Feringgi Grill @ The Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

During our stay at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Rasa Wing we had twice breakfast at the Feringgi Grill.

Please see also our hotel review. Breakfast is one of the many benefits included when staying in the Rasa Wing section of this memorable resort.

The fine dining restaurant was located on the first floor of the Rasa Wing and could be accessed via staircase or elevator.

We were warmly welcomed and brought to our table. It was round, large and covered with a white linen cloth and near the floor to ceiling windows, so we could enjoy a gorgeous view too.

The interior was elegant with a beautiful carpet.

We were advised that the buffet included all cold items and a menu was available for hot items.

We could request as many a la carte items as we liked.

A friendly waitress took our order for our cappuccinos, orange juice, Eggs Benedict and waffles.

We were asked what consistency of the eggs we wanted, which was a nice touch.

The buffet was on the smaller side, but had everything one could wish for from smoked salmon to yogurt, berries, pastries and much more.

One interesting item was the whole wheat croissant. My better half tried it and said it was very good.

The waffles were an indulgence and the Eggs Benedict one of the best we had so far.

All breakfast items were high quality and delicious.

The staff was attentive and friendly.

Once we were offered to try a typical savory local pastry. I don't remember the name, but we very much enjoyed it.

Breakfast was something to look forward to and beside the overall experience a reason to return.

©2015 

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia

Since it was my birthday during our travels we were looking for special hotels and one, where I would celebrate it.

We looked for something relaxing and luxurious. It was also our wish to visit Penang for years now. We decided to book the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, named after an Indonesian and Malay folk song for two nights. It means something like being loved / beloved.

Next was which room to choose. We could have had many room types in the Garden or Rasa Wing, including a suite.

We were undecided for a while, if we should take the Rasa Deluxe, Premier Room or the suite. The best impression and most suitable room for us was the Premier Room. We liked the size, layout and design of it best, based on photographs online.

We arrived at Penang International Airport from Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines. The flight was pleasant and eventless.

We bought a taxi voucher at the Penang International Airport and paid 74 MYR (ca. 16.60 Euro or 18.50 USD).

The journey took around 50 minutes and was picturesque.

We told our taxi driver to go to the Rasa Wing. It is important to state which wing you have, because there are two entrances.

We were welcomed warmly by the bell captain and door man. They checked if we were on the list of expected guests and invited us inside.

The receptionist brought us to a private area within the Rasa Wing Lounge, where we received a welcome drink and the check in formalities took place.

Interesting to note was the advise leaflet given to us. It informed us that the hotel had taken a pre-authorization of 300 MYR (ca. 63.65 Euro or 71.45 USD) per room per night on our credit card. If we were going to settle the invoice at check out with another credit card or paying in cash the amount would be only released within two to four weeks since it was an international bank transaction.

We arrived just in time for afternoon tea and could have taken part, but we wanted to go to our room, refresh and settle down first.

After all the formalities were taken care of, we were accompanied to our room and given a short tour by the friendly femal staff member. We were advised that the first fill of the minibar (two Coca Colas, two Sprites, two beer and one Kitkat) was free and that the crystal filtered water was complimentary and would be replenished daily. Afterwards we were left alone.

The large room was classic Malay with dark wood and different brown, red and gold shades.

There was an open walk in closet with a vanity table, large wardrobe and storage unit to the left. Staying longer shouldn't be a problem.

The design was intricate. Each closet handle was shaped like a lizard.

A double door led to the bathroom on the right. It was large with double sinks, a huge spa shower and a separate room for the toilet.

The amenities were Shangri-La's own brand and of high quality.

To our surprise we also found an alarm clock in the bathroom.

The spa shower had a huge rainfall shower head, a handheld one and three massage spray jets. The water pressure was always great and there were no complaints of sudden temperature changes.

We loved the Shangri-La amenities. They smelled good, were easy to squeeze out of the little bottles and nourished our skins.

The bathroom was fully marbled and felt very elegant.

Behind the bathroom and walk in closet the room continued with a seating area, including a sofa, chairs and a coffee table, work space and bed.

In the middle, there was a very long writing desk provided as divider. There was also a swiveable flat screen TV with around twenty local and international channels and a DVD player. The hotel has a DVD library.

One of the drawers contained all office supplies imaginable.

Artwork was large locally inspired batik cloth. Very colorful and beautiful alike.

All was very comfortable and we enjoyed spending time on our room.

Another highlight for us was the large balcony with a huge marble bath tub for two, a dining area and a day bed. There were other inhabitants too, like a butterfly and a lizard, living under a lampshade on the balcony.

