Short getaway with the girlfriends...

Turi Beach Resort, Batam Review

After working behind the desk for too long, we all deserve a little break and it feels wonderful to be standing on the other side of the check-in desk. My girlfriends (from work) and I jumped at the opportunity when Groupon had a deal to go to Batam for just SG$99! It included round trip ferry and also a night's stay at Turi Beach Batam.

Turi Beach Batam

Address: Jl. Hang Lekiu, Nongsa  Batam - 29465, Indonesia
Tel: +62-778 761 080
Website: http://www.turibeach.com/
Email: reservations@turibeach.com

Dates of stay: 2-3 July 2014
Category: Premier Twin Bedded Room + 1 Extra Bed
Upgraded to: Deluxe Room in Riani Wing
Size: 42 sqm
Price: S$99 on Groupon Deal
Includes: Two way ferry, three adult breakfasts, & one extra bed (triple sharing)
Excludes: Ferry taxes

RECEPTION/LOBBY

reception

We were picked up by the complimentary hotel shuttle service and ferried very quickly over to the hotel! At first we couldn't find the hotel representative (very common for Batam hotels and resorts to send someone to hold the hotel's signboard) and I told my girlfriends to go to the shop to buy a few snacks while I searched for the guy. Found him after a while of searching.

my countrymen checking in

We arrived at the lobby, and it's this big, spacious area of... Space? There's a large spacious desk right in the middle of the lobby, forming an island of safety for the front desk staff, and that's about it. There were no lounge chairs or coffee tables that could surround the front desk or even scattered around the lobby. 

lobby area

Also, since nobody really greeted us, or offered us assistance with our bags, or even made eye contact, we just stood there feeling lost, and after a while we just let all the impatient Singaporeans check in first and just spammed a whole lot of selfies while waiting. After all, we're on holiday and were in no rush to really check in (or even move). We also happen to be in hospitality and understand how out comrades behind the desk feels. 

We were offered this lovely ginger tea as a welcome drink. Boy, was it spicy!

sea view from the lobby

G stayed at Turi before and he really liked the new wing better as compared to the old wing, so I tried my luck and asked the reception for a room in the new wing. Besides, the fine print on Groupon stated that we're entitled to a complimentary upgrade if we stayed over the weekdays. The kind lady informed us that there will be no elevators, and a whole lot of climbing. We didn't mind. We're all fat and need to work out a little. Haha. But, I really did appreciate the fact that she informed us, prior to us actually finding out. 

ROOM

patio/balcony in front of the room

The rooms in the new wing are all stand alone and seperate from the main hotel block. It seems like all the rooms are built on stilts and staggered down the hill. We would have a lovely view if not for the large tree right at our doorstep. 

Sliding glass door & netted door

So the main door is actually a sliding door from the patio, followed by a screen door to keep insects out (which is quite useless because mosquitoes flew in anyway). I must say they really cleaned the glass door really well, because I tried walking through it when I wanted to go out to the patio. Thank goodness the door did not shatter. My knee hurt though.

Klutz is my middle name. 

Two twin beds with a sofa bed

The room is really simple with basic necessities. Just twin beds, simple TV, hot water flask, coffee and tea, etc. The room is also equipped with both aircon and a ceiling fan! I like that they provide us options, and not just forcing us to choose between cold aircon and stifling heat. 

Bathroom!

The bathroom is almost as large as the bedroom . With all that space, I was a little disappointed that there's no bathtub. The bathroom seems very modern and is actually done up pretty well, even though the design is really simple. There's also the option of having a rain shower or just the traditional shower head.

Simple design

POOL 

Pool at Tirta (Old) Wing

There are two pools at Turi with one nearer to each wing. We mainly stayed at the pool over at the older wing because it was better maintained and also had an amazing view of the sea. There's also a beautiful lawn where we kept taking photos and doing yoga poses.

On the 2nd day, we went to the pool over at the new wing, unfortunately we were unable to spot any service staff, and while I was cold and drenched, I had to walk over to the other pool to get towels. 

