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I can't live without my mascara (because i have small eyes)... I love good chocolate, good cheese and good wine (especially White Chardonnay)... I love colourful patent leather ballerina from Salvatore Ferragamo (but they ain't have my size and I stil can't afford it)... I like reading (book, magazine and even map)... I like writing (and that's why I'm here)... I love travelling (and always wanted to be a back-packer)... I'm like an active volcano (so don't mess with me)... I have high standards and principles for myself, as well as for others (so sometimes people hate me)...

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Casa Del Mar… Mi Amor

Wow… it’s been a month since my last post…. Weeks of hectic goddamn final exams and 2 weeks of vacation… here I am! Went to Langkawi on September 22, spent 4 wonderful days there… now back to KL, minds are still wandering to the wonderful sun, beach and most importantly, my home by the sea – Casa Del Mar.

Spending almost 3 hours in the boring and crowded LCCT, I reached Langkawi International Airport at 11.05 am, after a 45-minute flight in a cramp airbus (OK, can’t blame it, after all, I took AirAsia – the LEADING low cost carrier!). Langkawi International Airport is much better than LCCT; I meant it… much much much better!

At the airport, rented a not-so-expensive but not-so-ok car and easily found the hotel after a 10-minute drive. Well, frankly, I love the name of this unique boutique hotel, but the moment when I first enter the hotel façade was- a bit ... erm, disappointing I’d say (After that I realized that it was due to their renovation project…).

The disappointment was soon being swept under the hotel’s carpet when I was being addressed in a welcoming and warm way by the attentive staff. While examining the unconventional lobby (which does not look like a lobby at all), a nice staff served me a weird-but-nice welcome drink – sort of sparkling ginger lemonade. After some nice little talk, I got my room.


Casa Del Mar lobby ... this is the first time I see a lobby with a full shelves of book in different languages... The door leads to the swimming pool and rooms.

Welcome drink ... the sparkling ginger lemonade. Kinda weird but it quenches my thirst immediately...


Very nice room with lots of little touches that surprise me – LCD plasma TV, with cocktail making facilities at a side, fuchsia orchids lie on my bed and in the spacious bathroom. There will be turndown services every evening – what really wowed me were the different scented bookmarks placed on my bed every evening. When I get into the room, it smells like someone has been taking a nice shower, lying on bed, waiting for me… Haha…


The comfortable bed with 4 huge pillows and 5 little cushions... bed i'll rather die on...


The cocktail making facilities at the mini bar...

The very unique set of toiletries in ceramics... (from left) liquid moisturiser, cinnamon soap bar and the hand soap... (they can be purchased at RM 110 per set)


One of the most thoughtful facilities ... At first I thought this is for the associates to water the plant. Later, I realised that it is meant for guests to wash their sandy feet before stepping into their room... how silly I am..


Lots of facilities for the guests… Plentiful of sundecks, a free-form swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. On my first day, I can’t wait to go for sunbathing. Basking myself in the wonderful view, with warm breeze blowing, listening to the sound of waves – how I wish that I can stay there as long as I want to… how I wish…


Can't wait to go sunbathing on the first day ... reading my favourite book and enjoying the wonderful view at the same time...

Me ... Pretending to "float" at the swimming pool.. ok..I admit, I can't swim!!


The beautiful free form pool at noon time...


I spent 3 nights in Casa Del Mar and every morning, I will have to look into their list of breakfast menu carefully and make the right choice because all the dishes seem so attempting and I really want to try them all. Mostly in western style, such as pancake, French toast, turkey ham with edam and brie cheese, omelets, poached egg and some local dishes such as fried noodles and nasi lemak. I think this is due to the majority of their guests are foreigners, mostly couples, and we are the only local guests in the hotel, in a weird combination that seems a little bit awkward…


My starter for breakfast every morning ... muesli with fruits and croissant... with tea and orange juice.


Breakfast on the second day ... Egg white omelet with mushroom, spinach, edam, brie and goat cheese... really fantastic!!


Breakfast on the third day ... house baked bean on toast with sunnyside up eggs...



Breakfast on the last day ... the most ordinary - fried oat meal with fresh strawberries... and the daily fresh squeezed orange juice.




The private tent for dinner that outlooks the beach ... very very romantic, but i think it costs about what I paid for a 3-night stay...

At first, I was planning to stay at the Starwood properties – either the Sheraton Beach Resort or the Westin Langkawi. However, after a long run of consideration and research, Casa Del Mar became our final choice and it is indeed a wise choice. Crowded will never ever be an issue in this boutique hotel as there are only less than 30 rooms available. So, for those who would like to splurge on an extravagant vacation, or would like to impress your loved one, or, guys, if you would like to pop the question, do it in Casa Del Mar because the hotel is filled with sense of love… the non commercialized sense of comfortable and love… If I ever have a chance or would like to visit Langkawi for a second time, I might choose to stay in other hotel, but I think, this hotel will always be prioritized…

(P/S: Don’t worry, Casa Del Mar does not pay me to do this. I write this article from the perspective of a satisfied guest... ha)