A place of all Seasons

Japan is awakening; tourists indulging in shopping, eating and the inescapable allure of Japanese culture, fill the metropolis. Fueling much of that is the country’s strong flight connectivity and with the favourable exchange rates in recent months, affordable too! Beyond the glitz and frenzy of Tokyo, it is always a good idea to jaunt southwards for some rest and relaxation towards Kyoto city which is located 445 kilometers away. I took the highspeed Shinkansen train and reached a mere two and a half hours later, enjoying the majestic views of Mount Fuji along the way whilst spoiling myself with the delicious bento meals I’d bought in Tokyo!

I have been plotting a visit to the world renowned Four Seasons Kyoto in the historic Higashiyama district, since the borders reopened and was glad that I managed to slot in a visit in for early Spring. I was transported to another world arriving through the long driveway lined with Japanese bamboo that culminated at the dramatic double height entryway. The calm and elegant lobby dressed in creamy marble and cypress wood details welcomes guests into the property and the stunning entrance is bathed in natural sunlight during the day. By night, the space is illuminated by a series of shohji paper lanterns that create a dreamy ‘wow’ factor. At the far end, the almost 10-meter window provides a perfect frame of the 12 th century pond garden replete with cherry blossoms, stone bridges and a traditional tea house, around which the property was built. Behind these theatrical interiors is of course, the immaculate craftmanship and detailing that Japanese artisans are well known for.

The Premier Room Garden View is an excellent choice for those needing a little extra space. I spent many moments glancing out the huge lounge-side window and counting the number of beautiful Koi swimming in the Shakusui-en pond. The well-appointed bedrooms are decked in the usual mod cons you would expect of the Four Seasons brand, furnished with a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces and artwork that echoed the refined Japanese aesthetic throughout the hotel. The hotel dining venues hadn’t reopened post pandemic during my visit, so I only managed to have meals at the Brasserie and Sushi Wakon. The Brasserie is where breakfasts are served and I can imagine in warmer weather, the patio directly facing onto the pond would make a spectacular setting for breakfast, afternoon tea, drinks and snacks. The latter is their Michelin-starred restaurant where you can have an intimate and interactive sushi meal Kaiseki style, seated at the signature eightmeter-long Hinoki counter! When spring arrives, cherry blossom trees begin to bloom in streets, gardens and temples across Kyoto, and the city lights up in soft, glowing shades of pink. This is the season for Hanami, the uniquely Japanese art of appreciating the transient beauty of flowers. “Cherry blossom season lasts only for a few weeks, making it all the more precious,” says General Manager Fanny Guibouret. “Our beautiful urban resort is fortunate enough to have its very own sakura trees, which means guests can enjoy Hanami experiences in privacy and tranquility.”

Each dining venue and garden-view room offers a unique vantage point, but little beats seasonal blossom viewing with a favourite drink out on the Brasserie Terrace or at the Fuju Lounge Tea House on a sunny day. Early evening on the terrace of Fuju is an amazing experience for moon bathing. Carp, turtles, dragonflies, ducks, crayfish and heron can be seen also frequenting the pond garden. A magical and dreamy setting for an amazing property indeed!

1. Pond-facing rooms give you all day access to the exterior serenity

2. Sip matcha in the historical grounds of Fuju tea house

3. Japanese tradition, artistry and natural beauty, shine at the Four Seasons Kyoto

4. Savour every exquisite meal at the various dining experiences here

5. Relax in spacious rooms filled with local artisanal creations and a refined, modern aesthetic

6. Indulge in expertly crafted beverages on the outdoor deck

7. Natural accents like wood and stone elevate the ambiance of your stay

Relive the days of kid’s play at this unique adventure park where all the activities are designed to get big kids and little ones away from screens and into the moment. Surrounded by lush rainforest, you’ll test your grit and fears on any of the 35 attractions; take Atlan’s Leap, or rush down ‘The Longest’ waterslide that rushes through the treeline for 1,111 meters. Relax on a tube down the Lazy River or grab a drink riverside at Escape Club. ESCAPE Penang is also home to Malaysia’s first artificial ski slope! Whatever your speed or style, there’s an activity guaranteed to bring the kid out of you. Their BASECAMP lets you camp out in a safe, secure environment. Tents are provided so all you’ll need are a few extra essentials like a pillow, sleeping bag and food! Flying into Penang International Airport? You’ll find yourself ready to Escape in just under an hour.

