Have you been good to yourself this year? If your answer is anything but an overwhelming “Yes!”, fret not. Here are the top five self-pampering activities at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges’ luxury resorts in Sabah, Malaysia.
Sunset on a private yacht from Kota Kinabalu
Forget run-of-the-mill sunset cruises found on the back of tour brochures where you’re huddled onto a neon lit boatload of tour groups for an evening of sub-par karaoke and budget buffet (and one complimentary drink).
We are going luxe.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges operates the Amazing Love, a luxury yacht available for private charter. Your trip sets for the high seas from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital. Mark a milestone, indulge in the canapés while sharing the tea on a girl’s trip or sip champagne with your lover on a romantic getaway.
Or better yet, have it all just for you. Indulge in the fully stocked bar and meticulously curated spread while you unwind. Bask in the sea breeze on the sundeck surrounded by open waters and tropical islands.
Top tip: book it for golden hour because there is nothing better than a Borneo sunset.
Lose yourself in barefoot luxury
Experience the dream Sabah island getaway. Just a private yacht cruise away from Kota Kinabalu, you will set foot on white sandy shores and clear blue waters of Manukan Island Resort.
Wake up with gentle yoga stretches on the beach. Partake in water sports – diving, snorkeling, parasailing. Or spend the day lounging, soaking up the sun, sea, and salt breeze.
In the evening, enjoy the sun setting into the horizon over an intimate private dinner on the beach. This is the perfect medley of fine food, soft waves crashing and the brushstrokes of pink and fiery orange across the sky.
End the day with a moonlit stroll or a nightcap on the stargazing deck of your villa.
Sleep like royalty above the clouds
Nestled in the misty highlands of Sabah, we find ourselves in the luxurious Mount Kinabalu resort that is Kinabalu Park. The Rajah Lodge is a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
Wake up to panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, the air crisp and cool, while you sip freshly brewed Sabah tea on a private veranda that serves first class mountain views.
Inside the 4,564 sqft Kinabalu Park accommodation, you are surrounded by rich wood accents, a cosy and romantic living room with your own fireplace. With all the modern fittings including a jacuzzi and sauna, the lodge brings a refined touch that makes high-altitude living indulgent yet intimate. The Rajah Lodge is truly
fit for a king.
Days unfold at your own pace: gentle walks through UNESCO-listed trails in your backyard, or simply unwind by the fireplace with a hot drink. As night falls, the park is blanketed in stillness, broken only by the songs of nocturnal wildlife. A serene retreat that feels worlds away, with all the comforts of a five-star escape.
Dine by the fire with a private chef
To be fed is to be loved.
At Kinabalu Park Resort, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges takes opulence to the next level with the option of engaging a private chef. After a day of nature walks and world-class bird watching, why not indulge in a private dining experience. Enjoy each bite by the warmth of your roaring fireplace or on your balcony in the crisp mountain air. Top restaurant quality food served in the privacy of your own home away from home.
Top tip: Dining in your bathrobe is the ultimate vibe.
End the night with a dip in your in-room jacuzzi, drink in hand.
Soak away your troubles in a hot spring
A private van ushers you 45 mins from Kinabalu Park to Poring Hot Spring Resort.
First, check into your 2080 sqft luxury lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe your new home with gentle streams of sunlight. Their designs are a harmonious meeting point of modern comforts and rustic charm.
After dropping your bags, head to your personal outdoor nature spa. Soak in the thermal baths and feel your worries slowly melt away.
Go feed the deer or take a light canopy walk to immerse in the most tranquil views from the treetops of Sabah’s rainforests. Nothing too strenuous, but just enough to work up an appetite before you dine at the Rainforest Restaurant on fresh local produce.
Poring Hot Spring Resort redefines forest bathing and loads you up with extra doses of zen before you have to head back to the big city.