Pool nearer to Riani (New) Wing

Like all gluttons, we ordered lots of food and drinks (though menu is not extensive, food quality nothing fantastic) to the pool side. Our half eaten pizza (which we were kind of saving) was attacked by birds and we had to discard it. I was a little disheartened because I really wanted to eat it. Spoken like a true piggy. 

While the pizza was attacked by birds, we were attacked by mosquitoes! 

MOZZIES!

Beautiful sunset at Island Bar

I must add that there is a pest problem with Mosquitoes!! There were mozzies flying in the room (even after killing two), there were mozzies in the toilet, at the pool and a whole swarm by Island Bar on the pier. I think I was bitten at least a dozen times the whole 15 mins we were checking out the pier and the bar. 

Pier/jetty leading out from Island Bar

At first we were commenting on how beautiful the sunset was and what a lovely place to chill and have a drink after dinner, quickly turned to us taking as many photos as we could in the fastest possible time, and getting the hell out of there. 

What a waste. 

OVERALL 

Even though I had fun, it would be because of the company I had. Turi beach seems pretty dated, even after renovation works and the new wing. The service staff were all warm and friendly, but the hardware is seriously lacking. The pools should be maintained better, the food quality should improve and not serve me soggy fish & chips. 

Personally, I feel that once a week at least, Turi should start fogging their property to rid it of mozzies. Without all the scratching and applying of ointment, I would have enjoyed myself more.

I'm not sure if I would go back though, with all the upcoming new properties around Batam boasting better shoreline and view, newer rooms and better food. 

Breakfast with a view!

Auberge Discovery Bay Hotel, Hong Kong Review

Beautiful view from the room

Beautiful seaview, amazing sunsets, mountains as your backdrop. NO HIGH SKYSCRAPERS. You'd never imagine those phrases are of this hidden gem tucked away from the hassle and bustle of city life in Hong Kong.

Address: Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Tel: +(852) 2295 8288
Website: http://www.aubergediscoverybay.com/
Email: enquiry@aubergediscoverybay.com  

Dates of stay: 18th - 19th May 2014
Category: Ocean Front Room
Description: All Ocean Front Rooms feature a sunken bath and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the quiet calm and enjoy the all-encompassing sea view.
Size:  355 square feet (33 square meters)
Price: S$257.82
Includes: Two-hour complimentary wireless internet access per stay, walk-in rain shower, pillow menu.

Everyone knows how busy and hectic Hong Kong can be. Never sleeping with late night steamboats, char chan ting, shopping; metropolitan city that is bursting with life and colour at every minute. 

We found this treasure whilst on a search for Disneyland Hotels. Yes, I visited Disneyland and saw all my favourite princesses. But when I was at Auberge Discovery Bay, I became the princess instead. 

We booked with an Online Travel Agent (because I had a voucher I wanted to use and spend on somewhere fancy). They had choices like mountain view, sea view, a suite with panorama sea view. So, we opted for just the regular room with a seaview. 

BEDROOM

The room is 3-4 times the size of the hotel room on mainland Hong Kong. It would have been the size of a really expensive suite back on Hong Kong. Not to mention the view. 

Bed & separate sitting area

The king bed is so large, G and I could sleep like a starfish and we'd both still have space. The interior design of blue and green suited the calm sea and greenery that surrounds Discovery Bay. 

Large King Bed

I also loved the fact that there's a reading light located above and on each side of the bed. I tend to write my travel musings while in bed and I didn't want to disturb G while he sleeps. 

Sitting area

The room also has a seperate sitting area for you to lounge and watch TV. But seriously, who would actually watch TV with that killer view! 

BATHROOM 

If you've read my other posts, you know I'm a fanatic for beautiful hotel bathrooms. It's just my thing. I'd love the bathroom more than the bedroom itself. 

His & Her sinks

Because we've booked a seaview room, the bathroom actually comes with a sunken bath instead of a bathtub. When I found out before the trip, I was desperately trying to find pictures of sunken baths, because I had no idea what that was. Google gave me pictures of round tubs, jacuzzis, ancient Roman baths (hahaha, what the hell?). But nothing popped up like how Auberge's sunken bath is. 