•• www.escape.my/pg

Build your own fun at this unique Lego-themed park in Johor Baru,where you’ll find an immersive Lego experience spanning eight lands, a water park, the SEA Life Aquarium, plus the amazing Legoland Hotel with themed Lego rooms and enough space to fit even the biggest of groups! Take part in The Great Lego Race which is the world’s FIRST roller coaster with virtual reality tech, or build your own Lego robots at Technic Land. Little ones will have a great time at the Duplo Playtown. If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur and have time to spare there are connecting flights from major Malaysian airports to Johor Bahru Senai International Airport. Those looking for convenience and shorter transfer time can easily get to Legoland from Singapore by coach or a private car hire. Just remember to bring your passport as you’ll be crossing the border!

•• www.legoland.com.my

If you prefer getting your adrenaline rush on wheels, X Park’s got you covered - race around on buggies, ATV’s, speedy go-karts or pocket bikes for a start and those needing a change of pace can chill out with slower-paced activities like paddleboarding or riding on the cute swan-shaped boats. They have multiple outlets across Malaysia, so be sure to check which one has all the activities you want available and get ready to be speedy! Most locations are around 30 to 40 minutes from their respective airports making it a convenient stop in your itinerary. •• www.xparkmalaysia.com

Sunway’s Lost World of Tambun takes it up another level with this immersive adventure destination in Ipoh, Perak. Steeped in the history of the region, you can cross different worlds like the Tin Valley where you’ll learn Ipoh’s tin mining history or make your way through the thrilling Tiger Valley where there are real tigers to get close to. Wait for dark to venture through the Luminous Forest or indulge in the natural hot spring pools in the park. Feeling peckish? Munch your way through the local delights of Ipoh Street or the six establishments across the Lost World. Ipoh’s Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is serviced regularly by local and regional airlines and it takes just 20 minutes to get to the park by car.

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Fly through the sky on Borneo’s biggest zipline located in Tamparuli, Sabah! This self-contained activity park next to the Kiulu River is a wonderful destination for action and excitement especially if you’re embarking on a road trip through Sabah. You can also abseil, white water raft on gentle rapids, go on jungle hikes or release your inner spidey senses on their climbing wall. Stay at the Kiulu River Chalets where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature from your own chalet or rent one of their available hammock spaces to spend the night. Zip Borneo is located about 41 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city.

•• www.zipborneo.com www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.com

Anything is possible at Resorts World Genting - with 100’s of rides, attractions and places to shop and dine for any budget or group size, there are endless hours of fun ahead of you at this massive resort on the peak of Gunung Ulu Kali at 1,800 meters high. Explore the nine worlds or Genting Skyworlds Theme Park or immerse yourself in the weird world of Ripley’s Believe It or Not Adventureland. Head to Skytropolis Indoor Park where the whole family is welcome; Live your gamer dreams out with the Big Top and Vision City video games parks, or try cutting edge virtual reality experiences at Sky VR. Night owls who want to take a break can catch a show, head to a club or bar, or head to one of the many restaurants and shopping outlets that include international brands like Five Guys and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse/Cha Chaan Teng. Genting Highlands is easily accessible via public transport through KL Sentral, or a 50 minute car trip from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre.

•• www.rwgenting.com

Get ready for a world of thrills and spills at Sunway Lagoon. With 90 attractions designed to keep the whole family entertained, the fun really never stops at this iconic park in the heart of Kuala Lumpur/Subang Jaya. Get ready for excitement or frightening adventures, or a wet and wild day at their famous water park attractions. Come nightfall, Sunway Lagoon transforms into the Old West; savor delicious American treats at the Big Guns Saloon and gasp in awe at breath-taking performances by the local cowboys and natives. Onsite accommodation and dining are available so you can maximise your time for fun without leaving Sunway Lagoon! From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you can take an easy 35-minute taxi ride directly there or hop on the quick public transport routes.

•• www.sunwaylagoon.com