ALILA BANGSAR KUALA LUMPUR
Chic and Eco-Friendly
By Jacqueline Benita Paul
We all deserve a little excitement in our lives, in order to escape the humdrum routine of a 9-5 work schedule. To satiate this need, we looked towards Alila Bangsar, the first franchise of the Alila properties in Malaysia. Alila means Surprise in Sanskrit, which suitably describes our sentiments when we found out the 5-star hotel is located on Jalan Ang Seng, nestled on the borders of Bangsar and Brickfields, the location exposes guests to the best of both old and new world nuances with vibrant cultures waiting for to be explored as they walk through the under represented streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond the convenience of the location, the hotel boasts a luxurious contemporary design, courtesy of a Shanghai-based design firm, Neri & Hu, recipient of various accolades including the coveted Maison & Objet 2015 award. We can’t help but bear thoughts of pure admiration and delight as we entered the hotel lobby on Level 41, where the designer duo showcased their talent in creating a clean, minimal yet stylish space with lush foliages to evoke tranquillity and serenity. While waiting to be checked-in, we took a moment to appreciate the unobstructed panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur over a glass of ice tea served by the affable hotel host.
We were seamlessly checked-in to our Deluxe Studio, which brandishes a juxtaposition of subtle tones to complement the natural light from the ceiling-to-floor window and purposeful dark toned furniture to exhibit the practical yet articulate use of space. While there is much to be appreciated about the design of the hotel’s 143 rooms and facilities, Alila Bangsar’s commitment to sustainable practices stands equally as thoughtful as the design of the hotel’s space. Forget the “No Plastic Straws” movement, the road to truly making an impact on the environment has to be a holistic one and Alila has thought this through without compromising the guest’s experience. In the room, plastic bottles containing soaps, shampoos and conditioners are replaced with wooden dispensers. Instead of plastic water bottles, glass water bottles are strategically placed in the room and can be refilled in the common area of each level. The thick hotel guide get a digital upgrade with easy accessibility via the LED television. An ever greater testament to Alila’s commitment to the environment is the breakfast setting at Entier, where guests can enjoy a la carte menu and mini buffet prepared by Chef Masashi Hirouchi who previously worked at the two Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in London.
With a strong focus on advocating local culture and tourism, Alila has also prepared an Alila Experience programme where guests can enjoy unique destination experiences to reveal the city’s hidden gems. Among them are:
Pewter Crafting at Royal Selangor
Kuala Lumpur is the home of Royal Selangor, the world’s foremost name in quality pewter whose history dates back over 130 years. Guests can uncover the secrets of pewtersmithing in a tour of the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, followed by a hands-on workshop at its School of Hard Knocks, learning how to cast, polish and decorate a pewter accessory – a memorable souvenir to bring home.
Kuala Lumpur Food Walk
This guided walk meanders through the back streets and alleys of the city and its suburbs, where guests can discover the city’s hidden food spots and best local eateries. Kuala Lumpur’s melting pot of Indian, Malay and Chinese cultures translates into an exciting array of tastes and flavours just begging to be savoured. A tantalising adventure for food lovers.
Off-The-Road Cooking Class
Guests can indulge in their culinary passion further in a cooking class at the Lazat Cooking School, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in a beautiful jungle setting overlooking the lush Penchala Hills. The morning’s agenda is a trip to a traditional wet market to explore local ingredients, before learning how to cook some authentic Malaysian delicacies in a lovely open-air kitchen. Guests will then enjoy the fruit of their labour for lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature.
City Sky Tour
Those looking for a truly romantic gesture can sweep their sweethearts off their feet with an exhilarating bird’s-eye tour of the city in a private aircraft. Panoramic views of the skyline and its most famous landmarks from hundreds of feet in the air make for the most amazing photos, and an incredible experience to share with that special someone.
Otherwise, if it’s a quiet weekend you’re after, Alila has the quietest room we’ve slept in and the bed is a thing of divinity. Plus, there are plenty of meeting facilities and spots like Pacific Standard and Lido to enjoy craft spirits while overlooking the sublime skyline of the city.
58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
03-2268 3818