Peaceful Haven

Facade of Amansari Residence Resort at twilight

From the bright green of the staff’s T-shirts to the lush greenery in potted plants and landscaped gardens, I was seeing the colour green echoing consistently throughout the lobby. 

With my eyes riveted to the stalk of greenery entwined in the design of the resort’s name, I thought that the curly green tendrils resemble pucuk paku or wild fern shoots.  I find this welcome sight both interesting and refreshing as I step into the reception lobby from the blazing sunshine. 

The spacious and airy reception area is busy with a group checking in for a retreat stay.  I later learnt that the resort is a popular choice among corporations and groups for meetings and family outings.  Its pillar-less convention hall is also a preferred destination for conferences and banquets.  This venue is fast gaining popularity for wedding banquets because meals are catered by experienced chefs of the Grand Straits Garden restaurant. 

Serene surroundings to relax and rejuvenate

Residents and guests enjoy working out in the fitness centre that overlooks a landscaped garden designed with a rocky waterfall that splashes into a water lily pond.  As I walk down the spiral staircase, I spy colourful koi fish in the pond. 

Swimming enthusiasts may not be keen with over exposure in our tropical heat and strong sunlight but that’s not going to happen here because the swimming pools are sheltered.  There’s just enough light from the sun into that open terrace to make swimming in the lap pool and playing in the children’s pool or soaking in the Jacuzzi, so much fun at any time of day!

Shaded pools to cool off in!

With a variety of rooms in studio and standard designs as well as three and four-room apartments for a convenient and comfortable homey stay, the resort perfectly complements events that require group accommodation.  These well-appointed furnished apartments, in single-storey Sinplex and double-storey Duplex designs are ideal for long-staying guests. 

When I pull back the curtains in my room, there is a tiny balcony for me to step out to enjoy a green view of the golf course. 

It was good to lay back on a clean and comfortable bed with a 32-inch LCD TV screen in front and a choice of satellite television channels to choose from while working with 24-hour free internet service.  In the bathroom, the clever use of mirrors that span almost the whole length of the long and narrow space gave me the impression of a much larger room.

I’m told that breakfast is best savoured on the terrace that has a panoramic view of greenery on the fringe of the adjacent golf course.  So I join the residents and guests for breakfast there and experience a rare view of wispy mists gently evaporating in the morning sunshine.  While the others leave for work and business at the nearby industrial zones, I sit back comfortably to slowly sip a second cup of coffee.

Fast Facts

Hotel

Amansari Residence Resort

Jalan Persiaran Seri Alam, Bandar Seri Alam, 81750 Masai, Johor

Tel: 607 – 388 0077      Fax: 607 – 388 0707

Email: hotel.info@amansari.my

Website: www.amansari.my

Getting There

Easily accessible from the Pasir Gudang Highway, the main road that connects to the North-South Highway from the North and Johor Baru city and Causeway from Singapore.  Exit left at the Seri Alam Interchange and the resort is to your right, so make a U-turn to reach the resort entrance.

Main Attraction

A restful retreat with convenient access to adjacent golf course and located a comfortable distance away from the busy-ness of Johor Port and nearby industrial estates.

First Impression

A peaceful haven so close to the industrial zone!

Rooms

Total 292 studio and standard modular rooms, 32 units of 3-bedroom Sinplex apartments and 58 units of 3-bedroom Duplex apartments.

Rates

Ask for special promotional rates and long-term stay rates for Sinplex and Duplex apartments. Housekeeping and cooking facilities are available upon request.

F & B Outlets

The Courtyard Café offers all-day dining in both air-conditioned comfort and an outdoor section.  In the evening, the lounge serves drinks and snacks.  Gozen Japanese Restaurant serves a selection of authentic Japanese cuisine.  The Grand Straits Garden Restaurant offers an ala carte menu of Chinese favourites and caters to special events and banquet requirements. 

Overall Service

Attentive and friendly.

Facilities

Convenient high-speed internet access is available Free-of-Charge, a Business Centre, convention hall/ballroom and meeting rooms, indoor swimming pool, squash court, tennis court and a fitness centre.  Guest shops with hairdresser, beauty parlour and a convenience store.  Concierge services include transport arrangements and tour bookings to places of interest in Johor and Singapore.

Places within walking distance

The Christine Golf Resort.

A version of this article was published in The New Straits Times, Life & Times on 15 September 2011

UPDATE: The resort is currently undergoing stage-by-stage upgrading. 
So look out for an updated review of the resort in the near future!
/pl