Hotel Review: Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, Kuala Lumpur

Staycations rank high on my kids' list of favorite things to do. We recently had a great staycation at Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, KL. It is centrally located near the KL Sentral area and less than a 30-minute drive away from home for us.

There are a total of 357 rooms and suites in the hotel. For the duration of our stay, we were booked into a 2-bedroom club suite on the 20th floor, the highest category room at the hotel. To access the hotel rooms, only guests with key cards can access their respective floors.

Also known as the family suite, this spacious 150 square metres suite can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 kids. There are 2 queen-sized beds in the first bedroom and another king-sized bed in the other room.  There is a 32" LCD flat-screen TV in every room and also one in the separate living area. There are also 2 bathrooms (2 showers, 2 toilets, 4 vanity counters and 1 bath tub in total). The suite also comes with a kitchenette, with coffee/tea making facilities, mini bar and complimentary drinking water. Complimentary wifi is available in all rooms and public areas of the hotel for hotel guests.

Some of the attractions located nearby are National Museum, Central Market, Little India Brickfields, KL Bird Park, KL Butterfly Park and Nu Sentral shopping mall. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to KLCC, KL Sentral and Midvalley Megamall.

Separate living area with a spacious work desk

King-sized bed in second bedroom

Comfortable beds - our Penguin & Hello Kitty making themselves at home.

Bathroom no.1 with separate shower, bathtub and Best Western branded amenities

A bathtub is a must during our staycations!

 Plush bathrobes

Kitchenette

Welcome amenity - thanks for the 3-tier of goodies!

We like the modern interior of the suites - very nice and sleek!

The swimming pools are located on the 6th floor. There is an infinity (adult) pool and also a kids pool. You get a really great view from up here on a clear day - you can see both KL Tower and the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers from here. Copious amounts of fun were had here! :)

View from the pool area

Infinity pool

We certainly had a great time here :)

Cool bird cage showers at the pool side

The gym/fitness centre and Bhuvana Spa Luxe is also located on the same level as the pool. Bhuvana Spa Luxe offers a wide range of massage therapies, body treatments (scrubs and wraps), facial treatments and Bhuvana blends (spa treatment combinations) as well as manicure and pedicures. I had an ultra-relaxing massage here.

There are 3 restaurants and a lounge at the hotel. Kembali Kitchen is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant which serves both International and Asian cuisine (a la carte or buffet). We had our breakfast here as well as lunch on one occasion. Hugo's on 6 is located on the same level as the swimming pool, and offers Mediterranean cuisine as well as steamboat and BBQ on select days. Grill 582 is the hotel's fine dining restaurant, serving the finest meat cuts and seafood, and is only open for dinner. Punch Bar & Lounge offers pre- and post-dinner cocktails (happy hour between 6-8pm) as well as afternoon tea.

Nasi goreng from Kembali Kitchen

BBQ at Hugo's on 6

Sunset from Hugo's on 6

Grill 582

Delicious steaks at Grill 582

English afternoon tea at Punch Bar & Lounge

Verdict: Hotel in a great location. Rooms are spacious, modern, well-maintained and the rates are very reasonable. Good selection of F&B outlets, nice spa and swimming pool with a great view. 


Thank you to Best Western Premier Dua Sentral for the kind invitation to stay at the hotel.


See other posts related to Best Western Premier Dua Sentral:
Bhuvana Spa Luxe Spa Review
BBQ Sensation at Hugo's on 6
Lunch at Kembali Kitchen
Grill 582
English afternoon tea at Punch Bar & Lounge

Check-in time 3pm, check-out time 11am. Flat parking fee for in-house guests at RM8/car/day.


Room rates start from RM239 for deluxe room.

Location: Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, 8, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: 03- 2272 8888

Join their Facebook page here.

GPS Coordinates: 3.136185,101.693356


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Spa Review: Bhuvana Spa Luxe, Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, KL

Shortly after checking in at Best Western Premier Dua Sentral KL for our family staycation,  I visited the Bhuvana Spa Luxe for some pampering and me-time.  The spa is located on the 6th floor (go past the kid's pool through a set of doors and turn right) of the hotel.

Welcome drink while I browsed through the spa menu

The spa receptionist warmly greets me and explains the different treatments that Bhuvana Spa Luxe offers. You can find a range of massage therapies, body treatments (scrubs and wraps), facial treatments and Bhuvana blends (spa treatment combinations) as well as manicure and pedicures. The spa menu here can be viewed here.

The most popular treatment here is the Bhuvana Signature Massage (60 minutes RM200++, 90 minutes RM280++), a specialized combination of techniques designed exclusively for Bhuvana. This massage is a combination of Thai massage, foot reflexology and long stroke massage movement, kneading through the energy line with herbal oils. The receptionist explained that it is great for those suffering from sore muscles and jet lag. I'll have this massage then, thank you very much! :)

After finishing my welcome drink, my spa therapist escorted me to one of the treatment rooms. My spa therapist then got straight to business and commenced the massage. For this massage, the Manas essential oil (made from kaffir lime and lemongrass) is used – it is said to warm and energize your body and is good for sore muscle. Overall, I enjoyed the strong pressure of this massage - I was rejuvenated and my body muscles felt less tense and more relaxed.

There is currently a promotion "Spa Escapades" designed for couples (check for current rate here) and includes stay, breakfast and massage for 2 pax. Great value for money! In house guests can also enjoy 20% discount on all types of 60 minutes massage from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Opening times: 8am to 11.00pm.

Price: RM200++ for the 60-minutes Bhuvana Signature Massage. 

