Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan | Review | Pahang Tourism

Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan lives up to its tagline, Experience the Difference.

LIGHT FM was playing my favourite John Denver hit, Take Me Home, Country Roads. Very timely, I thought, for my “homecoming” as it had been a number of years since I last stayed at the Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan. Humming along merrily, I gaze at the rustic wooden houses visible through swaying palm trees with intermittent glimpses of the turquoise blue waters of the South China Sea.

Swiss Garden Resort and Spa Kuantan.

I flush with anticipation at the thought of the coming “Experience the Difference” programme in conjunction with their recent refurbishment exercise. In my excitement, I almost miss the signboard stating “Swiss Garden, 500m to the right”. Located in Beserah village and facing the South China Sea, the resort has all the offerings for a laid-back holiday.

Swiss Garden Resort and Spa Kuantan.

Sited on a prime stretch of Balok beach, the resort takes pride in cleaning and combing the beach daily so that guests can leave their footprints on its fine powdery sand without tip-toeing over rubbish. It is also great for games of volleyball, frisbee and telematches. The seawater there is one of the safest in Asia for extreme sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Balok Beach at the resort

Warm And Soothing

Drenched in sweat after a day of fun in the sun, I head back to my spacious, well-lit, warm, inviting room. It has a homely atmosphere with traditional features such as the “anyaman” style décor. The new wood-like flooring with matching wallpaper and furnishings give it a modern look. The private balcony overlooks the South China Sea, pool and garden terrace.

Swimming pool.

My aching muscles prompt me to try out the Samsara Spa. As it is located next to the pool in a lush Balinese garden, I instinctively opt for the outdoor therapy. Lying under a thatched roof, I could feel the soft breeze and the gentle lapping of the waves while hands trained in the ancient art of Balinese massage quickly take me on a journey to nirvana. I wake up fully rejuvenated.

Pleasure And Privacy

In the evenings, a walk around the property lets me admire the newly refurbished lobby with its tall pillars that add a sense of grandeur. The water features with cascading pool and warm lighting soften the otherwise hard concrete feel. What used to be wide open space are now islands of settees and chairs offering some privacy amidst soft sound of trickling water.

What a place and the atmosphere!

The resort’s general manager Anu Kumar said this is the first of its kind in the east coast. But for me, the ultimate pleasure is rising early in the morning to enjoy the cool air and watch the sunrise. The tranquility, interjected with the shrill call of the Red-rumped Swallow, is something I will miss terribly when I leave.

After the quiet sojourn, I head for the Garden Terrace for breakfast. It’s like walking into a “KTM railway yard”. Large railway sleepers and pots blend in with the water elements and the use of earthy colour tones create a timeless ambience. Seated in one of the two cabanas suitable for a family of six is like dining in your own private “island”. Life in Beserah village has changed very little but the Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan, with its new look, is offering an “experience with a difference”.

Getting To Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan

A drive to the resort is about 30 minutes from Kuantan airport and 15 minutes from Kuantan town. From Kuala Lumpur, you can take a drive on the East Coast Expressway or hop onto any of the daily flights.

The Resort

It is located at 2656-2657, Mukim Sungai Karang, Balok Beach, 26100 Beserah, Kuantan, Pahang. It has 304 rooms comprising 111 Deluxe Garden View guest rooms, 134 Deluxe Sea-View guest rooms, 23 Family suites, 16 Studio rooms and 20 Executive suites.

Room Promotions & Other Packages : Swiss Getaway: RM220++ per room per night Swiss Retreats: RM588++ per package (3D/2N) Swiss Meets: RM295++ per person (Single); RM195++ per person (Twin) Facilities include games room, swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi and playground.

Five stars standard!

For details, contact Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan at 09-544 7333, fax 09-544 9555 or email resvns_sgrsk@swissgarden.com

Dining

The Garden Terrace serves western and local food while the Blossom Chinese Restaurant serves halal Sichuan and Cantonese specialities. Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup and chef’s specialties like Baked Butter Prawns and Asparagus in XO Sauce are top favourites.

Swiss-Deli, located at The Blue Chip, offers pastries and cakes. Malibu Club – a thematic bar with a contemporary Fun Pub bistro concept – is a ‘watering hole’ where you can dance to the latest music. Parrot Bar is an ideal place for relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze. There’s also an outdoor karaoke with wide screen.

Article is sourced from http://travel.nst.com.my/

Location, Driving Direction and Map to Swiss Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan