Discover Your Own Haven @ BEST WESTERN PREMIER The Haven Ipoh

Located at a pristine and ancient natural environment with picturesque hills and geological rock formations from the Permian Period, Best Western Premier The Haven Ipoh, Malaysia is one of the star finest eco-resorts with natural surroundings dating back some 280 million years. mylifestylenews writes……

Ipoh is known as one of the best “home return from home” vacation and retirement locations in Malaysia that is equidistant between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Not to mentioned many domestic tourists and out-of-towners make their weekend trip or even a day trip (especially when they are desperate) flocking into this garden city (Bougainvillea are seen almost everywhere and also the state’s flower) for its infamous local food as well as to admire the prehistoric site of the old town heritage and remains.

The Haven's infinity Glass swimming pool

Ipoh, the valley of paradise surrounded by Titiwangsa mountain range which runs to east of the city and Kledang mountain range stretches from the north to the west. The panoramic view of hills and mountains can be seen from the city centre with lush greenery terrain and surrounded by clusters of towering limestone.

A 15 minutes smooth drive from the bustling modern Ipoh town, with almost no turning required along the straight Tambun Road to The Haven, but a few roundabouts and traffic lights that may be the only stops or slowing down your speed. Finding The Haven Lakeside Resort is not a difficult task especially with clear road sign indication.

On arrival, after passing through the first security check, a private drive passage way leading to the second security check-point for our parking allocation. Three high-rise condominium are seen ahead of us where we were re-directed to the parking lot adjacent to the reception for our check-in.

Just when you think it is another high rise Condo-tel, this residential resort consists of 512 all suite units spread across three 26- storey tower, the units measure from 968 to 2,840 sq ft give you a breathtaking view overlooking the natural surroundings with limestone caves and rock hill. A lake surrounded by jogging tracks amongst the lush landscaping and a huge resort infinity swimming pool designed in a seahorse shape is best viewed from your lakeview suite. This hidden Haven well-matched with its name The Haven, literally “a haven” for nature lovers and those in search of a retreat to unwind.

The Haven is totally family oriented as the resort is designed for R&R, recreation and family vacation. Operated by the Best Western International (BWI) family chain of hotels, this is the BWI's finest eco-resorts in Asia that open for short term and long term booking all year round under its "Premier" category.

Being the Perak state tallest and most luxurious resort Condo-tel, our 16^th floor’s 3 bedroom suite is bigger than we’ve expected, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen and open plan dining/living area comes in modern contemporary furnishing as well as a study room. From the spacious balcony, the panoramic view looking out at the natural pristine 4-arce "Constantly-flowing" lake fronts and  the 60 metre infinity sea horse design swimming pool with limestone hills beyond is simply breathtaking, it is no doubt being the trademark for the resort. The design and facilities is more akin to a private condominium and caters extremely well for long stay guests with such space and amenities in mind.

The Cuisine - All Day Dining Restaurant

The tower karst hills at The Haven site are rare geological features only found in a few locations in Southeast Asia as the virgin forest have been deliberately preserved and maintained. The Haven is committed to green living and all practical measures to help protect and sustain the environment. It is among the first properties in Malaysia to use 100 percent renewable energy such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy and windmill turbine within a sustainable budget to reduce the carbon footprint. 

Swimming pool & lakeside view by night

Given their spectacular location among all the limestone hills that populate the environs outside of the city centre, they have made a conscious effort to preserve and maintain all the natural beauty by not cutting down any tree or blasting any natural rock formation at the site, which is commendable when you see how some industries have done just that and created some eyesores as you drive out of the city.

Beside its stunning natural scenery and showing the love and car to the environment, The Haven also features other facilities like a wee-equipped gym, badminton and tennis courts, a children's playground and a specialty restaurant. Barbecue and garden picnic as well as Via Ferrata rock climbing on site activities within the resort's natural landscape can be arranged to suit you preference.

Cuisines, the poolside bar and restaurant offers the best of local, Asia, Western and Mediterranean cuisines under one roof.

