Club Med, Cherating, Pahang

We bought a 'Buy One Free One' deal from Club Med at the recent MATTA'13 fair. The package is an all inclusive 3 nights 4 days at the 1st Club Med in Asia i.e. Cherating, Pahang.

The journey started from KL via the East West Karak Highway to Cherating. The journey through light traffic took about 3 1/2 hours. This was a reminiscent trip of sort because it was more than 20 years ago that we were on the beach at Club Med with the children (Mandy was about 4 and Alicia 2!) looking into the resort. Now we are here as hotel guests without the children.

The age shows in some parts of the resort especially the rooms. But then again, guests are expected to be out the whole day enjoying the facilities and activities available free of charge.

The facilities includes the gym, ping pong, tennis, badminton, football, two swimming pools, jacuzzi, spa,etc. Actvities available are sailing, kayaking, rock climbing, archery, fitness classes, jungle trekking and trapeze. There's certainly something for everyone young and old.

The highlights for us couch potatoes were the daily buffet meals and unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, cocktails, beer and wines! There's even a Noodle House just in case of cravings between meals. Believe me, it was taxing devouring all the different types of food, salads, savourys, deserts available and feeling full the entire stay!

After dinner each night, the staff will come together to present different entertaining music and dance shows for all ages. The highlight was on the last night where we were entertained by a thrilling acrobatic show.

At the end of the day, we retire to the comforts of our room satiated and exhausted. Three full days of R&R. It had been a wonderful experience of what Club Med has to offer.

Our first meal at the resort

 

Mrs Robin Hood

Not bad for our 1st attempt at archery

Main pool

The Zen Pool. Adults only.

 

One of the many comfortable sofas available

Eating...

And more eating! :)

Accomodation wing

Sunrise on last day

 

Destination : Club Med, Cherating, Pahang

Date : 22 to 25 July 2013

Accomodation : 3 nights, 4 days at RM2,270 for two

Mum's Rating : 7/10

Travel Time : 3 1/2 hrs KL to Cherating

Ideal for couples with young kids as th kids have their own programme  

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Mandy managed to purchase a good Groupon deal for 3 nights 4 days stay at a deluxe room with daily breakfast at Panviman Resort, Koh Phangan, Thailand. It was a get to know the in-laws retreat as both couple's parents were invited!

Panviman Resort is located on the East Coast of Koh Phangan, an island just next to the famous and more commercial Koh Samui. The resort is accessible either direct by boat or road part dirt trail by van or 4WD. To get to this exotic island, we took a Bangkok Airways flight to Koh Samui. From the nearby Patcherat pier, it is about 45 mins ferry ride to Koh Phangan. It is then about an hour's ride by road to the  resort. Although the journey to the resort is long and requires frequent transport changes, rest assured it is worth it.

The resort is nestled in a jungle fringed hill slope overlooking two picturesque bays. Our bedroom balcony has an unobstructed view of one of the bays. The view is breathtaking, guaranteed to make you forget about work and stress. The deluxe room came with all the expected creature comforts and more.

Typical of Thais, the staff were polite and friendly and the service very good. The buffet breakfast was good. You get pork bacon and not beef bacon. Hotel food prices were reasonable with ala carte dishes averaging 200 baht. Cocktails were about 180 baht. All of us caved in to the pleasures of spa treatment and were pampered with body, heat and herbal massages. On the third night, the kids upgraded their room to a villa with its very own private pool and jacuzzi.

All in all, it was a very nice and relaxing stay. We even managed to spend a couple of hours over in Chaweng, Koh Samui and even had a final foot massage at 180 baht before leaving for KL. Our thanks to both Mandy and Eddie who planned the entire trip, ground arrangements and ensuring both parents had a wonderful and memorable holiday.

View from villa

View from Deluxe Room

The three fair ladies

Destination : Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Date :12 to 15 May 2013
Accomodation : Panvamin Resort, 4 Stars, Package RM720 for 2 pax wi b'fast.
Mum's Rating : 7/10
Bangkok Airways - about RM800 pp
Airport to Patcherat Pier - RM10 pp
Ferry to Koh Phangan - RM20 pp
Pier to Panviman Resort - RM30 pp

Hat Yai, Thailand.

Spent our post Christmas holidays at north of the border at Hatyai, Thailand. We drove to Bukit Kayu Hitam in the morning at about 8.30 am from Taiping, reaching the border slightly more than 3 hours later.

We passed Malaysian Immigration and drove to the Duty Free Shopping Centre to park the car. It cost RM15 for overnight parking and the total sum amounted to RM45.00 for three nights.

Since there were five of us, we had to hire a van to take us to Hatyai about an hour's drive away. We have to cross Thai Immigration by foot. Apparently you need to include RM1 each in your respective passports. The same rule of thumb applies for the return journey.

We stayed at Hotel Centara (formally known as Novotel Hotel) which is strategically located at the main tourist area in Hat Yai. Located opposite the hotel is Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel. The hotel lobby is at 6th floor and below that is a shopping centre, supermarket and fast food restaurants. How convenient. Over at Lee Gardens Plaza is McD, Svensens, etc. Within walking distances are street food and street vendors frequented by the many tourists.

Visited the popular tourist attractions like the Municipal Park, Cable Car (Nice view of Hat Yai town from there) and Ice Dome. The Ice Dome is recommended for families. The ice sculptures are supposed to be done by the famous sculptors from Harbin, China. The current theme is the landmarks from South East Asia e.g. Twin Tower, Marina Sands, etc. Not to be missed. RM20 per entry and it comes with winter jacket and gloves. For the ladies suggest you bring along a pair of socks should you be wearing exposed sandals. Entrance for senior citizens above 80 years of age is free!

The rest of the trip was spent on food, shopping, foot reflexology and manicure and pedicure for the girls.

Destination : Hat Yai, Thailand.
Date : 26 to 29 December 2012
Accomodation : Centara Hotel, 3.5 Stars, RM180 per night, Superior Room w/o b'fast.
Mum's Rating : 6/10
Conclusion : Worth the trip if you have not been to Hat Yai. Good quality knock offs of EPL club football jerseys.
Van to Hat Yai - RM80. Return trip RM70.

Before

After

                                                                            

All onboard the tuk-tuk

Just outside the hotel

Street food galore

Hotel Lobby

Sotong bakar, yum yum

Different varieties of dim sum, RM1.60 per basket

Cable car station at the top of Municipal Park

View of Hat Yai from atop

Ready for the freezer

Literally freezing yr butt

Cool bar