New facilities to make Rompin resort a truly hidden paradise

Summerset Resort here is set to regain its shine under a new management which will focus on two areas – product enhancement and human development.

Its general manager M. Gopal said he aimed to ensure the resort lived up to its tagline of A Hidden Paradise before the year was out.

Rest area: A place to enjoy a view of the South China Sea.

Since taking over the helm in March, he initiated many changes to make the resort “more happening and attractive” to potential guests.

“We will give the buildings, including the main lobby and 194 hotel rooms, a fresh coat of paint.

“Right now, we are refurbishing the 54 colonial-style villas in stages and improving on general cleanliness and the landscape,” he said.

New attraction: Children playing in the Red Indian and Wild Wild West area.

The resort had attracted scores of holidaymakers when it opened in November 2000 but slowly lost its appeal.

Gopal said, in terms of product enhancement, he was satisfied that almost 90% had been completed.

He said his next target was to retrain his staff to be more friendly and informative.

Garden setting: The revamped landscape at Summerset Resort in Rompin.

“We need to improve on our general services to make our guests feel warmly welcomed and appreciated.

“Only a satisfied guest will make a return visit and recommend us to friends and acquaintances,” he said, adding that the resort was also targeting families under a “home away from home” concept.

Among the new facilities are a water sports centre, horse-riding activities, paintball site, Red Indian camp, video games and a fun pub featuring a Filipino band.

Gopal said the new facilities would complement the existing ones which were centred on eco-tourism and services such as guided nature walk, night trail for four-wheel-drive vehicles, jungle trekking, night safari, wetlands trail, and courses on overcoming obstacles and wilderness survival.

Appealing architecture: A block of hotel rooms at the resort.

For those who love adventure and fishing, the resort can make arrangements for tours to watch fireflies, go fishing and visit the Endau Rompin Forest Reserve for a day.

Gopal said the resort had hired a botanist to label the trees and plants, including the tongkat ali, found along the 2km nature trail.

“I have plans to open a Chinese restaurant and a fine-dining outlet for our European guests. Other attractions in the pipeline for the next few months are a mini zoo, an inflatable playground, island-hopping packages and BBQ beach parties,” he said.

He added that the hotel was thankful that the Government had approved an allocation to build breakwaters that would protect the shoreline from erosion.

Making changes: Gopal riding a horse to check on the property.

Gopal, who has 33 years of experience in the hospitality industry, said he was confident of rejuvenating the resort and turning it into one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Pahang.

“I do not sit in my office and wait for things to take shape. I like to be hands-on in ensuring my plans go accordingly,” he said before galloping away on his horse for his daily rounds on all four corners of the 337.2ha resort.

For reservations, call 09-4141 888 or the resort’s Kuala Lumpur sales office at 03-7876 5588. Alternatively, go to www.summerset.com.my.

Source : STAR
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