From cooking up a Raya storm to moving the sofa for the umpteenth time, the Hari Raya period, while enriching and fun, is also among the most stressful times of the year for many Malaysians. Hotels.com curated a special list of Hari Raya getaway destinations for those who seek to unwind and relax after the long period of food comas and festivities.
For Nature Lovers
- Sepilok Nature Resort
Hop on a plane to Sandakan and spend a few nights at Sepilok Nature Resort, a serene eco resort, winner of the Loved by Guest “Most Wanted’ award which is surrounded by the thick and unspoilt tropical rainforest. Animal lovers would love this resort, as the world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are only a hop and a skip away.
- Rayavadee Resort
The Rayavadee Resort in Krabi is also another resort for those who want to spend some quiet time away from it all. Only accessible by boat, the remote property is surrounded by three beaches and scenic limestone cliffs – all private and fairly empty, compared to Krabi’s more popular beaches. Located at the Muslim-majority southern Thailand province, Krabi is well-known among Malaysian travellers for its many halal restaurants and great value-for-money compared to its more popular sister Phuket.
Spa Retreats
- W Bali
W Bali, one of Bali’s string of Loved by Guest ‘Most Wanted’ properties, is located in the charming yet chic Seminyak area. The luxurious resort features well-appointed villas, set against the backdrop of an expansive tropical garden and a fine lagoon pool. Its spa is an oasis for rest and relaxation and is perfect for those who seek to detox from a week of rendang and ketupat binge.
Kids-friendly Getaways
- The Danna Langkawi
For a family beach getaway, look no further than The Danna Langkawi. The resort is Hotels.com’s best-rated hotel in Langkawi, with a 4.8-star rating and a Gold Award recipient of the Loved by Guest awards. The resort features colonial-style villas, complete with private infinity pools. A large wading pool and a dedicated Kiddy’s Club keep the little ones occupied.
City Escape
- Ritz-Carlton Jakarta
Malaysians and shopping are inseparable, and there is no better way to reward a shopaholic mother than a shopping trip to Jakarta. The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, located at the heart of the Mega Kuningan shopping district, is within a walking distance of Ambassador Mall, a popular textile mall known for its huge assortment of bargain-friendly shops. For the fancier moms, Plaza Senayan and Pacific Place, with its highstreet brands and a flagship Galeries Lafayette in the latter, are within a short taxi ride from the ritzy hotel.
- Riva Surya Hotel
Bangkok, with its maddening traffic and bustling markets, is not really known as a laid-back destination, but Riva Surya Hotel, a winner in the Loved by Guest ‘Most Wanted’ category, provides a calming urban oasis in the middle of the city. Facing the mighty Chao Phraya river, the centrally-located hotel is also an excellent base for shopaholic moms to explore the city. Chatuchak market, the world’s largest weekend market, is located not too far away, as are Bangkok’s fancier malls in the neighbouring Silom neighbourhood.
Old World Charms
- Campbell House Penang
For a quick getaway, Penang is never a bad idea. The city centre has experienced a surge of boutique hotels recently, set in lovingly restored heritage hotels. Campbell House Penang is located close to various hawker’s hotspots, making it a perfect base for a foodie’s adventure in Georgetown’s UNESCO quarter. The heritage boutique hotel also features ornate Straits decorations and colonial style rooms complete with English-style poster beds.
- Luxury Old Quarter Hotel
Hanoi’s old quarter is replete with French-colonial architecture, rustic small family homes and vibrant little alleways. Luxury Old Quarter Hotel, located within a walking distance of the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, merges old-world charm with 21st century amenities in a heritage-rich boutique setting. The quaint Hoan Kiem Lake, which inspired scholars and poets for hundreds of years, is also nearby – perfect for a relaxing and contemplative stroll.
- Hoi An Ancient House Village
While Hanoi’s old quarter is grand and colonial, Hoi An’s UNESCO heritage quarter is a romantic place, with rows of Vietnamese tube houses, Chinese-style wooden shophouses, small canals and ornate bridges. Hoi An Ancient House Village, located not too far from Hoi An’s centre, is surrounded by quaint paddy fields and lines of coconut trees. The interior of the Loved by Guest ‘Most Wanted’ boutique hotel is also tastefully decorated with Cham influences, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich local heritage.
Staycations
- Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
As one of Kuala Lumpur’s best reviewed hotels, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur has carved its own niche in the city. The hotel brims with colonial grandeur, with a glamorous lobby and a personalised 24-hour butler service at the suites. The Orchid Conservatory features seasonal orchids within a glass atrium that fits up to 15 persons for a high-tea session – perfect for those who are craving for some scones and sandwiches after a week of having rich Raya delicacies.
Read also: #Raya2018: Bangkok is the Most Popular Hari Raya Destination, says Hotel.com
