks run daily through the 600-metre rainforest path.

Two on-site restaurants, Pomelo and Jeff’s Cellar, offer gorgeous dining environments. Pomelo provides all-day-dining fare, including breakfast (check it out in further detail here), while Jeff’s Cellar entices with a unique cave setting and fine-dining menu. Find the latest menus here and here. 

Reasons to stay in the new Royal Villa at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat: beautiful two-bedroom villa with large living areas; two thermal whirlpools; a heated pool; great bedding; option to connect to two garden villas to make a huge 1000sqm estate. 

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3
31500 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridsuan, Malaysia
www.thebanjaran.com
+6 05 210 7777
[email protected]

Explore more villas types and take a more in-depth look at the property’s facilities here. Find more Ipoh hotspots here and stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here and here.