The perfect Penang luxury staycation

Our perfect Penang luxury staycation was short but oh so sweet. With just 48 hours in Georgetown, we had to make the right choices to ensure that the anticipated levels of perfection were achieved. Our hotel choice was easy. With one of the finest hotels in the region being located in the heart of Georgetown, and the fact that we stayed there on our honeymoon, there really was only one option. When it came to where we were going to eat, and considering that Georgetown is a favourite of foodies, this choice was a little harder. But when one of the few restaurants with a Michelin star in Malaysia calls Penang home, and they serve a Green Menu that is vegetarian and can easily be adapted for vegans, our minds were made. Finally, after 48 hours of exploring every corner of this truly unique UNESCO World Heritage City we knew that some R&R would be needed. So where better than one of the finest spas in town, located on the 67th floor of the iconic Komtar Tower.

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang has been welcoming discerning and distinguished travellers since 1885 and is most certainly The Grand Dame of Georgetown. Simply referred to as the ‘E&O’ by generations of global guests, it sits proudly overlooking the Straits of Malacca, and if hotels could tell stories, the E&O could fill even the largest of libraries. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, there really is only one address to consider for the perfect Penang luxury staycation.

Our Deluxe Suite in the Heritage Wing was spacious and well appointed, boasting expansive ocean views. The complimentary mini bar was restocked daily, and the Nespresso coffee machine was a welcome inclusion for that pre breakfast caffeine hit. The bed was supremely comfortable, and we certainly made the most of the bathtub, it provided the perfect antidote to the tens of thousands of steps we took whilst exploring everything that Georgetown has to offer. As guests staying in the Heritage Wing, we had access to evening canapés and cocktails at The Cornwallis which was the perfect spot to watch day turn to night from the outside terrace. As the premier address in Georgetown, we can happily say that The Eastern & Oriental Hotel lived up to our expectations.

Before heading to The Cornwallis to enjoy the generous offerings to kick start our evenings, we relaxed next to the pool and enjoyed the sun saying goodbye for yet another day, at what has to be one of the most photographed and iconic hotel pool views in Penang. On each of our stays at this storied hotel, this is the spot that wins our heart every time, simply the only location to end every day and reflect on life and what exciting adventures and unique experiences lie ahead.

Restaurant Au Jardin

This modern and stylish restaurant promises to “blend the beauty of nature with the artistry of French cuisine” from its home in a recently converted, and once forgotten warehouse in Georgetown. Restaurant Au Jardin opened in 2018 under the leadership of Chef Su Kim Hock, it caused heads to turn as diners were impressed with the creative culinary flair that was on show. Awarded a much coveted Michelin star in 2022, Restaurant Au Jardin has gone from strength to strength, continuing to wow global guests from far and wide.

Our Green Menu degustation experience was nothing short of remarkable. The vegetarian menu was adapted to be vegan, and in line with the sustainable practices that are at the heart of everything they do at Restaurant Au Jardin, featured plant based ingredients of which 85% were sourced locally. We enjoyed course after course of creatively curated culinary delights, our meal was memorable on so many levels. The intimate dining room with open kitchen and attentive staff certainly sets the scene, whilst the food that continued to arrive from the talented team of chefs was sublime. Textures, flavours and presentation that continued to impress, and thoughtfully paired non alcoholic drinks that further enhanced our experience. This was plant based fine dining at its very best, and not only are we sure to return next time we’re in Penang, but we would plan our whole trip around having the absolute pleasure of dining at Au Jardin once again.

Tower Spa

Welcoming guests who are seeking out the finest in relaxation and tranquility, Tower Spa offers a thoughtfully curated menu of wellness treatments from their unique location. Extensive spa treatments, massages and body work options are on offer, with some of the packages combining multiple treatments into a sublime session of serenity. Our couples packages called ‘My Love’ was 2.5 hours of pure indulgence and the perfect final chapter of our Penang luxury staycation. Having seemingly walked every inch of Georgetown in the previous 48 hours, heading to Tower Spa for some rejuvenation and relaxation was just what the doctor ordered. With views that need to be seen to be believed, this was a truly unique location for a spa, and our couples package was as indulgent as the views. We luxuriated our way through foot massages, salt scrubs, seashell baths and aromatherapy massages, enjoying every indulgent moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Situated at the top of the iconic Komtar Tower, the far reaching vistas of Georgetown and beyond are truly breathtaking. As our ‘My Love’ package came to an end, we were blessed a kaleidoscope of colours as the skies changed over Georgetown down below, and Penang Hill in the distance. For an ‘escape from it all’ spa experience in Penang, Tower Spa delivers on every level, and is therefore understandably considered to be the number 1 luxury spa in Georgetown.

We are fully aware that Penang offers far more than Georgetown, but with only 48 hours we decided that there was more than enough to keep us occupied without exploring further. Watch this space for our return, when we will venture further afield and see what other luxury experiences await on this beautiful Malaysian island.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.