Reflecting Shangri-La’s world-renowned style, grace and exemplary service, the Rasa Sayang has long been a favourite in Penang. Set on Batu Ferringhi beach, the resort has an air of luxury, peace and tranquillity; yet you’ll be moments from the lively market and just 20 minutes from historic George Town. There are two pools here – one is exclusively for the use of Rasa Wing guests over 16 years old – as well as the secluded CHI, The Spa, and a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course. The resort’s restaurants have everything from fine dining to refreshing poolside snacks. If you stay in the Garden Wing, a buffet breakfast will be served at the Spice Market Café. If you opt for a Rasa Wing Room, you can choose to dine either here or enjoy an à la carte breakfast at the Feringgi Grill. The Feringgi Bar is open throughout the evening and is an idyllic spot for pre or post-dinner drinks. For an al fresco lunch or dinner, head to the poolside Pinang Restaurant and Bar, which serves light meals and drinks and has views out over the sea and a daily happy hour. At the Fun, Interactive, Play Lounge (FIP), chill out and enjoy the laid-back ambience. In the Garden Wing, choose either a Deluxe Garden View Room or Deluxe Seaview Room. If you opt for a Rasa Wing Room, you’ll have access to the exclusive lounge, where afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served, alongside a whole host of other privileges such as express check-in and use of the Rasa Wing Pool.
Many cities around the world have that one hotel that’s steeped in history and evokes memories of a bygone era. Singapore has Raffles and Rangoon has The Strand, while in Penang’s vibrant capital Georgetown, it’s the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, an island institution. Since opening its doors 130 odd years ago, the E&O has welcomed illustrious guests from world-famous playwrights and authors to royalty. The architecture and décor reflects its late 19th-Century colonial beginnings with a striking Moorish Revival façade, grand staircases, antique furnishings and light and airy corridors with arched windows. The hotel has two buildings – the original Heritage Wing and the Victory Annexe which was a 21st-Century addition. The former wing went through extensive renovations recently but lost none of its grandeur and sophisticated air. There’s a striking swimming pool which is exclusively for the use of Heritage Wing and Corner Suite guests which has views of the Straits of Malacca and the mainland coast. There’s also The Cornwallis, an exclusive lounge where breakfast and evening canapés and cocktails are served, and Palm Court, the venue where a traditional English afternoon tea is served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The modern Victory Annexe loses none of the old-world charm of the original building but the designers had the contemporary traveller in mind. There’s a fitness centre, a sea-view infinity pool on the sixth floor and a museum that charts the history of Penang and the hotel itself. This modern wing is also home to the buffet restaurant, Sarkies, and the cosy Planters Lounge. The suites at E&O are stylishly designed with a mix of modern and light tones, antique furnishings, natural wood floors and partially marble bathrooms. Some of the suites, such as the Deluxe and Premier Suites, overlook the Straits of Malacca, while others like the George Town Suites have city views. We love the vintage-style roll top baths and more heritage vibes in the Straits Suites and Writers Suites. Over in the Victory Annexe are the Studio Suites, which have a balcony overlooking the water, and the dual-aspect Corner Suites.
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
