Mention the words Kuala Lumpur (KL) and vacation to most people and what instantly comes to mind is seriously indulgent shopping and names like Bukit Bintang.
The latter - the Malaysian capital's main shopping belt - is home to malls like Berjaya Times Square, Sungai Wang Plaza, Lot 10 and the Pavilion, which only debuted in October last year.
So naturally, the idea of staying some 30-minutes drive away from the heart of the retail action didn't resonate too well with me initially.
But after a short stint at Holiday Inn Glenmarie Kuala Lumpur, I was persuaded otherwise for I had stumbled on an alternative way to enjoy KL - a combination of shopping and resort-style serenity - the 'best of both worlds' to some degree.
Bearing in mind the 'needs' of shoppers, the hotel has worked out a complimentary shuttle service starting out as early as 10am, and covers the main shopping destinations like Bukit Bintang and One Utama, which should suffice for most
Regardless, the property offers an ideal respite from the city hustle and at the same time, a wealth of recreational activities, from golfing to an award-winning spa, things which most KL in-city hotels would be unable to provide.
Stepping into the open-air hotel lobby, one's attention is instantly drawn to a series of giant oscillating 'palm-leaf' fans perched on the high ceiling, which provide for a circulation of cool fresh air during check-in, even in the sometimes sweltering KL afternoon heat.
Unlike properties in the city, space is a luxury that Holiday Inn Glenmarie can well afford, being sprawled over a massive 350-acre land area which includes two 18-hole golf courses.
The Valley and Garden courses of The Glenmarie Golf and Country Club - which hotel guests are given playing access to - form a wide expanse of greenery soothing to the eyes, and a scenic backdrop for many of the hotel's facilities, from the 260 guest rooms to the Andana spa.
Golfing enthusiasts will be happy to know that both courses are designed by master craftsman Max Wexler, and each offers contrastingly different challenges - one dominated by rolling hills and water bodies, the other dramatic downhill and uphill terrain.
For non-golfers like me, sitting at the Glen Lounge - which overlooks the hotel's free-form swimming pool and the green - is a delight in itself. Just adjacent to the lobby, the open-air lounge features causal arm chairs and a muted-colour décor, providing for an ideal 'chill-out' place.
Award winning coffee barista and bartender Karthi Munisamy is at the helm for your drinking needs - alcoholic, juices, mocktails, coffee and teas. Sample one of Karthi's creations - the Glenmarie Coffee Toffee, an ice-blended espresso in a creamy cappuccino mix, with a dash of nutty Amaretto syrup.
It's a bittersweet thick concoction - perfect for a warm afternoon.
In between shopping sojourns, I took some time to check out the Andana Spa and its interesting RM148++ (S$64++) 'all-day' spa package, which includes one session of massage, and unlimited use of the saunas, steam rooms, therapy pools, and reading and movie lounges!
Food and beverages are also provided all day, but the former - which consisted mainly of simple, café-style fare - did not appeal so favourably to my palate.
Still, with a view overlooking the golf course (again), the spa does feel like a welcome haven, and the all-day package makes it feel less like you have a 'spa appointment' but rather you are spending some well-deserved downtime in a nice place.
Go, unwind, and leave when you're ready and rested.
The package offers two kinds of massages, Aromatherapy and Shiatsu. Do discuss with the therapists present about which might suit you better.
After having a long work week leading up to the trip, I felt the Aromatherapy would be a 'smoother', less demanding experience. But after the session and a post-treatment discussion with a friend, I realised the Shiatsu-style would have been more suitable in working on the pressure points and problematic muscles.
Hotel guests who prefer a more vigorous body 'workout' have access to two indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, four squash courts, a gymnasium, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, all conveniently located in walking distance at The Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.
Pool and gymnasium usage is free, but charges apply for the rest.
In review, Holiday Inn Glenmarie Kuala Lumpur is an ideal place to stay for those who want to have a balanced mix of shopping and chill-out.
The wealth of recreational activities - from the spa to golfing facilities - negates some of the distance issues the hotel has from the key KL shopping belts, which in turn can be taken care of by a complimentary hotel shuttle service or private taxis that can be arranged.
But for those who want to be in thick of the retail action throughout and see their hotels as mere places to rest their shopper-weary legs, then staying in the city centre may be a wiser choice.
The writer's trip was courtesy of Holiday Inn. Transport arrangements courtesy of Hertz.
