Hotel Review: Cameron Highlands Resort

Malaysia, our home, is a fantastic part of the world, however the heat can be overwhelming at times... we have discovered that during prolonged hot/dry periods, a respite from the heat can be embraced at Cameron Highlands, approximately 200km north of Kuala Lumpur. We are repeat customers at YTL resorts around Malaysia and have no hesitation promoting Cameron Highlands Resort as a world class, rejuvenating, local retreat.

Our early morning drive from KL to Cameron Highlands was in itself a pleasure - as we motored along the open road ahead, while everyone else seemed to be heading in the opposite direction to the office. The climb up to Cameron Highlands by car offers up some decent scenery and the cool air is quick to greet you and instill a welcomed sense of well being, especially when the mercury in the city is boiling. The average daily temperature at Cameron Highlands Resort is around 20 deg C which usually presents itself as nice blue skies with a welcome cooling breeze.

Numerous plantations are encountered at Cameron Highlands, showcasing fresh fruits and vegetables and of course tea. YTL's Cameron Highland's Resort is a charming 56 room boutique hotel. The purpose of our trip was to showcase the nearby BOH Tea Plantation to visiting relatives from the UK. We chose this hotel after a very positive first visit back in 2007 and once again, we were made to feel very welcome and were pampered by the management team and staff of the resort.

Be prepared for a twisting and turning journey in order to climb the highlands and experience the cool air, but trust me, it is worth it. The Cameron Highlands Resort is located opposite the 18-hole golf course, Kelab Golf Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS). Upon arrival we were warmly greeted and seated opposite reception where we were served a very refreshing welcome drink and given a hand towel each to quickly refresh ourselves after our road trip. Check-in was efficiently done, and before long, we were guided to our rooms.

Cameron Highland Resort frontage

Welcome drink

The hotel was just as I had fondly remember it. Clean, classy and cooling.

Bright and breezy classic interior

The gardens around the hotel are immaculately presented and the floral displays in the hotel public spaces are truly beautiful.

Bringing outdoors indoors

Hubby is a big fan of the decor at this hotel.

Classic Ornaments

In good company

Regular award winner

A four poster bed was deemed a must for our new home following our first trip; the beds at CHR are both comfortable and fantastic to look at. The deluxe rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished.

Luxurious four poster

Spacious yet homely rooms

Doors opening onto the balcony

Private balcony with lush green golf course views

Ample secure car parking

Since our party was made up of 4 adults from the same family, we opted to have adjoining rooms which allowed us the luxury of enjoying the balconies together and the ability to open the doors between the rooms should we so desire.

Luxurious Comfort

Sitting area

There is no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables in Cameron Highlands. This fruit basket was presented in our room upon arrival.

Welcome gift

Ornate Fish Pond

A future blog entry will be written to cover the dining experience at CHR, there are several fantastic dining options at the resort. Breakfast is served in The Dining Room while lunch is served in the Jim Thompson Tea Room. Guests can choose to have dinner in either The Dining Room or Gonbei Japanese Restaurant.

Relaxed Dining in Jim Thompson Tea Room

Afternoon tea is also served at CHR, many individuals or groups will visit the resort simply to indulge in the afternoon tea.

An appropriate location for Afternoon Tea

Cooling environment

Alternative spot for afternoon tea

The Highlands Bar serves an extensive collection of cocktails, whisky and other drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Restaurant guests can also enjoy a game of snooker here.

Highlands Bar

Full size snooker table

Enjoy an evening drink in the lounge by the fireplace

The Reading Room, situated by the entrance of the hotel is comfortable and ideal for lounging in during the day or evening. Plush leather seats and the warm fireplace makes up the perfect ambience for some quiet chit chat after dinner at The Dining Room. We enjoyed a few glasses of red wine here in each other's company. Complimentary wifi is available here, as well as in all guests rooms.

The Reading Room

Wood burning fire

On our first night, we returned to our room to find a single pink rose and some fresh strawberries, courtesy of turndown service. On the second night, there was a box of 4 chocolates awaiting us.

Good Night

Rest Well

Indulge

Turn down service, with chocolates..

...and a flower

Rooms with balconies

Every morning after breakfast, we were treated to a complimentary 5 minutes neck and shoulder massage by the experienced and friendly staff from Spa Village Cameron Highlands. A really great way to start the morning!

Complimentary neck and shoulder massage

You will also find a Jim Thompson Boutique, which offers clothing and accessories made from fine Thai silk.

