The green Element

The tallest eco-friendly hotel in Kuala Lumpur is not only Green Building Index-certified but also strategically located, writes Tan Bee Hong

The lobby and Trace Restaurant.

ECO-FRIENDLY practices are a daily happening at the spanking new Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin in Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur. Sharing space with an art gallery and offices in Ilham Tower, the hotel is located on the 39th-53rd floors.

From the concierge at ground level, Element KL guests take the lift to the lobby (and Trace Restaurant) on the 40th floor.

THE LOBBY@40

What impresses immediately is the wide open space, with natural light filtering in from the five-metre tall windows with anti-glare glass. Then my eyes are drawn to the light installation on the ceiling, Life:Resilient by Venezuelan artist Claudia Bueno, features abstract forms of local flora and fauna such as ferns, hibiscus, funghi and coral.

Facing the lobby is the hotel’s only F&B outlet. The all-day Trace Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meals are superbly prepared and creatively plated by its team of passionate chefs headed by executive chef Hashrul Sehwan and his assistant, chef Gerald Chong. The breakfast buffet is equally tempting, with an ample spread comprising western and local delights.

THE ROOMS

Room floor access is by room keys. I love how every floor has a different art theme, decorated with works by different artists. Our Skyline Studio room on the 51st floor has paintings of nyonya women gathered around the dining table. Another has pencil etchings of grizzled old men, the wrinkles on their faces a hint of years hard lived.

Element KL has 252 rooms, with views of either KL City Centre or the rolling hills of Ampang. All have one outstanding common feature: Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, and down pillows to ensure a calm, uneventful sleep. I can’t remember the last time I am so reluctant to get out of bed in the morning.

As it’s an eco-friendly hotel, the use of plastics is minimised, so every room has an NSF-certified filtered water system (yes, it’s safe to drink straight from the tap) and energy-efficient appliances such as fridge and microwave oven while suites have an induction cooker and dishwasher in the kitchenette.

In the bathroom, plant-based organic Pharmacopia shampoo and body wash are offered in dispensers in the shower. The rain shower is an absolutely delight; the powerful rush of water makes me feel like I’m standing under a waterfall.

WORK IT OUT

Element KL not only offers guests complimentary use of its fitness centre, Motion, but also yoga (three times daily) and zumba classes. Then there is the heated indoor swimming pool filled with, not chlorin- Sculptures on the lawn in front of the hotel; Bicycles that in-house guests can borrow; Light installation, Life:Resilient, by Venezuelan artist Claudia Bueno; Plant-based organic Pharmacopia range of toiletries. ated water but saline water instead which is kinder to eyes, hair and skin. Bicycles, complete with helmet, are also available for guests and there are plans to open a spa soon.

MORE ECO ELEMENTS

Apart from the above, the hotel also practises Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, in line with its eco-certification. The building itself has anti-glare features in the glass windows which still allow natural light in. All light fittings are of the energy-saving variety.

The hotel also harvests rainwater for use and there are indoor air quality sensors to detect levels of carbon dioxide, as well as in the car park. Those who drive hybrid or electric vehicles will be pleased to note that there are designated charging stations in the car park to ensure you won’t have to worry about flat batteries.

NSF-certified filtered water system in every room.