Indonesia Design - Defining Luxury
Liu Men: Home of Peranakan Culture
Liu Men Melaka is a charming hotel that beautifully celebrates the rich culture.
A beautiful city in Malaysia, Melaka was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008. It has since been recognised as one of the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca. Here lies Liu Men Melaka, a charming hotel that beautifully celebrates the city’s rich culture. he city of Melaka reflects a multicultural heritage from the Middle East, India, the Malay Archipelago and China. It was also influenced by the colonisation of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. The Malacca River bisects the city into a civic zone on the east side of the river, where public buildings with massive architectural stone remains can still be seen. On the west side of the river is the historic residential and commercial zone.
In this commercial zone stood six shop-houses on Jalan Tokong where different families resided. Sometime before 1939, these six families left and the different shop-houses were renovated and transformed into a new home for a single family. Fast forward to early 2019, the old structure experienced a rebirth, like a phoenix, it has risen once again from the ashes. Reborn with a new life and spirit emerged Liu Men Melaka, with its architectural work done by Idea Workshop. Situated in a heavily adorned street that appears to have been conjured
from an old Asian romance novel, this charming boutique hotel has 30 rooms, and its interior was designed by RDM Design.
“Liu Men” means “six doors” and holds a special meaning. Six/ Liu is an auspicious number symbolising a smooth journey and travel. It is believed to be the inspiration behind the name. Liu Men Melaka is a perfect blend of East and West. The theme of black and white from the colonial Art Deco’s influence with its geometric shapes from 1930s, and the distinctive Eastern twist of vibrant reds and golds which symbolise joy and luck, have fused into a celebration of cultures. It is what is identified as Peranakan Culture.
From the moment you enter the lobby you feel right at home. You’ll be greeted by a warm welcome and a refreshing cold towel. The pleasure of being treated with such hospitality makes everyone feel more comfortable. This homey atmosphere continues on into the courtyard, situated just left of the lobby.
Liu Men’s main element is the Courtyard, which pays homage to Melaka’s traditional houses. “The Courtyard” features a glass atrium to weatherproof the courtyard, allowing guests to lounge and dine Melakan delicacies with a view of the sky during the day. By night, it becomes a mellow area where guests can wind down before retiring into their rooms.
Once you are in the room, you will be amazed by the remnants of the rich history of the old family in Melaka. Traces taken from the authentic history of Melaka enhances the Chinese Peranakan ambiance throughout the room. There are five types of rooms available: Jebat (12), Hang Tuah (7), Kapitan (4), Cheng Ho Suite (2) and Parameswara Suite (2), all named after the Malaccan heroes.
The grandest of all rooms, the Parameswara suite, is located on the top floor of Liu Men. This spacious and luxurious sanctuary shall delight you and your loved ones with its majestic sky view
that you can enjoy from its open-air balcony. Only available in King rooms, this suite covers a large space fit for small families, having both a living room and bedroom. The Cheng Ho suite features black wood herringbone floors and a spacious bathroom featuring the hotel’s signature colour of red and a stand-alone bathtub. It’s a perfect space for a honeymoon getaway where history meets romance. The enchanting Hang Tuah rooms, with options of attic ceiling, draws you back to your own attic room in your parent’s home. The Jebat rooms greet you with a lovely view of Jalan Tokong and the ancient temple.
The feeling of being in a Peranakan culture is not only felt through the room’s name, architecture, interior and elements that are presented, but moreover through the ambiance, which evoke the warmth of being with family. In this case, the general manager Josephine Ooi and her staff play a big role in identifying Liu Men - a part of Preference label by TAUZIA Hotels - as a place of Peranakan Culture, where guests are treated with the same honour and warmth that they would receive from their own family.
Liu Men is a place that perfectly embodies the essence of the historic city of Melaka, and it can be seen all around. But what’s more exciting is the sense of home that can be felt both inside and outside during your whole stay, leaving you with precious moments and memories that you and your loved ones will always treasure.