Sunken Bath!!!!!!

It's basically the area where you shower, the square. But sunken. Literally a sunken.. Bath? You have to walk 2-3 steps down into the bath. It's much more spacious than a bathtub, fills up like a tub, but no sloshing of water onto the floor (like how a normal tub does) when you a splash around like a little girl... AND THE VIEW. 

It was quite hilarious to see G amazed with the design (typical engineer) and contraptions of how the bath fills and drains. 

Oh, the tiles in the bath are anti-slip, but still smooth enough so you don't get scratched. I love the attention to detail here. 

IN-ROOM DINING

We ordered breakfast to the room because we were just lazy and didn't want to leave the room. Come on, have you seen the view? 

Best view for breakfast!

We ordered only one set of American breakfast, asked for two sets of cutleries and 2 glasses of water. It came with three sets. Okay.. 

The night before, we ordered fries & some snacks, and when the server came, we asked for mayo which he left to get. I was just telling G that if he was an attentive server, he'd come back with my mayo, and another set of cutleries. Nope, he came back with just mayo. 

View from the bathroom

I must be very spoilt and expect servers to 'read my mind'. But that's what luxury is all about. Anticipation of guest's needs. 

Not to worry though, it didn't ruin the stay, but other than the view, the service didn't blow me away. 

POOL

The pool is located outdoors, and remember about the mountainous backdrop I was telling you about? Yes. Too beautiful. 

Deck chairs by the pool

Although we requested for a late check out when I was emailing the reservation team and they said they could check and see if they could accord me a late check out till 3pm. But when I reconfirmed with the front desk agent, they only gave me until 1pm. I'm not complaining though, I totally understand if the hotel is full (I'm a hotelier too) but it was a Monday, so I have my reservations about that. 

Too bad we went at night

So after we checked out, we headed to the pool to just chill and kill some time as our flight was only at 6pm. You could even borrow those noodle float thingy and just splash around like a kid. I was a very happy kid. 

Swimming with such a beautiful view!

After your swim, there's even a changing and shower room, decked with lockers for you to keep your valuables! Though there's only two shower cubicles, it was still quite early in the afternoon, and not to mention a weekday, so I didn't have anyone fighting to use the shower facilites with me. 

I could even blow dry my hair in peace and not worry my mess is eating into other people's space. 

LOCATION

If you take a look at the map of Hong Kong, you'd see that Discovery Bay is located on Lantau Island away from the mainland. Not too far from where Disneyland is located. This being said, Auberge is located where no private cars or taxis are allowed access. Only discovery bay public buses or hotel's transport are allowed. I guess they're trying to keep the exclusivity. 

Maps of Hong Kong

So, you can imagine how secluded it is. If you're thinking of going back into the city, think twice. Just getting to Sunny Bay MTR will be such a hassle, let alone the long journey back to town. 

Bus stops to take public bus into Discovery Bay

The hotel provides shuttle buses to and from Sunny Bay MTR, Disneyland and several major stops on Hong Kong Island (though timing is very limited), I guess in a way to be more accessible. On the last night after we had our fill of Disneyland, we were rushing to catch the shuttle bus, but we were not sure if it left early and we missed it, or it never showed up. 

Sunny Bay MTR Station

We took the public bus instead. Though it's a public bus, the bus fare was about twice the amount than normal. I guess you don't have a choice because that's the only way to get in and out of Discovery Bay. 

There's a small cluster of shops, restaurants and a supermarket just next to Auberge if you don't feel like having hotel food. We managed to buy drinks, snacks and even bubble bath there. I can't quite remember what the supermarket is called, but the logo, colour scheme and how the supermarket is layed out, is very similar to Cold Storage in Singapore. 

Cluster of shops beside Auberge

After our swim on the last day, we went to this pizzeria next to the hotel. We were famished and decided to order a whole pizza and a plate of pasta. Biggest regret ever. The portion is humongous! After finishing the pasta, the pizza arrived and we just stared at each other. G and I wouldn't been able to have finished the pizza in that sitting, but we tried. After 1 slice each, we packed the pizza to go and brought it to the airport to have it as dinner. 