We overlooked the manicured gardens and had partial sea view. The only thing we could hear were the birds and the waves, which was very romantic.

24 hour in room dining is also available, which we used twice.

The smoothies come highly recommended.

We tried the Penang Laksa, which is a bit messy to eat, but excellent tasting, the spaghetti aglio al olio (very delicious) and the tomato Monte Cristo, fluffy and light.

Once we had the Creme Brulee and each time hot chocolate.

The highest bill came in at 155 MYR, ca. 34 Euro or ca. 37.75 USD.

Besides enjoying in room dinner, we also liked the fruit basket and free snacks, hidden under a typical colorful Malay woven cloche, called a Tudung Saji. On one day we had banana chips and on the following day Beh Teh So, a pastry originating from Penang. It was a crusty biscuit, filled with sweet molasses and glazed with eggwhite and topped with toasted sesame seeds. Both were delicious.

Magazines were available too, including the Malaysia Tattler, Prestige and the TV program.

To keep us up to date about what was going on at the resort, an activities sheet and a map were also provided.

Guests can join Yoga and Tai Chi lessons daily. There are golf competitions and cooking demonstrations as well as Art Attack and many other activities on offer.

Every Friday the hotel employees give a musical performance with traditional Malay gamelan instruments at the Garden Wing.

Antique gamelan instruments are on display at the Garden Wing lobby at all times.

The hotel also supports two charities Penang incl. Shan Children's Home Association and Gift of Life.

The Shangri-La was opened in 1973 and the style is Minangkabau. There is a 40th Anniversary Pavillion in the hotel's grounds. It contains a lot of history and it's fascinating to see how hotel rooms looked in the 1970ies and 1980ies.

You might ask what are the differences between the the Garden Wing and the Rasa Wing. The Garden Wing is better suited for families. It has a large pool and other amenities for children.

The Rasa Wing has a large lounge with lots of inclusions to pamper guests from breakfast at the Feringgi Grill (which is the fine dining restaurant and serves modern grilled cuisine) or the Spice Market Cafe, the international buffet restaurant, to afternoon tea and real cocktails during Happy Hour.

Besides the restaurants there is also the Pinang Bar & Restaurant.

The Rasa Wing pool is adults only.

The wings are connected via the conference centre.

The Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang has a beautiful garden and walkways to CHI, the spa, the pool, the beach, the 9 hole golf course and the sister property Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La. Guests have signing priviliges. Staff can also take customers by golf buggy to the Golden Sands Resort.

A shuttle bus to George Town  is offered too.

We didn't go to the city, because we were splitting our holiday between Batu Ferringhi and George Town. A review of the Blue Mansion - A Cheung Fatt Tze Legacy, by Samadhi is going to follow.

Instead we explored our neighborhood, our hotels and the gardens.

On our first day we joined the Happy Hour.

We were impressed by the large Rasa Wing Lounge, which has different seating areas, a selection of magazines and books, a reception desk and an area set up for serving snacks throughout the day and appetizers during Happy Hour.

The lounge had oriental touches, tradtional artwork and colorful sofas and chairs. Guests could also sit outside on the terrace.

Since all the indoor seating was taken we were brought to the terrace. Originally we thought it would be too hot, but it was a balmy evening and comfortable to sit outside. We liked it so much the next evening we were happy to take a seat on the terrace, enjoying the romantic atmosphere and excellent drinks. The sunsets were magnificent, enhanced by the kitesurfers and the garden. Time couldn't be better spent with a loved one or with family.

We tried a few cocktails (Cuba Libre, Sapphire Summer), Ruggeri Prosecco, a wide choice of salads including Greek Salad, sweets (The profiteroles and the macaroons come highly recommended.), fish and many other things. All was delicious. Staff was attentive and couldn't do enough for us.

The "locals", birds in this case, took part in the Happy Hour too. When guests left, the birds swooped down onto the tables and snatched the chicken wings. They weren't very fond of the fried fish, though.

Most of our fellow guests were from the region - some couples, some families with small children -, intermixed with a few Western couples and a family with teenage kids.

The next morning we went to the Feringgi Grill for breakfast. A more expansive review is going to follow. Let's just say the meal wasn't a disappointment. Our breakfasts here were indeed very memorable for the right reasons.

Later I had an appointment at the CHI Spa. I had chosen the Rasa Asmaradana, a Sense of Place massage. The spa has it's own entrance and eleven treatment bungalows in Peranakan style and a village feel. I was offered tea or flavored water while waiting for my therapist.

