HIDDEN in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, The RuMa Hotel provides a discreet, elegant and beautiful home from home. Central to their philosophy of Hostmanship, no detail is spared to make guests feel as comfortable as if they were in their own front room.
Thoughtful details include 24 hour check-in, the magically replenishing complimentary mini bar and muffins for anyone dashing off to catch their red eye.
Reception – RuMa Hotel
Grand Salon – RuMa Hotel
Impeccable attention to detail is evident the moment you step into the golden foyer, filled with floating bird cages and copper oil lamps in tribute to the city’s mining heritage. The design of the rooms similarly marries tradition and contemporary references with burnished copper sinks, sumptuous beds and even a rubber tree bonsai as a nod to Malaysia’s second industry.
My room had an unrivalled view of the glittering Petronas Towers, providing the perfect backdrop to a relaxing bath while trying out Malaysia’s traditional sweets.
Deluxe Suite – RuMa Hotel
UR SPA – RuMa Hotel
For those planning to cocoon them- selves in The RuMa, there is no shortage of experiences to enjoy. The in-house spa, UR Spa, offers a large variety of relaxing treatments in beautiful minimalist rooms with traditional rattan weave walls.
Specialising in efficient, results-driven wellness, with express treatments as short as 30 minutes, this is wellness done on KL time. I chose the more leisurely Warrior treatment, which included a Himalayan salt scrub and a deep tissue massage, all set to the surprisingly relaxing rumble of monsoon thunder outside.
Infinity Pool – RuMa Hotel
Refreshed, I was ready to take on the city with a bespoke tour provided by the hotel. We took in the stunning gold domed Royal Palace, the National Mosque and the awe-inspiring Batu Caves, with its garlanded shrines and monkeys lining the 272 rainbow steps.
Santai Bar – RuMa Hotel
According to local legend, each step climbed represents a sin repented. This proved helpful when it came to dinner, served at The RuMa’s restaurant, ATAs, serving inventive contemporary Malaysian cuisine. After dinner, guests retreated to the SANTAI bar and lounge to soak up the skyline, cocktail in hand, to watch the city lights sparkling in the infinity pool.
by Lucy WaiÂ
Malaysia Airlines flies twice daily direct from London to Kuala Lumpur onboard the Airbus A350 and onwards to Langkawi. Return fares London – Langkawi start from GBP 759 in Economy; from GBP 3,481 in Business; and from GBP 5,381 in a Business Suite. www.malaysiaairlines.com