LARGE PIZZA!!

OVERALL

Despite the location being somewhat inaccessible, it is a good thing being away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You don't feel like you're even in Hong Kong! The air is fresh and crisp, the sea is spotless and endless, the mountains are beautiful and green. 

There's even a beautiful chapel on the property for couples getting married. 

If you're looking at to stay near Disneyland or near the airport and want somewhere  luxurious, you have to stay at Auberge hotel. 

A little old, a little new.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang Review!

E&O Hotel Lobby

Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +(6) 04 222 2000
Website: http://www.eohotels.com/
Email: luxury@eohotels.com

Dates of stay: 20th - 22nd June
Category: Deluxe Suite - Heritage Wing
Description: Sea view; choice of king size bed or twin beds; separate living area & luxurious bathroom
Size: 58 Sq./m
Price: I enjoyed hotelier's rates
Includes: 2 Adult breakfast, Wifi, Butler service, Complimentary two pieces of pressing

E&O Exterior

E&O hotel has been around since 1885, presumably when the British Colony was still around. I did a bit of research and also asked the staff about the history of the building, but it was just built as a hotel to the Starkies Brothers and it remained standing even after two World Wars.

Very cool bellman contrasting with our modern day beach wear

The entire hotel (including guest rooms and restaurants) are located within the colonial building, and it has this charm that all colonial buildings have. The hotel really retained the theme of the 1880s era, from the decoration, furnishing to the uniforms of the service staff.

Old school elevator

If you're lucky and be nice to the receptionist, you get to ride in the old school elevator too! Yes! It is a functioning elevator, very much like the ones you'd see in period movies.

Reception desk of Heritage Wing

We booked a total of four rooms, with two rooms in the Victory Wing (new wing). There are different check in counters for both Wings, which is nice because they separate the guests and you do not really feel overcrowded during peak periods.

Large, spacious lobby of the Heritage Wing

Also, if you stay at the 100 room Heritage Wing, all guests will get to enjoy the 24-hours butler service. However, I felt that the butlers were only present during check in and check out (they're all really nice mind you), they don't really attempt to get to know you better, find out your plans, and try to personalize your stay. Yes, they're 24-hours, but normal front desk agents are available 24-hours too? What's so special than? Butlers or Front Desk Agent? Or is that some fancy name the hotel gives to the FD agents?

Or am I asking for too much, because they have to take care of 100 guests? I'm generally fuss free, but after staying for 3 days, a little pop in and a hello would be nice from a butler. If not, don't confuse us and call them butlers!

Mango mocktail and cold towels

My friends drove up from Singapore to Penang, but G & I decided to just fly straight to Penang to save on time (and leaves). We checked in at about 8pm, and were welcomed with this lovely Mango Mocktail & cold towels. The lady butler who checked us in, also waited patiently by the side until I finished my drink (actually G was rushing me because he saw her waiting for us by the side), not too intrusive and with a beautiful smile always. I'm sorry, I didn't get your name.

BEDROOM

She brought us to our room, and guess what. SURPRISE!

Romantic Set Up!

During the email correspondence with reservation, I casually mentioned that I would really appreciate a great seaview because we were celebrating our anniversary. Though the reservations team did not give me a definite answer regarding the seaview, nor ask anything else about our anniversary, they pulled through, and with this surprise, I was really shocked and happy! I really wasn't expecting this.

Cake!

The lady butler than told us that they wanted to sing us a song (hahaha), but they didn't know what time we would be arriving. I think it would have been really awkward because G and I are not really the type to get strangers to sing us a song. So, we told her it was totally not necessary and we're happy enough.

But I'm curious, what song would they sing? Not like it's the generic Happy Birthday Song.

Happy Anniversary To You, in the Happy Birthday tune?



However, I did give my flight details to the reservation team, but I didn't arrange any transportation with the hotel, so I guess it would be a little difficult because they were unable to anticipate my arrival.

After she left, G was a bit speechless, he definitely wasn't expecting this either, or maybe because when we do get married in the future, how is he going to triumph this. OR maybe he doesn't want to marry me and the cake gave him cold feet. HAHAHA.

