December 5, 2018

Sliding open the doors of my Sarang suite, I feast my eyes on the oasis of blues and greens in what appears to be a postcard-worthy picture. Am I really in Kuala Lumpur? The ill memories of poorly calculated road planning, dusty streets and relentless horning fade into oblivion as my thoughts are consumed with the beauty and tranquility that is laid before me.

Welcome to Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur, a destination boutique luxury resort located on the fringe of the bustling city centre. Looking for a good night’s rest? The property stowed away in the thick of a quiet residential area in Jalan Ampang is a welcome respite from the ruckus of the streets. If you’re familiar with the rest of the properties of Samadhi in Tioman and Singapore; you’ll know roughly what to expect.

Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur Art 3

What looks like a fortress of a mansion is revealed once the sliding towering bamboo gates open, and you’re greeted by amicable faces. Follow a long walkway to the reception desk, and fresh cold towels awashed with lemongrass fragrance and ice cold tea with gentle nuances of ginger await. The zen-like space opens up to a picturesque pool that offers sneak previews of the luxe experience to follow.

The property features a convenient yet intimate layout that is more reminiscent of a traditional villa than a hotel. There are only 21 rooms, each echoing the Samadhi Retreat’s ‘Rustic-luxe’ brand essence through natural materials employed, which preserve the country’s culture that the property is located in. Ornate wood bedside tables and decorative frames pay homage to architectural forms by the indigenous ethnic Malay. My crib for the night is a Sarong suite on the ground floor. Light on the razzle-dazzle of a city suite, it’s still certainly far from shabby. The luxury of space offers an unthinkable hedonistic experience for most city dwellers. Drawing inspiration from traditional Malay houses, the living area is shady and serene—perfect for those looking to hide from prying eyes.

For those in search of a more breezy beachside feel, I would advise you to draw the curtains. I define it as the ultimate transporting experience. Light floods into the room instantly, and the sight that greets you might just leave you dumbfounded. An outdoor pavilion reiterating the trademark ethnic touches is cooled with a wooden fan revolving overhead. Your eyes trail to the timber ladder right at the edge leading straight into the lagoon-shaped pool. Its cool depths and lush cabanas dotting the backdrop are convincing enough to incite you to hit town for a bikini shopping trip. I did just that, with 3 hours of sunlight left to spare despite the late check-in, further justifying its convenient locality.

Homemade kueh and a jar of butter cookies wait for you in the well-equipped kitchenettes, suggesting its suitability for longer term stays or more intimate opportunities of in-room dining. The lavishly designed bathrooms deserve a special mention. The same sense of scale throughout the property is carried here in a romantic black cemented space. Double vanities, a rain shower head that would put most bathtubs to shame, and finally a private whirlpool with an expense of bath salts on the side—what more could a girl ask for?

Samadhi, in Sanskrit, translates to the meditative state of mind. Likewise, a night at Villa Samadhi delivers a transcendent experience. Its peaceful space encourages guests to put their worries aside and indulge in finding themselves, either as individuals or in unison with their partners. That being said, business travelers are not inconvenienced in this idyllic setting. Basic things like the placement of power sockets have been properly thought out and the bed is an insomniac’s dream come true: a little cushioning comfort but properly supportive.

Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur Art 1

Come morning, take a plunge into the pool and emerge on the shallow wading end to your breakfast spot (conversely, you can stroll there using the proper foot path). The property houses one restaurant which offers a range of local and international dishes. Breakfast is a spread of warm salted egg congee, rye bread toasted on charcoal lames and apple and celery juice spiked with ginger. I fortified the feast with an order of their Eggs Benedict with a Malaysian touch, slathered in folds of spiced hollandaise and topped off with candied chili.

Samadhi Retreats Kuala Lumpur is right up there and is comparable in terms of extravagance to some of the most expensive private villas in Bali. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to travel very far to enjoy luxury. As they say, sometimes the best things are right in front of you. Bonus point: Kids below the age of 12 are not allowed on the property. Couples, rejoice!


Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur
8 persiaran Madge off Jalan Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
W: https://www.samadhiretreats.com/vskl.html
T: +603 2143 2300