The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Built around the beauty of nature, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is Ipoh, Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat offering bespoke holistic experiences for ultimate relaxation, restoring overall wellbeing, finding inspirational ideas, rekindling romance, hosting the wedding or events of your dreams and more.

Only two hours from cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, The Banjaran is a world away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Our secluded resort is, however, within 15 minutes easy reach of the pearl of Peninsular Malaysia’s central Perak state, Ipoh.

Flanked by limestone peaks and prehistoric jungle, the historic city is currently undergoing a cultural — and sustainable — renaissance, buoyed by its booming food scene, charming colonial architecture and doorstep natural attractions.

VILLAS
Forty-four villas come in three different iterations, each one eco-chic, discreet and influenced by the natural surroundings of our unique destination in the depths of the jungle. All suites feature luxury lifestyle essentials, like extra-large beds and lavish bathrooms, complete with geothermal water hot tubs, Indigenous-inspired interiors and exceptional amenities.

Perks are assured at The Banjaran with every villa offering thoughtful touches for the ultimate retreat. In keeping with the exclusivity and ideals of this bespoke sanctuary, The Banjaran only accommodates adults and guests 12 years of age and above.

GARDEN VILLA
An open-plan design enveloping a courtyard complete with private plunge pool, our premium Garden Villa is a capacious sanctuary set against a backdrop of prehistoric jungle.

The 260-square-metre suite features an indoor-outdoor living and dining space, boasting bespoke furnishings, an ultra-comfortable king-sized bed ensuring zzz’s and nature-inspired bathing amenities including an outdoor rain shower and geothermal hot spring whirlpool. Conceived with couples in mind, this is eco-friendly extravagance at its finest.

WATER VILLA
Peace and quite are par for the course at our initimate Water Villa poised on the tranquil banks of a Lotus flower lake. Dreamed up to prioritise privacy and pampering, the 155-square-metre space encourages you to wind down and soak up the therapeutic sounds of the rainforest from the comfort of your private balcony or plush king-sized bed.

The elegant living area, meanwhile, unfolds on to a patio and plunge pool, accompanied by an outdoor rain shower and geothermal hot spring whirlpool for memorable me-time moments.

LAKE VILLA
With languid views of the lake and lush foliage from a secluded location in the midst of the jungle, this 81-square-metre villa is the ideal refuge for romance, rejuvenation and relaxation.

Contemporary rustic interiors, tailor-made fittings and spacious terraces bathed in natural light provide ultimate comfort at any time of the day, while the plunge pool and geothermal hot spring water tub make cooling off an indulgent affair. Couples and friends alike can kick back in the Lake Villa with both king-size and twin beds configurations available.

DINING
Dining is integral to The Banjaran experience — after all, this is Ipoh. But we go way beyond typical resort-style dining to present three distinctly unique eateries, each serving up some of the freshest, most flavoursome dishes in Ipoh.

From a truly awe-inspiring venue — and menu — to alfresco eating under the stars, prepare for celebrated Chef Lee Choon Boon to guide you on a gastronomic adventure in the midst of the rainforest.

POMELO
Named after Ipoh’s famous fruit, Pomelo is our all-day dining restaurant. Serving breakfast from 07:00 to 10:30 and a la carte from noon till 22:00, the relaxed setting offering both alfresco and indoor dining provides the ideal backdrop for indulging in local and international favourites and catering to all dietary requests.

Enjoy locally-inspired dishes that prioritise organic products from the region with a subtle twist, in addition to a revolving menu of innovative drinks and light snacks.

JEFF’S CELLAR
Gourmands flock from all corners to savour one of the world’s most unique dining experiences – -not our words, but the asessment of global tastemakers including CNN and Tatler.

Our awe-inspiring fine-dining destination in the depths of a 260-milion-year-old cave cellar showcases a regularly rotating degustation menu of farm-to-table delights alongside a carefully curated wine menu, courtesy of celebrated Chef Boon.

Satiate and soak up spellbinding surroundings of soaring arias and Permian-period water features within the candle-lit cavern, whilst indulging in one of our signature menus like the Chairmans Favorite, the local inspired “Tanah” menu or a luxurious 7-course Caviar delight.

SKYBAR
With panoramic views of the geothermal hot spring pools and towering limestone peaks from a 30-foot-high terrace combined with signature cocktails, gourmet pots of tea and mouthwatering mocktails, the Skybar is the ideal theatre for unwinding.

Meet and mingle with fellow guests at the bar, locate a quite corner for work that can’t wait or simply grab a seat and take five from the tropical heat. Come sundown, the stars take centre stage. Sit back, sup up and soak in the night sky to the surround sounds of nature’s orchestra.