My bungalow had two entrances, the one to the right led to the changing room including shower and toilet, to the left was the treatment room. I enjoyed my massage and was relaxed afterwards.

I felt pampered and the location and architecture was romantic.

The treatment lasted 1 hour 15 minute and cost 330 MYR (ca. 70 Euro or 78.60 USD).

The gym was located at the Rasa Wing and well used.

Afterwards we had afternoon tea. He had a cappuccino, while I had the TehTarik. There were plenty of delightful sandwiches, scones, Bonne Maman jams and cakes. The presentation was very beautiful and the treats tasty, plus the service was friendly at all times.

When we returned from the Happy Hour to our room staff had left behind a decadent chocolate birthday cake for me. It was very large, so we could only eat a quarter or so.

Turn down arrived every night and included bookmarks with excerpts from James Hilton's Lost Horizon and a plant print. The chain is named after Shangri-La, an earthly paradise, in the book. I believe the name is well chosen.

Too soon check out arrived. It was done efficient and with a smile. A taxi was organized within minutes and so we could begin our adventure in George Town.

Would we return? Definitely. The hotel is heaven on earth based on our romantic setting, excellent cuisine, comfort and luxury of the whole property and the friendly and attentive staff.

©2015 

Jealousy

This story builds on to "The Real Andreas Lucarini". Hope you like it.

Andreas Lucarini stared at his boyfriend Augustus Shelton and their friend Coldham Fintan Noose III. Andreas’s blood was boiling with jealousy. Augustus, who was tall, lanky and African American with cinnamon colored skin, kissed Fin, as their friend was nicknamed, on both cheeks. Andreas didn’t like it one bit.

Besides he was hung over and Augustus’s good mood got on his nerves. Andreas, who had red hair and green eyes, hadn’t also approved of Augustus calling Fin his sunshine just before kissing him. Andy, as Andreas preferred to be called, had met Augustus thanks to hitting on Fin, who let him down gently by saying he was straight and happily married. Frieda, Fin’s wife, had thought that their mutual friend Augustus would be an ideal match, so Fin arranged a meeting of Augustus and Andy without letting the others know they were set up. It had worked perfectly well.

Suddenly Andy wasn’t so sure if Fin had been telling the truth. When Andy had first met Fin he had been certain Fin was gay. Maybe Fin was a closet homosexual and his lover was Augustus. Andy and Augustus had agreed to a monogamous relationship. Andy would have been very disappointed if Augustus was unfaithful. Normally Andy wasn’t jealous, but Fin was so attractive, Andy could have understood if Augustus and Fin were fuck buddies.

Fin had noticed Andy’s dark glares and tried to re-assure him. "Don't worry, I won't have Augustus for dessert. He's a long term friend and nothing else." "You kissed him!" "Wrong. He kissed me and believe me I would be more than happy if he wouldn't do that. I'm not into men." Andy lowered his eyes. He tried hard to hide his feelings. He was still jealous. Fin sighed. He was blond and had blue grey eyes. There were a few things Andy found interesting about Fin. He was good looking, had dress sense and was fit. Fin was generous and honest. Another remarkable feature were Fin’s eyes. They changed color, depending on his mood. Sometimes to Andy’s chagrin, Fin seemed to be able to read other people’s mind. Now didn’t seem to be different. Fin didn’t try to convince Andy he wasn’t interested in Augustus. Instead he tucked into his scrambled eggs and kept quiet.

After breakfast Augustus and Fin were washing up. Andy felt another stab of jealousy, when Fin whispered something into Augustus’s ear. Was it something endearing or a love declaration? It seemed to please Augustus, who smiled at Fin. It hurt to see those two so close.

When it was time for Fin to leave for Seattle, Augustus and Andy accompanied Fin downstairs to say good bye. Of course Augustus had to kiss Fin again. Andy had enough. He grabbed his boyfriend, saw off Fin and pushed Augustus inside. Augustus protested. Andy pressed his lips tight together and dragged his boyfriend along. Back at the apartment Andy asked straight forward: “Do you and Fin have sex?” At first Augustus was totally perplexed. His jaw dropped. Then Augustus could barely contain the laughter bubbling up. It was amusing to imagine Fin’s reaction if Augustus really tried to make love. Andy saw Augustus’s lips twitch before turning serious. “No. He is my best friend. I’m not attracted to him and he’s straight for that matter. He would kill me if I made any sexual advances. Well, maybe not kill me, but ignore me for the rest of our lives.” “Why do you touch him, then, and give him smooches? It drives me mad and makes me think you want to be with him instead of me!” “Oh, no, darling, don’t feel that way!” Augustus replied. “It’s not my intention to hurt you. I’m just having some fun teasing Fin and see how far I can go. You are the one and only for me.” Augustus stroked Andy’s cheek softly and his eyes lit up the way they only did when he saw Andy or thought about him, so Andy believed him and was pacified. Augustus promised to try and keep in mind how his interactions with Fin made Andy feel and managed to turn his flirting a bit down. Both Fin and Andy appreciated it.

