Tucked away in an idyllic spot along Penang’s coastline, Lone Pine, a Tribute Portfolio Resort under the Marriott banner would inspire you for a Colonial charm beachfront staycation. Because when you stay with character, character stays with you. mylifestylenews writes.
Being one of the most sought after island escape destinations in Malaysia, the isle of Penang is where you don’t have to put all your eggs into the one basket, not only the island hotspot has a coastline that spans the vibrant shore along Batu Ferringhi for its sandy resort beaches, the UNESCO heritage of its historic George Town is well defined and it remains a fascinating mix of colonial heritage and dynamic tropical geography.
From port city to the World UNESCO Heritage site in 2008, the multi-cultural historic city of George Town has gained even more domestic tourists and from abroad to set their foot into this island for its rich and diverse cultural heritage livelihoods; endless exciting and unique festivities; infamous culinary voyages especially its local food scene and a mix of a beach holiday escapes and the list goes on.
With the development of burgeoning cultural and tourism industries on the go, finding a hotel on this bustling isle can be a challenge especially when it comes to peak seasons, so an advance reservation is always encouraged to avoid any dismay of your holiday plans.
Naturally this would result in a plethora of resort hotels, but it seems the establishment of Batu Ferringhi’s only luxury boutique hotel belongs to Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort.
It began life as a seaside private residence in the 1930’s for the McKern family. The home was named “Lone Pine” because of a solitary tree growing which they mistook for a pine tree but was in fact a Casuarina tree.
The charming name stayed anyway and in 1988 it changed hands and the bungalow was converted into a small family-run 10-room hotel for people that wanted to escape cold climates. In the 1950’s new annexes were added which are now the front two blocks of well designed guest rooms.
In 2010, the reputable resort underwent a major transformation and they added a contemporary building at the rear with additional 50 deluxe guest rooms, a tranquil spa, a modern fitness centre as well as new food and beverage venues.
Fast forward to 2019, the entire resort was rejuvenated after a loving upgraded restoration and the focus is still on the gracious past, which is always a key selling point when looking for luxury comfort abode, as opposed to a resort that is showing wear and tear and it is still being infused with the colonial spirit and charm that it has been reknown for by up keeping this eponymous resort in Batu Ferringhi.
At this point Murali, the guest experience manager stepped in and watched over proceedings, then Maria and Mei – the Brand Ambassador and Director of Sales & Marketing welcomed us properly and it was only from this moment everything fell into place and we were instantly pleased.
Unbeknownst to us, we had been allocated to one of the best courtyard rooms in the resort with absolute beach frontage, a secluded courtyard that has a gate that gives access from the courtyard to the beachfront lawn.
#Room 603. Our Premier Courtyard Room was quite spacious at 56sqm and exuded a resort ambience with a simple layout – bathroom immediately on the left with a sliding door, large wardrobe, minibar with coffee and tea making facilities together with complimentary daily replenished non-alcoholic beverages on the right as you walk in. The bedroom and living area comes with a large day bed against a wall can be best converted into an extra bed adorned with a colourful artwork above it referencing local heritage culture.
The bright and spacious room also features a large king bed and chic bedhead with a woven rattan-like design which sat on an attractive geometric patterned floor rug and wall mounted television opposite the bed, looking out to the beachfront when the window curtain is drawn with plentiful sunlight flooding the room. The colour scheme is neutral, lighting is excellent with downlights positioned in all the right locations, including two for reading above the bed and two ‘jazzy’ bedhead lamps above each bedside table well illuminated in the evening with a more cozy mood.
Across the room well-placed a large comfy bright sofa chair, coffee table with welcome fruit basket and a mid-century contemporary style standing lamp at the corner contrasting the darker stone tiled floor that creates a cool resort atmosphere while the rug under the bed provides a soft warm surface every time you get out of bed which was a delight.
A complete wall of windows overlooking the walled paved courtyard with a gate that allows access to the beachfront lush lawn creates a more intimate space to unwind while enjoying the gentle sound and senses of the sea breeze in the late afternoon, reading under the shade and quite frankly we had no compunction to leave the resort.
We enjoyed the space of the bathroom which is chic in black and white flooring, featuring a partial wall tiles with a huge walk-in shower and a sliding door which can be moved to enclose the toilet next to the shower room. To the left of the single vanity is a large free-standing bathtub with resort branded toiletries and amenities that was quite pleasant.