Jim Thompson Boutique

Our beloved guests enjoying the cool air one last time before we headed back to the city.

In conclusion, Cameron Highlands and specifically YTL's Cameron Highlands Resort Hotel is a great location to relax and enjoy some cooler weather for a few days. The luxurious accommodation, attentive service, good food and naturally cooling environment combine to create a fantastic break from the city.

Stay tuned for our reviews of the various restaurants located within Cameron Highlands Resort, as well as a list of Things to do in Cameron Highlands.

Price: RM649 per person for the YTL Platinum Plus Luxury Escape Package which includes accommodation for 3 days / 2 nights in a deluxe room, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

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Location: Cameron Highlands Resort, By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia.

Tel: 05-491 1100

GPS Coordinates: 4.469834,101.369433

Website: http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

* This post is a collaboration between ChloeandDanielsdaddy and Baby Sumo.

Antipasti buffet for RM18++ @ Spasso Milano, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Yes, you read right.. RM18++ only for the antipasti buffet at Spasso Milano. When I first read about this, I couldn't believe my eyes too because it just sounded too good to be true. Having visited the restaurant this week and trying out the antipasti buffet for myself, I can just say it is one hell of a great deal.

Spasso Milano is located on the second floor of Nihonkan club, sharing the building with Pappa Rich. There is ample (free) parking spaces out at the front, which is a plus point for me.

One of the best things about this restaurant is the service. The servers were very friendly and pleasant throughout our lunch, and seem very knowledgable about the dishes and menu in general. And very kids friendly too!

The antipasti buffet is laid out near the front of the restaurant. The selection is not very extensive (approx. 15 types), however almost everything we tried that afternoon was tasty. Throughout lunch, the plates were refilled on a regular basis.

My favorite antipasti has to be the Clams with Aromatic Tomato Dressing; the clams were succulent and absolutely delicious. I filled my plate with some of these everytime I did a round at the buffet table. Other than the clams, I enjoyed the Eggs Stuffed with Smoked Salmon Cream, Vegetable Frittata, Baby Octopus in a hearty spicy tomato sauce and Grilled Zuchinni.

Clams with Aromatic Tomato Dressing - my favorite

Baked Pumpkin - Baby D's favorite

Garden Salad

Potato Croquettes

Roasted Beef with Rocket and Balsamic Dressing

Eggs Stuffed with Smoked Salmon Cream - yum!

Grilled Zucchini - simple but delicious

Fried chicken / vegetable sticks

Vegetable Frittata - pretty good

Roasted peppers

Pizza Aromatica and Garlic Foccacia - would be better if it was still warm

Here are just some of the food we tried off the buffet.

Other than the antipasti, you can also sample the soups on offer. There were 2 types available; beans soup and tomato and basil soup. Personally I prefer the beans soup as the texture was smooth and was more creamy and rich.

Beans soup

Tomato & Basil soup

And for another RM3++, you can add-on a main course. Pick from 3 selections which change weekly. Hubby went for the Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers Sauce, and I went for the Pan Fried Dory Fillet in a hearty tomato sauce Sicilian style. Both dishes were well prepared and were served with some pasta ribbons and vegetable ratatouille. We particularly liked the ratatouille which was tangy and appetizing.

Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers Sauce

Pan Fried Dory Fillet in hearty tomato sauce Sicilian style

The choices for dessert was pretty limited. You can either have fresh fruits or cakes from the buffet. I found the cakes to be most disappointing as most of the cakes had a very dry texture and did not have any distinctive taste to them, though there were three types available that afternoon. Thankfully, there was also panna cotta and this was simply delicious! Served in shot glasses, I must have helped myself to 5 of them. Definitely a must try!

Fruits platter

Lemon cake, carrot cake and orange cake - all look pretty samey

Sinful panna cotta :) Must try!

Open Kitchen

Restaurant interior - sleek and contemporary

Do not miss this great deal! Available everyday (weekends included!).

Nihonkan building

Verdict: Good quality buffet at a reasonable price and top notch service. What more can you ask for.

Opening times: 12.00noon to 3.00pm (Lunch) and 6.30pm to 11.00pm (Dinner). Closed on Mondays.

Price: RM18++ for antipasti buffet, add an extra RM3++ for a main course.

Location: Spasso Milano, 347 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: 03-4252 7088

Join their Facebook page here.

GPS Coordinates: 3.159081, 101.745994