Hotels & Resorts: Gloria Residences

Beating the Heat at Gloria Residences

Text by SHAHIDA SAKERI Images by GLORIA RESIDENCES ION DELEMEN GENTING HIGHLANDS

As the dry and hot weather in the Klang Valley intensifies, so does my hibernation mode. I often find myself cocooned in the comfort of my home, dreaming of a more pleasant weather like spring in a wisteria-draped London. But then I start to feel restless, and since Europe is far away from where I am currently based, I made a quick escape to the closest destination with cooler climate that I could think of: Genting Highlands.

My abode there is Gloria Residences Ion Delemen Genting Highlands, the slick serviced-apartments approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by verdant rainforest. Naturally, serenity is included in the stay experience – one might wake up to the sight of misty highlands, so peaceful that the only noises you hear at the balcony would be the chirping birds and occasional chatters of the guests lounging at the Sky Garden. Even the lobby smells lovely, swaying guests into an absolute calmness.

The residences encapsulate 331 unassuming units ranging from Deluxe Studio to Four Bedroom Penthouse. Mine is the former: a contemporary lodging decorated in various shades of grey. A coffee table and sofa make a cosy area for downtime in front of the television, while refreshments can be sourced from the tea and coffee facility. If that’s not enough, a convenient store is also available nearby for guests to stock up their snacks. Safety box, refrigerator, hairdryer, iron and ironing board come as standard as well; of course, the laundry service is available to compensate the absence of washing machine in each unit. Rosslyn France is the brand of choice for the property’s bath amenities – perhaps a tad too strong-scented for sensitive users.

The property boasts all of the perks of a hotel, from concierge service to housekeeping, yet is more spacious than an average hotel. Active guests would enjoy the well-equipped fitness centre, while families will find the Kid’s Club a fun area to let their little ones roam free. To relax and unwind during the stay, head to the sauna or the heated indoor swimming pool lined with plentiful loungers overlooking the First World Plaza. At the outdoor, guests can enjoy the property’s nature walk, flying fox and rock-climbing activities available for booking at the front desk. To cater to their corporate guests, the property also offers 12 meeting rooms suitable for events or functions of various sizes.

Breakfast at the all-day-dining restaurant, HOME, is a traditional spread including Malaysian classics, made-to-order eggs, cereals and plenty other selections that should satisfy most; as for lunch, I enjoyed a chicken sandwich with a cup of handcrafted coffee at the deli-style Hotspot. At night, I dined at The Tavern in the Sky with the beautiful cinematic view of the Titiwangsa Range, framed by its large floorto-ceiling windows. The restaurant specialises in Thai food, and in all honesty, I think the meals served there are some of the best Thai food I’ve ever tasted. The chicken feet skin salad was exceptional, while the chilli lime steam squid (Thai Assam style) explodes with flavours, leaving me intoxicated from each bite. For guests who prefer Western or Chinese offerings, Kembali Kitchen, which is located next door, also does not disappoint and is often packed with satisfied patrons.

During my stay, I noticed that the property has a diverse team that takes care of the guests – from the front desk to those manning the restaurants – all consistently demonstrate friendliness and efficiency to make sure that each guest has a memorable experience. Venturing out is not complicated, either, since there is a shuttle bus that takes guests to the First World Plaza, where abundance of entertainment and shopping indulgences await. It is also the place where one can take a short cable car ride to Genting Premium Outlet.

The residences are often fully-booked on weekends, but I reckon, it is going to be a lot more popular once the nearby theme park by Genting is officially launched. The new G-Luxe by Gloria Genting Highlands is also set to open in November 2019, giving guests more accommodation options when staying in Genting Highlands.

For more information about Gloria Residences Ion Delemen Genting Highlands, please visit www.gloriahotels.com/hotel.do?id=104&lg=1