There is a good size mirror above the vanity and a full door mirror on the outside of the bathroom door. Another sensible and thoughtful addition is the installed water filter tap in the bathroom for drinking water instead of all those water bottles you keep asking for, so a great eco-friendly initiative that every hotel should consider.
The resort large-size swimming pool area also has a kids pool and jacuzzi and is the absolute oasis with an elegantly paved pool deck and lots of Casuarina trees that provide plenty of shade from the tropical sun, along with a good selection of sun loungers and umbrellas and well spaced out cushioned cabanas, all in pretty good nick.
The Bungalow by the swimming pool is the old 1948 residence that adds the Colonial charm to the entire surroundings. With expansive beachfront grass lawns, some may even call it the “Hampton of Penang” of its relaxed atmosphere that puts a smile on your face the moment you step out of your room to embrace the serene surrounds.
Each afternoon we spent by the pool deck, lazing around and slowly swimming laps or just cooling off, keeping under the shade in our cabana and generally just watching the world go by. It is absolute beachfront and you have a soundtrack of waves gently breaking in this intimate private oasis.
Additional resort facilities include a decently equipped fitness centre which is tucked away at the back in the new wing and the SUASANA Spa offering signature locally inspired therapeutic treatments.
Fitness Centre
Food and beverage is not forgotten by any means. Lepak Corner near the resort entrance provides some light refreshments in an airy space that is very welcoming.
The Bungalow that was completely renovated to a high standard and encompasses the all day dining downstairs and a boutique bar upstairs called The Dispensary, which is beautifully appointed and has some serious bottles of whisky on offer, among other libations!
We ordered some Margaritas and let our bare feet enjoy the feeling of the sand around our toes while watching the sunset.
Breakfast is served in The Bungalow and the interior is thoughtfully designed in a cafe/bistro style with elegant tiled floors and designer sputnik light chandeliers. There are glass wall panels with palm trees juxtaposed with the bright yellow leather banquettes exuding that resort style settings ambience dining.
The enclosed balcony-style section decorated with white wall panelling a-la-Hampton style, all in all with some great design touchpoints for a seaside location and provides a bright and breezy space that will have you lingering over your breakfast. The buffet is spread over indoors and undercover outdoors, sensibly laid out to create an easy guest flow without congestion. It also divided into a few specific outdoor live cooking stations for Char Kway Teow and noodle soup as well as Indian Roti.
The beach bar was used for making hot beverages and the old aluminium tea kettles sitting in a clay charcoal grill stove which was the the old-school way in the past brought back to life, serving the local all time favorite breakfast drinks - Teh Tarik milk tea among the Kopi O - black coffee and herbal chrysanthemum tea which was a nice touch sharing the local cultural and heritage is a must try.
The entire breakfast selection was a thoughtfully curated spread that there was space to spare and it worked really well. Beside the cereals, fruit, bread selection, local pastry like Kaya stick is a plus.
The garden style set up of leafy green salad was eye-catching and not forgetting the Malaysia national dish - Nasi Lemak with various condiments, sambal and curry chicken is a comforting breakfast among the locals.
Char Kway Teow was the highlight each day, along with the lightly crisp Roti Canai and fish ball noodle soup. The mango lassi, fresh jackfruit and papaya were to go fiber intake for the day. This could be the springboard for more authentic experiences at breakfast. Service was generally good, but not seamless, but we were well looked after by the team.
Destination dining with thematic set up can be arranged on the beachfront lawn, featuring The Master’s Butcher Table on the menu during our visit that is an alternative outdoor sunset dining experience. As friends were staying with us, we booked a dining experience on the lawns one evening and it was the perfect way to soak up the environs of the resort with the warm evening breeze and not have a care in the world.
Apart from the arrival niggles, the rest of the stay was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. Breakfast was an absolute delight each morning and we maxed out the whole service period lingering over food and conversation, nothing felt hurried or noisy and you couldn’t have asked for more.
Lone Pine will have you captivated with its relaxed beach vibes and will continue to attract new guests as it has so many appeals that resonates with a residential feel and instantly makes you feel at home.
It is a destination that you will not want to leave all day and to completely chill, let the body recharge, distress and just be at one with nature and cocooned in this Colonial charm beachfront holiday destination.
Tried & Tested:
Service: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Amenities: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Houesekeeping: 4.5/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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