THE SECRET ESCAPE
Take your pick from our exclusive gourmet menus and enjoy your dinner in Jeff’s Cellar, located in a cave chamber that makes it a unique venue to enjoy your meal in. Think of this as a step-up from your typical dinner when it comes to what to wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits, as a smart casual dress code is observed.

STAR STRUCK
Dine under the stars and pick from our selection of seven-course gourmet set menus or special BBQ menu with our Star Struck theme package. Besides dinner, we also provide telescopes for an even more intimate views of the stars and galaxies beyond.

ENCHANTED DELIGHTS
Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon tea at the Lobby Pavilion, which overlooks a tranquil pond. Snack on sweets and savouries that pair well with the tea of your choice.

PRIVATE DINING
Take dining in to a whole new level with the added privacy and intimacy from your own villa. We’ll set up a beautifully-decorated table for you to sizzle your very own barbecue. Choose from an extensive barbecue menu of premium meats and seafoods, complemented by salads and desserts. This package is most suitable for guests already staying at The Banjaran.

SPA & WELLNESS
Our highly-personalised approach to wellbeing spans spoiling spa treatments, bespoke wellness programmes and first-class fitness facilities, all inspired by our natural surroundings.

With in-resort geothermal hot spring pools and holistic treatment caves, as well as traditional rituals and energising activities, The Banjaran places your physical and mental wellness front and centre. It’s time to unwind and rediscover the power of well-being and personal healing.

HOT SPRINGS
Wash away your worries, strains and physical pains with a long, lazy dip in hot spring pools burrowed in the heart of our prehistoric valley.

One of the region’s most impressive natural wonders, more than 3 billion litres of mineral-rich water gently simmer below the surface, soothing and invigorating mind, body and spirit. These geothermal healing qualities have been enjoyed by generations for millennia — now it’s your turn to slip under and let the springs take over.

TREATMENT CAVES
Surrounded by limestone mountains hiding mystical caves, The Banjaran is blessed to be located in the midst of such an enchanting terrain. Over the years, we’ve carefully and thoughtfully adopted some of these caverns to benefit your well-being, ensuring our footprint remains as light as possible.

Seek solace and vigour in the Thermal Steam Cave, which houses a natural sauna and ice bath, embrace the silence of the Meditation Cave or restore balance in the Crystal Cave with a reiki session.

GARRA RUFA POOL
Dip your feet into our exotic garra rufa pool and let the doctor fish do their business. A natural form for exfoliation, the small fish will nibble away at any dead cells, leaving your feet feeling refreshed.

JUNGLE WALK 
Become one with nature on an exhilarating and educational canter through the forests, along limestone hills and secret caves. Our expert guide will highlight unique flora and fauna on this leisurely 30-minute trek.

FITNESS
There’s no reason to let your work-out regime slip at The Banjaran. Our fitness centre is fully equipped with the latest accessories, serene views of the lush surroundings and on-hand refreshments to keep you feeling your best during your stay.

You can also soak up the vibes in our geothermal-heated pool. There’s plenty of room for a few morning laps, a leisurely afternoon soak and an evening dip under the stars. Or you can simply lounge around indulging in the sun-soaked vibes with a refreshing drink from the swim-up Pool Bar.

YOGA
As the sun slowly sinks into the surrounding jungle, join our in-house guru for a 45-minute Hatha Yoga and Pranayama class. Held daily on our dedicated yoga platform, the ancient Hindu discipline is a spiritual way to wave goodbye to another day in paradise.

SWIMMING POOL
Created over the natural hot springs bed, the outdoor mineral-rich geothermal-heated swimming pool allows you to simply relax in its healing waters, or swim up to the pool bar to sip on refreshing beverages.

WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS 
From setup to sundown, our team of professionals will make planning your perfect wedding in the depths of the jungle easier than ever before. With both indoor and outdoor event spaces, and services including on-site catering, audio-visual equipment, wedding planners and banquet managers, arranging the ultimate exchange of vows with us is tying the knot with no worries.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Whether it’s the wedding of a lifetime, a work retreat or a well-deserved bash with the best of friends, The Banjaran provides the perfect backdrop for upscale escapes and events.

Supported by our team of professionals, we add sparkle to your celebrations, bring energy to your ideas and transform functions into unforgettable occasions. Choose from a collection of inspirational packages that are curated to bring out the best in you and your guests.

GETTING AROUND IN IPOH
Only two hours from cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, The Banjaran is a world away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Our secluded resort is, however, within 15 minutes easy reach of the pearl of Peninsular Malaysia’s central Perak state, Ipoh.

Flanked by limestone peaks and prehistoric jungle, the historic city is currently undergoing a cultural — and sustainable — renaissance, buoyed by its booming food scene, charming colonial architecture and doorstep natural attractions.