Location: Bhuvana Spa Luxe, 6th floor, Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, 8, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +603 2272 8888 ext 8772

Website: http://www.bwpduasentralkualalumpur.com/


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Hotel Review: Gaya Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia

Gaya Island Resort, a luxury resort by YTL Hotels is located in Sabah within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and the shores of Pulau Gaya. Beautiful sandy beaches and lush rainforest paired with luxurious accommodation and great hospitality makes Gaya Island Resort a wonderful holiday destination for all.

Gaya Island Resort is ideal for families, couples or simply anyone looking for a memorable vacation.

A few months back, we were here for a family getaway and we had a truly amazing time. My kids were so mesmerized by the whole experience and we definitely made many memories which we can fondly look back on in future.

To get to Gaya Island Resort from Kuala Lumpur, you can either fly via Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia to  Kota Kinabalu International Resort. Private transfers via luxury sedan or MPV for families between Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Sutera Harbour Marina can be arranged. We were then escorted to the lounge and refreshed with a welcome treat (lovely sorbet) while being checked in to the resort. Then, it is another 10-15 minutes ride in a speedboat to the resort.

Sutera Harbour Marina

On the speedboat - towards Gaya Island Resort

We were greeted by a natural sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. Breathtaking! There are a total of 121 villas and suites, set amidst lush greenery. The resort's architecture respects local Sabahan elements, by using local materials and blending harmoniously with the natural environment while villa interiors are designed with a contemporary elegance.

We have arrived!

There are 3 types of villas here - Bayu Villa, Canopy Villa and Kinabalu Villa, each offering a different view (either the mangrove, canopy, tropical rainforest and the South China Sea). There is also a 188square metre 2-bedroom Suria Suite.

Luxurious, comfortable beds

Large bath tub and two vanity units in each villa

Mangosteen toiletries

We stayed in the Kinabalu Villa, which has the best views in the resort of the South China Sea, and on a clear day, Mount Kinabalu can also be seen. The 47 square metre villa is luxuriously appointed and features a spacious bedroom, a writing desk, a safe box, a flat screen television with satellite channels, a large open bathroom with an oversized bathtub and two vanity units, and an outdoor verandah with day beds. There is complimentary wifi in the resort, however in the villas, connection may be temperamental.

Outdoor verandah, perfect for chilling

View from our room

Our kids were very excited when they saw their beautiful room and the huge bathtub (which they spent hours in on rainy evenings!). We also love waking up early in the mornings (before 6am!) to catch the sunrise and on our last morning, we were rewarded with a view of Mount Kinabalu plus a beautiful sunrise.

Beautiful sunrise

As Gaya Island Resort is committed to minimise the carbon footprint within its environment, it is therefore a walking resort. From the resort lobby/beach front to our villa is a 10-minute leisurely walk.  There is a 40-metre lap pool with floating cabanas fronting the beach and a wading pool for the kids at Gaya Island Resort.  Every morning after breakfast, our kids would go down to the beach by the Feast Village and play in the sand or just run at the beach. So peaceful here! Do remember to bring your sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Pool

Pretty girl by the pool

Happy moments

Beautiful, clean beaches

Jump if you're happy!

Other than the main beach, there is also another private beach at Tavajun Bay. This tranquil beach is a 5-minute boat ride from the resort. Lunch is available here from 12.00pm to 3.30pm or a picnic basket could be arranged. At Tavajun Bay you will also find the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre which main goals are turtle rescue and rehabilitation, coral reef restoration and conservation through education.

Picnic by the beach

There is also a Library located between the Gymnasium and Feast Village and several relaxation chambers for those who want some quiet time. Board games are available at the library. There is also a kids play room as well as KuRi-KuRi (meaning 'play' in the local Bajau language) Kids Club whereby half day programmes are available to keep young adventurers occupied with activities and games designed to nurture creativity and educate on the natural surroundings. 

In the resort, there are a myriad of dining selections. Feast Village offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, Pool Bar & Lounge offers a light bite for lunch as well as evening cocktails, and Fisherman's Cove serves fresh seafood for dinner (children under 16 not allowed).

Feast Village

Fisherman's Cove, serving fresh seafood with a view of the sea and Mount Kinabalu

There are also a host of interesting and unique activities to experience the cultural heritage of the region such as snorkelling explorations, guided nature walks, The Borneo Culinary Journey and Singgah Singgarung. Singgah Singgarung showcases the traditional Borneo life,thorugh native arts, leaf-weaving, traditional bamboo dance as well as trying local snacks and a local rice wine called lihing. There is also a Spa Village at the resort, a unique spa hideaway set in the mangroves which offer indulgent treatments that reflect the cultural healing traditions of Sabah's indigeneous people. 

Learning how to make local handicrafts from leaves

Tribal games

Guided nature walk

Our green friend

Daniel's first snorkelling experience

With resident marine biologist, Scott Mayback who was also our snorkelling guide

Kadazan Tribal Dinner, a private dining experience whereby we were treated to a tribal-style BBQ (moved indoors to Feast Village due to the rain) with live entertainment (Kadazan music, fire-eater and shooting with a blowpipe)

Fresh seafood 

The Borneo Culinary Journey - a fun cooking class which we thoroughly enjoyed

Spa Village Gaya Island - for a pampering, relaxing experience

Thank you to YTL Hotels for this wonderful experience.

Do check out their special packages here - resident's package from RM775++ per room per night, stay 3 pay 2 from RM800++ per room per night and more.


See other posts related to Gaya Island Resort here:
Hello from Paradise!
Gaya Island Marine Centre
Feast Village
Pool Bar & Lounge
The Borneo Culinary Journey
Spa Village Gaya Island


Website: http://www.gayaislandresort.com/

Location: Gaya Island Resort, Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia.


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