Expatriate in KL: The Chateau -- The Ultimate Spa Getaway Near KL

We are living a fast-paced life. Job, kids, responsibilities, housework and social life -- it takes a toll on your personal time with hubby. Impromptu getaway, which was decided on just a day before we left. Some alone time without the cuties... a rare treat.

I would highly recommend this to all couples like us -- busy bees who recently had our wedding anniversary. After 2 kids, you would probably nod in unison that it's harder to find some intimate time. We packed our bags that evening and decided to head of to The Chateau at Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. It was literally 45 minutes drive towards The Chateau on a Friday afternoon. Smooth drive and easy to reach -- plus points for a quick getaway!

We were greeted by beautiful blue skies with fluffy clouds as the gates opened to welcome us. The staff quickly addressed us and took our stuff. Welcome drinks (which tasted seriously like our La Juiceria PAM - Pineapple - Apple -Mint concoction) ... a good start to a good stay.

We had a short tour of the facilities and saw other more premium rooms (haha curious what the suite looked like). Once we toured the spa facilities -- I was hooked. I literally left hubby and had my head start for my treatments!

I can seriously say that after the warm welcome and the detailed spa tour, the investment on the spa facilities are really world-class. One of the highlights for me is the heated & sanitized massage beds. I used to hate those massage beds that are not comfortable, or not maintained well, or ugly-looking towels on it. I am also sensitive to the fact that where we put our faces, tons of people squeeze their heads into it, and wonder about the cleanliness. Here, you can see that things are well-maintained. As I stayed in my own massage bed for 50 minutes of body scrubbing and another 75 minutes of massage in the air-conditioned room, my back appreciated the warm sensation of the heated massage beds (which I think was German-made or something like that).

To make a short summary of my experience:

HIGHLIGHTS

Definitely the morning yoga session, which I attended with hubby together. Yoga under the morning sky. It was amazing! The experience and the opportunity to practice yoga together was priceless!
Spa -- worth coming here as the wellness and spa are their main focus. You won't get mediocre experience here.
Organic food and good selection of non-meat stuff
Very quiet place - one can really relax. No kids allowed.

SERVICE

all the staff were well-versed, helpful and warm
everyone addresses you as Monsieur or Madame ... very French!
went out of their way to make you feel welcome

FOOD

the food presentation and quality is superb
loved their minestrone soup and quinoa-avocado salad, which we asked to be served at the spa area... yummy and healthy!
breakfast is served as you order, instead of the usual buffet
the French fine dining restaurant served the most delicious foie gras!

SPA

Superb facilities, top notch
Warm, Filipino staff
All organic spa treatments
Pricing is mid to high, tons of options available
Spend at least 2-3 hours at the spa!
They go out of their way to ensure the pressure is okay
Fill up forms where they get to know you better -- they focused on parts that you request e.g. more massage on the foot area, etc

AMBIENCE

Feels like in France!
The weather was sunny yet cool -- sans the usual humidity of KL
Rained at night, but that's okay as it makes the place even cooler
The rooms are superb and well renovated, equipped with wifi and organic toiletries
Breath-taking suites (if I could afford it I would go book those rooms!)
Loved the view of the greeneries around -- lots of trees and nature all around
They planted rosemaries -- which hubby loves, so it really brings back memories of France

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Short getaways
People who love spa and wellness
Into Organic food and Organic stuff will definitely appreciate it
Honeymooners
Anniversary celebrations
Birthday treats
Wedding venues (i think this one is yet to be discovered by young couples!)
Corporate 1-night getaways e.g. quarterly business reviews, management meetings, etc
People who need to detoxify from the stressful & hectic week

TAKE NOTE

Be ready to spend about RM1,500 - RM2,500 per couple if you plan to do 1-night, with dinner and breakfast plus some spa time
Bring swimwear if you want to try their super jacuzzi at the common area

And now... for the picture summary!

Driveway towards the Chateau

Walkway to their orchid garden

Sunny day -- entrance to the Chateau

Swimming pool - natural salt pool so that they don't have to use tons of chlorine.

Organic stuff at the room

Our humble bedroom with Organic Bedsheets

Toilet with breathtaking views (this is the Suite toilet -- not our room)

The living room at the Suite

The welcome area inside the Junior Suite -- again not our room, haha!

Blue skies and cool weather -- helps transport you to "another world" far from the busy & humid KL life

One of the spa rooms - this is the couple's room equipped with jacuzzi
I would personally rate the spa experience better than all the YTL hotels I have visited in Malaysia. This is one hotel very serious about their wellness and spa investments.