The Luxury Traveller

The traveller who enjoys the finer things in life, the Luxury Traveller travels in sophistication and style. Think luxury brands, resort hopping and fine-dining all the way.

Brunei

If here was any doubt that Brunei could be considered as an option fo a luxury vacation, you need only look at the gold dome the splendid Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque sitting amidst its own lagoon, Instagrammable from sunrise to midnight (but would highly recommend snapping a photo around sunset). Still not convinced? Perhaps the golden domes of the largest residential palace, the Istana Nurul Iman, might convince you. Look around at the heritage buildings, at the royal trappings in the Royal Regalia Museum, at the humble but undeniably luxurious Ash-shaliheen Mosque, and let that dispel your doubts.

Or perhaps you just need to step into the splendiferous marble lobby of The Empire Brunei, with its impeccably dressed staff who greet you with a smile (it must be known that by and large, Bruneians are a friendly bunch), at the expansive two-storey window with the calming view of the sea (sun snacks at the Lobby Lounge will afford you breath-taking view). A Superior Room will already make ou feel like a prince, with its large marble bathrooms and private balconies, but you’ll feel like true ing at Ambassador Suite – featuring a spacious living area, dining area and private balcony; all sumptuously decorated for both luxury and comfort.

Unsurprisingly, fine dining options are a-plenty here: Italian fare at Spaghettini’s, Western fare at Pantai Restaurant, Chinese cuisine at Li Gong, some fantastic cakes and coffee at Zest. But if you’re looking to step out of the resort (although no one’s blaming you if you’d prefer to just soak some sun by one of their many pools, swing a club at their championship golf course or simply watch the latest theatrical release at the lush Empire Cinema), then pay a visit to Alter

Ego Fusion Café in Kiulap for some Western/asian inspired cuisine in trendy settings. Right across from Alter Ego is

Euro Classic, where you’ll easily get lost shopping for decorative baubles and trinkets, elegant home wares, even some novelty knick-knacks. And if you’re still navigating Kiulap, head on over to

Virgo Boutique for high quality fashion attire off the rack, or if you have a little bit of extra time, get an outfit tailor-made just for you.

Back to the resort and you can find fancy branded accessories at the aptly named The Luxury Shop, as well as Crimson Square. But if you want an experience that’s truly luxurious – climb aboard the MV Sentosa and experience the Brunei Bay, its mangrove-lined waterways and an unbeatable view of Brunei’s spectacular sunsets.

Sabah

The beautiful sunsets in Sabah are the cherry on top of this nation’s luxury escapades. Add to that their beautiful resorts sprawling on green acres with stunning crystal blue seascape views, and there’s no question you can truly live it up in the high end life here.

An opulent adventure awaits on Gaya Island’s Malohom Bay, located just off the coast of Sabah, where you can rest in the lap of luxury within the protected environment of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Gaya Island Resort is a beachfront resort paradise nestled within the slopes of the rainforest, blending seamlessly into the nature surrounding it. Skilled chefs at their various dining establishments embrace the flavours of various cuisine, and if the view, comfortable rooms and delicious food isn’t relaxing enough for you, head on to the Spa Village for a holistic healing experience.

Or come back down to the city and check into the gorgeous Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort. The laid-back charm of Sabah may be epitomised in the number of resorts scattered around the seaside city of Kota Kinabalu, but there is no doubt that Tanjung Aru Resort is the luxury epicenter – the city’s crème of the crop. This sprawling resort rests against a beachfront setting, housing 498 contemporary-styled rooms and suites designed to reflect Borneo’s rich cultural heritage.

Pamper yourself with a blissful spa treatment at the resort’s Chi, The Spa, or indulge in the many sports and recreation facilities they have on offer here. The kids will have plenty of fun by themselves at the Kids’ Club, or just tanning themselves at the Water Play Area.

Naturally a luxury resort is going to come with fantastic fine dining options, but head into the city to do what everyone does when in Kota Kinabalu – eat some fresh seafood. You’ll find fresh premium seafood primped for your gastronomical pleasure at Jeti Seafood Restaurant. Head on over to Imago

Shopping Mall for a whole host of shopping options from Sephora to Victoria’s Secret. Visit East Malaysia’s first duty-free mall, the

Jesselton Mall, to find couture brands, and high brand perfumes and cosmetics.

What’s left for a luxury-seeker to do? How about taking a cruise around Sabah’s famous islands on the North Borneo Yacht Charter and come aboard the Puteri Sutera, a Lagoon Power 44 luxury yacht that comes with a complete crew to cater to your every need.

Sarawak

The largest state of Malaysia brims with history, and any visitor to Sarawak is easily swept away by its laidback charms. If you’re looking for a place with tourist-trap clichés, then you’re looking at the wrong place to visit. But if you’re looking for a place that is warm, friendly, and authentic, this is where you need to go.

Luxury options are less about opulence and more about beautiful retreats, and one of the best retreats we can think of is the paradise getaway for the stars: Cove55. Offering luxurious ethnic luxury, this is the award-winning escape to forget about the rat race, stretch out by the crystal blue waters of its stunning infinity pool, and soak up that splendid view of Mount Santubong.

And when you’re stretching off the kinks of that magnificent nap by the pool, pay a visit to Kechala – their sophisticated in-house restaurant that produces dishes infused with Sarawakian flavours, made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding jungles.

The city of Kuching is just 30 to 45 minutes away, if you’re looking to experience an urban landscape steeped in history. Head on down to izakaya for a Japanese finedining experience, or dig into some meat at Carvery Kuching Restaurant.

Kuching is not a city that prides itself on glitz and glam, and nor should it be, and while you can certainly get in a good shopping spree while there, you will need to look a little further for luxury brands. The Treasure Box offers up many luxury brand accessories for those hunting a good deal for couture.

The luxe side of Sarawak is found in its enriching experiences – a priceless commodity. There are plenty of destination packages for you to indulge in that will allow you to experience Sarawak in all of its rich natural beauty.