Awana Beach Retreats

For fun in the sun and water sports, head for the Awana beach resorts.

FOR those who prefer the sun to the cold, Awana Resorts has an alternative to Awana Genting Highlands.

You can head for the beach easily at either the Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort in Teregganu or the Awana Porto Malai in Langkawi.

Cool getaways: Enjoy the pristine beaches of Awana Porto Malai, Langkawi (pic above), and Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort, Terengganu.

Awana Kijal is a back-to-nature retreat located along a 7.6km stretch of pristine beach on the East Coast. Traditional Malay-inspired architecture, a nine-storey high atrium, and a waterfall in the lobby will be some of first things guests will see. For more picturesque sights, stroll around and you’ll find lush greenery, and white, sandy beaches.

Those there to rest and relax might want to check out the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa, a Javanese spa that offers invigorating massages, from traditional Javanese massage to Swedish and French massage, as well as spa treatments using traditional Javanese secrets and aromatic oils. The spa treatments include body scrubs, body wraps, bust care, facial treatments, hair treatments, hand and foot treatments, manicures and pedicures.

Those there to play can spend their time at the golf course. Try out the various water sports like jet-skiing, wind-surfing and banana boat rides; or sign up for the kampung tours to see how traditional wau or batik is made. Other activities include jungle trekking, telematches on the beach, treasure hunts, archery, outdoor chess, and watching fireflies at night.

For functions and events, Awana Kijal has a Grand Ballroom that can house 420 people in theatre seating, and five other function rooms with meeting facilities for medium-sized functions. Dining options include Restoran Kampung Meraga Beris, Windows by the Sea, Waterfall Café, and the Atrium Lounge, which all serve a wide selection of food and beverages.

And once it’s time to hit the sack, guests can retire to either one of the spacious deluxe rooms, premier rooms, deluxe suites, premier suites or duplex units. The rooms come with a view – either facing the ocean or the golf course.

Those who plan to stay long may want to consider the Duplex Suite, which is equipped with a washing machine, a fridge and a kitchenette and has a little courtyard that allows you to walk right out to the beach and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

If mythical Langkawi appeals more to you, then head for the Mediterranean-inspired Awana Porto Malai, located at the south-western part of the island.

Rooms at Awana Porto Malai range from standard rooms with hill or pool view, to superior and deluxe rooms with ocean view, and the Porto Malai and Presidential Suites with views of lagoons and neighbouring islands.

Located next to the Star Cruises jetty, Awana Porto Malai has a spacious boardwalk on the waterfront for quests to stroll along and admire the private cruise ships docked at the jetty. Evening cruises are available for those waiting to experience sunset out at sea.

If water sports is your thing, you can try out wind-surfing and water-skiing at the resort. Other activities include canoeing, paddleboat rides, island and nature tours, fishing and snorkelling.

For events, Awana Porto Malai has a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 700 people in theatre seating, seven meeting rooms, and a multi-purpose hall. For meals, there is the Seagull Restaurant, which overlooks the Straits of Malacca. The restaurant is said to have a variety of Asian and international delicacies while the Lobby Lounge is the place to enjoy cocktails and listen to live music.

For simple local, western and seafood dishes under the moonlight, check out the Medi Cafe on the boardwalk. Party animals who need to let their hair down can head for Ground Zero, one of Langkawi’s latest hotspots.

Events at Genting

FLY: Defy Gravity
The Pavilion
9pm daily
Tickets from RM25

Thai Bazaar
April 5 to 29
Genting Grand Ballroom, Genting Hotel

Songkran Wild Splash Party
April 14 to 15
Genting and Highlands Hotel Outdoor Car Park

Upcoming shows
Butterfly Lovers – The Musical
From April 13 to 15 and April 20 to 22
8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 3pm on Sundays
Genting International Showroom
Tickets from RM120
(The show is performed in Mandarin and narrated in English.)

Ronald Cheng and Edmond Leung Live in Genting 2007
With guest artiste Alex Fong
April 14
Tickets from RM80

Reflection of Joey’s Live in Concert
With guest artiste Vincy Chan
April 27 and 28
Tickets from RM70

Deanie Ip – Melodic Encounter 2007 Live in Genting
May 12
Tickets from RM60

Source : STAR

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