Five-star stay by the river
IT’S a breezy day in Melaka and I’m on my way to check in at the five-star Casa Del Rio Hotel by the Melaka River. Despite having been around for some time, the hotel retains its No. 1 ranking among hotels in the historical state.
Most of the boutique hotel has an openair concept, allowing a light breeze into the lobby.
Its architecture has a Mediterranean feel but also pays tribute also to cultural influences from the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English.
The wait for my room key is made pleasant by the friendly staff who offer a complimentary bowl of homemade lime and ginger sorbet and a refreshing cold towel. There is a water fountain surrounded by Complimentary lime and ginger sorbet with a wet towel for guests. gazebos where you can chill out. Bushes of bougainvillea are planted all around the hotel and in the balcony of each room, adding extra colour to the majestic building.
There is a library and gift shop in the lobby and you can enjoy all types of food at the three restaurants on the other side of the lobby. At the top level are an infinity pool, a bar, spa and 24-hour gym.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
My room is an extremely spacious deluxe with two single beds covered with vibrant pink flowery quilts. The bellboy shows us around the room which is followed by another complimentary snack of onde onde.
As the room faces the river, it’s lovely to sit on the balcony and enjoy the beautiful night sky. The tastefully decorated room has touches of both Mediterranean and Peranakan. It comes with all the basic amenities. There is even a radio under the flat screen TV which allows you to play music with your USB. A sliding screen
divides the room and the bathroom.
The bathroom has both shower and long bath facilities. At the study table is a diary (titled where short notes by previous guests are penned. What is written are mostly experiences at the hotel and around Melaka. This diary allows us to share our thoughts and makes for an interesting read.
AN AFTERNOON OF RELAxATION
If you’re in need of something more relaxing after a tiring day out, unwind with a relaxing massage at the Satkara Spa.
With both private rooms and couple rooms, you can opt for traditional Malay massage, foot massage or a one-hour massage using organic oils with Melaka palm sugar scrubs as add-on. It is advisable to make early booking though.
If you are not into spas, try the 40-minute cruise down Melaka River.
With jetties just in front of the hotel, you can arrange with the staff on your selected time to enjoy the cruise.
I feel the evening cruise is ideal as the weather is cooler and you can enjoy the buildings with artsy Malaysian-inspired murals, Baba Nyonya village, Java village, kampung houses, quaint shops and cafes.
OUT AND AbOUT
The hotel offers a morning Heritage Walk guided tour for guests at RM88 per person with a minimum of four people per trip (three days’ advance booking is required).
As Jonker Street (a Unesco World Heritage site) and other touristy attractions are just a two-minute walk from the hotel, you can discover places on your own.
Go on a food trail where you will find all types of mouth-watering delights such as chicken rice balls, Peranakan food, cendul, tarts and dodol.
You can also shop for items such as lamps, tiffin carriers, chimes, various wood-based hand-held massagers, toys and decorated porcelain. During the weekends, there is a night market that attracts tourists.