The Club, Saujana Resort, Shah Alam, Malaysia

Don’t expect lagoon shaped pools with slides and rowdy children splashing, jumping and shrieking with glee. Don’t count on crowds and massive buffets, or countless restaurants and whopping ballrooms. Also, hold no hope for a colossal reception and saccharine welcome cocktail. No tour groups making a wave of yellow in their identical shirts. No endless corridors leading to a configuration of homogenous rooms and definitely, no instant coffee, teabags and kettle offered as complimentary beverages.

You can easily find the convenience and reasonable price of all that big hotel bustle nearby. But none of that will do here. Not at The Club.

The Club breathes elegant sophistication, quiet relaxation and, is the antonym to the commotion and enormity often associated with large scale resorts. Sleek contemporary Asian design reigns over the building and grounds. From the 36 metre lap pool, to the manicured lawns, to the fashionable rooms and even the cuisine, The Club celebrates streamlined spaces with warmth and personality added in the form of soft fabrics, strokes of colour and well kept greenery.

Arrival sees guests seated in The Lounge. Mint tea and a lemongrass scented moist towel refresh while the details of check-in are taken care of by reception staff. A tastefully decorated space offers a mix of modern art pieces with dark wood furniture and splashes of ochre and burnt orange.  An outlook over a water feature cascading down stepped tiles and ending in a tree-lined pond complements the peaceful atmosphere. Merry jazz tunes strum unobtrusively in the background. This refined space is the same location for weekend afternoon teas and daily cocktail hours.

Once checked in, a personal escort chaperones guests to their room. 105 capacious suites vary in size from a large 43 sqm to an enormous 176 sqm. All rooms overlook either picturesque gardens, stunning pool or lake. Sun seekers would do well to reserve a ground floor room where balconies open up to rolling lawns leading directly to the water.

Our room on the third floor, is incredibly spacious, easily outcompeting in size with the latest strew of luxury apartments in the city centre. Separate entry, lounge, bedroom and bathroom afford grand spaces. Even the toilet and shower are generous expanses and gifted with their own cubicles. His and hers double basins are an instant winner with both hubby and I, and the bath, sided with a bowl of fragrant salts, already has a place in my schedule for a good soaking.

Windows shaded by horizontal blinds look out over a bubbly pond and tropical greenery. An uncluttered desk fits comfortably against the wall and a speedy Internet connection is much appreciated. A 42 inch LCD flat screen satellite TV is hung sleekly on the wall and another is found in the lounge area. Modern music oozes through and excellent surround sound system with volume adjustable in each room. DVDs are available at The Club Concierge. Board games too are on offer for those wishing to disconnect.

Framed artworks of traditional Malaysian Tengkoloks (royal headdress) dot the walls, adding culture to the chic design. Lights are on dimmers allowing control over brightness. The bed is soft, and luxurious “ploh” pillows and duvet encourage an undisturbed sleep. Turn down service sees the addition of woven straw slippers and petite fours added to the bedside.

A sofa padded with cushions and a four-chair dining table offer varied seating options. The table is decked with an impressive range of international newspapers and a welcome bowl of fresh fruits. A host of current magazines are spread elsewhere throughout the room.

Of course all of the expected fittings such as safety deposit box, hair dryer, bath robes and laundry services are included. What elevates The Club to levels above many luxury hotels in Malaysia is the attention to detail. 

A dark wood cupboard reveals a mini fridge with all the usual suspects, alongside wine and drink glasses, bottle opener and ice bucket. Tea and coffee making facilities are pleasant surprises. Not the horrendously too common instant Nescafe option, but rather, loose tea leaves with press and an espresso machine prompt gourmet beverage making. Individual jars of nuts, biscuits and chocolates demonstrate the care taken in providing ultimate guest comfort.

Twenty rooms are allotted for smokers, but I’m pleased to say the rest of the accommodation and public areas are smoke free.

The Lounge provides drinks and light snacks, while The Restaurant is the all day dining option. Serving mostly modern European cuisine with a sprinkling of local favourites, the Restaurant is an elegant experience. An adjoining terrace with green and water views is often the preferred location for foreigners, while many locals enjoy the air conditioned comfort of the indoors. The open kitchen concept encourages interaction with chefs and conversation about your individual dining preferences.

For amusement besides that of the gourmet kind, The Club’s swimming pool is a star attraction. A pristine 36 metre rectangular lap pool is bordered by magnificent lawn and a plant covered wall with glimpses of the lake and golf course in the background. White umbrellas and decadent sun chairs rim the edges and there’s a bar that’s begging for a cocktail order.

The Spa too is just as powerful a magnet. An idyllic haven on its own site is set amongst lush jungle with floor to ceiling glass and water viewed in all directions. Private villas are accessed through elevated walkways. Treatment rooms are spacious and private, offering separate showering and dressing facilities next to the treatment area and lounge. An immense bathtub made of volcanic stone implores a soaking.

Guests staying at The Club, have access to all of the facilities provided next door at the Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Kid friendly pools, numerous restaurant and entertainment options, tennis courts and gym. Two 18 hole golf courses spoil golf enthusiasts with choice.

I’m rapturous though, secluded in the private sanctuary of The Club. Far from the bustling city, nestled in an exclusive shelter, having treatments in the spa and lazing by the gorgeous pool.

Reason to visit: the ultimate urban retreat only 30 minutes from the city centre, enormous rooms, time in the spa, proximity to the two 18-hole championship golf courses of Saujana Golf and Country Club, a dip in the clean lined ultra contemporary pool, peace, quiet, discreet

Saujana Resort

Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS

40150 Shah Alam

Selangor Darul Ehsan

Malaysia

6:30am – 11:30pm

+6 03 7806 7000