 
©2015

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill Dawson Street, Dublin, Ireland

Being under way in the city of Dublin, Ireland we were hungry and decided spontaneously to go to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill on Dawson Street. Dawson Street is near Trinity College and just off Grafton Street.

We were arriving at a time when it was quiet, so getting a table without reservation wasn’t a problem, but we had to vacate it within 2 hours.

The restaurant is beautifully designed with monochrome colors in black and white, classic chandeliers, a huge flower arrangement and lots of photographs. Guests can also sit outside.

We were brought to our table inside and given the a la carte and value menu and the wine list. The value menu was attractively priced. A one course cost 16.95 Euro (ca. 19.10 USD), a two course is 21.95 Euro (ca. 24.70 USD) and a three course 26.95 Euro, ca. 35.35 USD.

After some discussion we ordered a large bottle of still Irish water. He had the three course, while I chose the 2 course menu.

Before our appetizers arrived we received a bread basket and butter.

He started with Bayonne Ham and melon, while I had the Caprese Salad.

The melon was juicy and the ham delicious.

The tomato – some of them were rarer like Baby Plum Tomatoes and Grape Tomatoes -, basil and mozzarella combination worked well.

His main course was Chicken Milanese, served with chips and a rocket / parmesan salad.

My grilled Sea Bass came with a large mixed salad and samphire.

We shared his dessert, a Valhrona chocolate and peanut butter cake with ice cream and biscuit crumbs. The only criticism would be about the crumbs. They didn’t necessarily enhance the dessert and could be left out. The thought behind it could have been, though, to add more texture or a decoration. Otherwise the cake and ice cream were decadent and moreish.

The whole meal was very enjoyable.

He had also a Chateaux Jolys dessert wine to round up the late lunch. He liked it and described part of the notes as apricot or peach and the wine as very light and refreshing.

The bill came in at 58.65 Euro (ca. 66 USD).

The staff was friendly and attentive.

We would return again based on the good experience.

©2015

Carluccio's, Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, United Arab Emirates

Originally we had assumed our flights would leave on both occasions from Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, the A Gates and had planned to go to Carluccio’s and Jack’s. It didn’t work out that way. We left to Kuala Lumpur at the B Gates, but were lucky in this regard on the way to Dublin.

We thought the time was going to be a bit tight to go to Jack’s so we headed for Carluccio’s.

We were welcomed with a smile and brought to a table in front of the open kitchen.

The interior was contemporary.

Originally we wanted to order juices, but they were already finished, so we had two still Al Ain water, one Penne Arrabiata, a Pizza Salami and one Amarena cherry ice cream Sundae.

The staff was efficient and friendly.

Our meal arrived quickly and was hot and fresh. It was delicious and the arrabiata not too spicy. The Sundae wasn’t too sweet and very indulgent.

We paid 183 AED (ca. 45.15 Euro or ca. 49.85 USD).

We enjoyed our visit, so we would return again, when connecting or departing from Terminal 3, the A Gates.

©2015

Dome Cafe Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

Before our return flight from Kuala Lumpur via Dubai to Dublin we had a meal at Dome Cafe at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The restaurant had a take away section and a seating area with waiter service. It was kept in dark furniture and felt colonial. We were brought to our table. After studying the menu we decided to have a regular and large chai latte and one portion of spaghetti aglio al olio.

Service was quick and friendly.


The drinks were hot and both generous sizes. The spice mix was just right.

The pasta dish looked very upscale and colorful. It was delicious too. It seemed passersby agreed, because nearly all glanced at the plate.

The bill came in at 69 MYR (ca. 16.15 Euro or 17.65 USD).

In future we would return to this Dome outlet and others as well.

©2015 

Sama-Sama Hotel Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

When we planned our travel we wanted to stay at the Sama-Sama KLIA before and after our flights, because our previous experience ca. one and a half years earlier was very good. This review will include our 2nd, 3rd and 4th stay. If you want to read more about the facilities, please see the review from our first stay.

The hotel has also won Best Luxury Airport Hotel in Asia in 2013.