CULTURE
Throughout its long and storied history, Ipoh has played host to Chinese merchants, tin miners, tea barons, artisans and artists. Once seen as simply a gateway to the balmy Cameron Highlands, the city is again regarded as one of Malaysia’s most culturally significant destinations.

The old town teems with temples and tea shops, contemporary street art compliments century-old architecture and mosques rub shoulders with museums.

Thanks to a raft of innovative, community-orientated initiatives, including immersive walking tours and craft workshops, you can savour daily life from a local perspective, as well as visiting enduring colonial landmarks like the train station, town hall and Birch Memorial Clock Tower along the heritage trail.

CUISINE
Ask any Malaysian what comes to mind when you mention Ipoh and they’ll inevitably respond ‘food’. On par with other culinary hotspots like KL and Penang — although locals will of course claim its superiority — the Perak capital is a melting pot of the country’s Chinese, Malay and Indian influences, combining to produce a wholly unique cuisine.

It’s almost impossible to visit the old town without being drawn towards the aromas drifting from the dazzling array of shophouses and street food stalls. Arguably the easiest ways to sample legendary dishes — like beansprout chicken, soybean curd (tau foo fah) and gai si hor fun, a soup of shredded chicken, prawns and fresh flat rice noodles — is on one of the many walking tours now available.

NATURE
More than 260 million years in the making, the lost world of mountains, caves and tropical rainforests surrounding Ipoh is arguably one of Malaysia’s most overlooked national treasures.

This prehistoric playground is not only home to our intimate wellness resort but also an array revered cave temples, such as Sam Poh Tong, cascading waterfalls including Tanjung Rambutan and even one of the country’s tallest peaks: Mount Yong Belar.

Elsewhere you’ll find birdwatching tours, treks, cycling trails and boat rides along the Kinta River. One of Perak’s most celebrated attractions, Lenggong Valley, meanwhile, is only an hour’s drive away.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site features of Malaysia’s most exciting archaeological finds, the 11,000-year-old ‘Perak Man’, a rare complete skeleton thought to be the oldest discovered in Southeast Asia. A little further up the road is the enchanting Belum-Temenggor Rainforest, home to protected tigers, tapirs, panthers and sun bears.

SUNWAY LOST WORLD OF TAMBUN
Discover a whole new world at Sunway Lost World of Tambun Theme Park, with its recreational rides and attractions built around 400-million year-old limestone features and natural hot springs. It’s a great destination to visit with friends or your entire family, so make sure not to give this place a miss.

SUSTAINABILITY
For an exclusive eco-friendly wellness retreat enveloped in the very depths of nature, we do all we can at The Banjaran to conserve the environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

The sustainable design features implemented in the resort balance both the well-being of the environment and promote green messages to our guests and the community, while also enhancing the quality of life for our neighbours by improving the infrastructure and creating employment and business opportunities for all.

We have ample parking space and we provide BMW i charging facilities at The Banjaran for your convenience. Designed to be ergonomic and produced with high-quality green materials. Certified to international standards for safe and reliable charging. If you prefer travelling around Ipoh in your own vehicle, you can simply park at our retreat during your stay.

As part of our commitment to the local and global environment, we use only organic, chemical-free skincare products at The Banjaran. We also implement a strict policy on the use of single-use plastic and ensure that ceramic containers are used wherever possible.

Throughout the resort, water and energy conservation is key, with the latest technology utilised, such as manual irrigation, low-usage water systems and the use of energy-efficient light bulbs.

Waste management systems also ensure that various waste products such as paper, plastic, metal, glass, kitchen waste, garden waste and toxic waste are properly separated and recycled, while our onsite composting facility transforms waste into natural fertilisers.

ORGANIC GARDENS
At The Banjaran, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our ever-evolving onsite organic gardens now span almost 100 square metres and we grow as much of our own produce as possible. Chef Boon carefully selects the products, including local herbs, native vegetables and fresh vegetables, which are then used to create indulgent dishes in each of our restaurants.

We also want our guests to be part of the experience and appreciate the value of sustainable farming, which is why we invite you to harvest your own produce for lunch and dinner during a stay at The Banjaran.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
We respect our surrounding topography, preserving many natural elements and incorporating them into the design, including water bodies, landscape and vegetation, as well as the caves.

Each villa embraces traditional architectural to promote natural ventilation and solar control, while locally-procured construction materials are used where possible. Our eco-chic interiors, meanwhile, take advantage of recycled wood, deadwood, and driftwood, creating a seamless connection with nature.

Rooms: 25

Price: from 254 EUR per night

Source: www.sunwayhotels.com