(I know this is a really simple setup, but I'd tell you guys stories about how we're such a simple couple. Another story for another time. Or maybe there'd be no stories, cos we're boring and simple.)

Sitting Area

There's also a separate sitting area where you can have guests over and lounge and watch TV. That is where they placed the cake and fruit amenity (mango and banana, my favorite fruits). I really like this area, because you can be out the whole day and after coming back from all the food feast, you'd want to lounge and rest and not dirty the bed. And also, continue eating with food you've brought back too! I don't really like the idea of eating in bed and sleep with all the crumbs.

Our seaview weren't fantastic (but, I'm not complaining) because we got the corner room (332), and to our extreme left was the jetty, and a tree was in the middle. We were not in the room much anyway, and the view from Victory Wing's pool is way nicer.

Seaview, blocked by a tree!

You should have seen our friend's room  (328). They got the corner room as well, down the corridor, and their view was partially blocked by a pillar that was extending out from the building. Of course, a jetty and a tree anytime over a pillar. If you stay in the Heritage Wing, try to request for a room that is in the middle. I think the view would have been fantastic.

BATHROOM

Spacious bathroom

I love hotel bathrooms (nice ones only please), and I feel that the bathrooms says a lot about the hotel and their standard. There're his and hers sink, and at first you wouldn't know which was his or hers. If you look closely, HIS sink will have shaving kit, electrical shaver outlet plug, etc. HER sink will have tissue box, more bath amenities, nail file, shower cap, etc. 

And upon CLOSER inspection, I found a box of the sanitary bag on the HIS sink. First, I was so impressed, and than I just laughed. So much for attention to detail. If you're gonna argue that there's no more space on HER sink, than perhaps you can swap the shower cap with the sanitary bag. 

I'm sorry, it was extremely obvious to me. 

Also, I like those mirrors you can pull out, and it's enhanced so you can see every single pore on your face. The suites in the Heritage Wing is lacking that, and I was just telling G that I couldn't really see the mirror when I put on my contacts. I had to really lean forward and sometimes my shirt would get wet from the puddles I've created around the sink. Yes, I am that blind. 

And yes, the Victory Wing has the pull out mirrors, I asked my friends.

Too beautiful

Now, the tub is really big and beautiful. I guess it's really how they designed the whole bathroom. However,  there is no raised ledge around the tub and when you slosh around the tub, water just spills over. I understand that if you place a shower curtain in, it is totally not aesthetically appealing, but at least get a tub design that will prevent water from sloshing over the edge. G, being the engineer he is, started going on an on about the design flaw and how the water isn't draining well from the bathroom floor as well. As for me, I shut my ears and enjoyed my bubble bath. 

Oh, if you're lucky to get the rose shower gel, it is HEAVENLY. LOVE THE SMELL! I guess they gave it to us, and not our friends, because we were celebrating our anniversary. They were jealous so I saved them a bottle.

POOL

Zen by the pool

 I can't even begin to describe how beautiful the pool at Victory Wing is. It's an infinity pool, over looking the sea, and not a single ship is in sight. We went to the pool after we came back from the beach, and had time to kill.

Beautiful sunset

It is really a nice place to lounge and chill for the whole afternoon. There are indoor and outdoor deck chairs, and the pool attendant will even bring you a glass of ice water and a pool bar menu just in case you get hungry. I really love it when hotels serve water by the pool.

Victory Wing Infinity Pool at Level 6

OVERALL

If you have breakfast included in your room package, please try the Char Kuay Teow in the morning. It is really good! They also have a fruit smoothie/juice bar at the side so you get freshly squeezed juices everyday! 

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at E&O, despite the minor hiccups. I'm only sensitive to such things because I've stayed and work at luxury properties, and sometimes I feel it's not a good thing. Nonetheless, the staff were all friendly and very very welcoming with all the questions my friends and I had. 

It still felt very luxurious and intimate. It is also walking distance to a lot of Penang's street food and sights, so location is good as well. I will defiantly be back!