The decision what to book had been made for us, because the only room type available was a room on the Premier Floor with Premier Lounge access. One and a half years earlier it was the whole opposite and we were a bit disappointed, because we would have been even at that time interested in the Premier Floor.

Since there was no information available on the website about the inclusions at the lounge we sent an email to the hotel. We received a quick, courteous reply with all the benefits included.

We had three different locations for our check in. The first was at the baggage claim area of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. We received a map and directions to the buggy pick up point of the hotel and the room keys.

Another time we had check in at the Lobby Level of the Sama-Sama and once at the Premier Floor Lounge.

No matter where we checked in all staff were friendly and efficient.

Our rooms were located on the 9th floor. One had views over the entrance and the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC) – like the lounge did on the same level -, the other two overlooked a soccer field and the runway.

We could also see planes arriving and taking off when we had views over the ATC, but there was much more activity on the other side.

The rooms seemed a bit larger than the standard rooms. The design was similar, though. The color scheme was black, red, brown, gold, modern Asian.

There was a large wardrobe, flat screen TV and credenza, a writing desk with a stylish lamp, a king sized bed and a chaise lounge.

The TV channels were regional and international. Our favorite was the Asian Food Channel.

The artwork was photographs of different islands and locations within Malaysia in selective colors.

There was also a coffee table with magazines, including Vision KL and KL100.

The decoration had Malay influences and colorful pillows added to the homey feel of the room.   

All lights and blinds work via an iPad or on the touch of a button.

In at least two of our rooms we had a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf coffee machine. It wasn’t as easy to handle as a Nespresso machine, but we worked it out quickly and the results were delicious. We tried the Chai and the Viennese blend.

A mini bar and 24 hours in room dining was also available.

The free WIFI internet access was quick and reliable.

Juices were priced at 19 to 28 MYR (ca. 4.50 Euro or 4.95 USD to 6.65 Euro / 7.30 USD), Evian or Perrier water at 20 MYR (ca. 4.75 Euro or ca. 5.20 USD) and Tiger Beer for 39 MYR, ca. 9.25 Euro or ca. 10.15 USD.

Free water was daily provided.

In room dining incl. international and local main courses started from 46 MYR (ca. 11 Euro or 12 USD).

Moving on to the bathrooms. They were slightly different. Our first bathroom had a bath tub and separate shower. The other two a large shower only. They were all white and orange tiled and felt spacious and modern.

Bathroom amenities were by Tanamera, a Malaysian company. The products were paraben free. We liked them very much, they smelled nicely and were of high quality.

All wake up calls we received were punctual – two were automated, one was personal.

The Premier Lounge was large with a classic interior and like the lobby festively decorated for Eid Mubarak. The artwork was contemporary and colorful.

There was an internet corner, a small library with books and travel and lifestyle magazines.

Guests could choose between restaurant and bar style seating.

The reception desk faced directly the elevator bank and added additional security and a warm welcome when arriving. Lifts were only accessible by entering the keycard in a slot.

During Happy Hour wine and other alcoholic beverages were served. We tried the Merlot and the Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were very good and enjoyable.

There were three to four hot items available, some dishes were local others international, like the chicken burger sliders, Teriyaki beef skewers, chicken goujons or fish and much more.

Guests could choose from a cold selection as well, like crudities, cold cuts, cheese, salad, antipasti, different types of bread, fruits and cakes.

At the entrance of the lounge is also a mini fridge. Guests can take soft drinks and water for free away. It doesn’t have to be consumed in the lounge.

The Premier Lounge offerings could easily replace dinner.

Breakfast was served buffet style for cold items and egg dishes, pancakes and French Toast were made to order.

The quality was high and everything delicious.

The staff was attentive and friendly.

After our second stay the experience got tailor made. We were recognized by the buggy drivers, the bell captain, the receptionist and the staff of the Premier Lounge.

Somehow the hotel figured out we preferred the view over the runway and a coffee machine over a bath tub, so the second and third room fit us better, or that we wouldn’t have additional spend in the hotel, because all our needs were covered.

We will definitely stay here again in the future and recommend this hotel to anyone who's looking for a superior experience at KLIA.

We like many aspects at the Sama-Sama, from the friendly and efficient service, the food, the free buggy rides from the airport to the hotel and verse visa, the comfort of the rooms, the beautiful gardens and the pool, the check in facility at the luggage claim area of KLIA and the bathroom amenities.

I think the Sama-Sama has improved since our first stay in November 2013. There was a time when the hotel was known to be the Pan Pacific Hotel KLIA but this was before our first stay. The hotel changed over from being a Pan Pacific to the local Sama-Sama brand in early 2013.

©2015