Committed to develop a harmonious environment and keeping the nature at its best, The Haven’s objective is to perform extraordinarily for you to embrace the preservation of this million years old habitat and provide an alternative option for frequent visitors to the charming Ipoh next. Life and what comes in the afterlife is what motivates them to be responsible by providing the home sweet home hospitality and quality lifestyle and stimulating harmonious communities.

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4/5

Ambience: 4.5/5

Design & Decor: 4/5

Food & Beverage: 3.5/5 

Room Amenities: 3.5/5

Housekeeping: 3.5/5

Service: 3.5/5

Highlights:

Nature Surrounding

Swimming Pool

Flaws:

F&B

Service

Best Western Premier The Haven Ipoh

Jakan Haven (Persiaran Lembah Perpaduan)

Tambun, Ipoh

Perak Malaysia

Tel: +6 05 220 9000

ROGER VIVIER @ Asia First Pop-Up Store in Hong Kong

Roger Vivier celebrates the brand’s success in Asia by opening its first Pop-up Store in the world for a month long, from 1st-30 April 2015 at Lee Gardens, Hong Kong. A global exclusive set of limited edition Miss Viv’ handbags and Ballerine U-Look shoes  created in four brilliant colours - metallic gold, mirror silver, vivid green and fuchsia pink, formed a unique and exclusive collection perfect for the spring and summer seasons.is available at the Pop-up Store to mark the launch of the young, vibrant and energetic SS2015 season.

Inspired by the bold, yet playful style of Pop Art, Roger Vivier have its first pop-up store themed as Miss Viv’ Warhol, emphasizing the innovative side of the brand, at the same time sustaining its incredible craftsmanship and design. The store will be decorated with bright posters of Miss Viv’ Warhol to contrast with the brand’s signature antique furniture, creating a fashionable visual experience. In front of the store window, a large colourful neon light Miss Viv’ installation blends perfectly with the Miss Viv’ handbags and Ballerine U-Look shoes on display, eliciting the young and fresh glamour of the brand. The stylish and elegant image that sparks off from the limited edition will surely attract chic and young audiences.

A much beloved accessory of former First Lady of France Carla Bruni, Roger Vivier’s Miss Viv’ handbag has long been a representation of elegance and grace; while the Ballerine U-Look shoes illustrated the Parisian style, craftsmanship and design, which defined Roger Vivier as a brand distinguished for its chic and classic yet innovative and creative accessories. In Asia, with no exemption, the Miss Viv’ bag and the Ballerine U-look shoes are two of the most loved designs of the brand. Miss Viv’ handbags combine stylish design with practicability. They keep the brand’s iconic square buckle while adding new materials such as mirror leather and patent as the shell, creating a young and fresh new image of Miss Viv’. The Ballerine U-Look shoes, on the other hand, have buckles made from two U-shaped structures joined together like magnets, reinterpreting the classic charisma of Roger Vivier and displaying the elegant and lively charm of women.

LOEWE x John Allen @ A British Master Weaver & Knitter Hong Kong Cocktail Event

LOEWE hosted an exclusive cocktail event in its newly revamped Landmark store recently. Celebrating the unique collaboration with British master weaver and knitter John Allen. 

The special collection of summer accessories including colorful beach bags, towels and wallets are printed on with Allen's three bucolic designs that were selected by LOEWE's Creative Director Jonathan Anderson.

With the presence of a crowd full of same minded people sharing the interest for art and to meet John Allen and Jonathan Anderson in person and to marvel at a selection of Allen's full fine woven work including carpets that were specially flew in from England which were beautifully exhibited in the store to display his phenomenon craftsmanship.

LOEWE x John Allen design collection

John Allen & Jonathan Anderson

Lisa Montague, Loewe CEO & John Allen

Calvin Klein Underwear for Athletic Summer

Calvin Klein underwear for Athletic Summer is a new mesh Air FX reinforces the athletic vibe of the season with ultimate breath ability. It features CoolPlus technology for quick dry function and hi-tech comfort with microfiber stretch.

EMPORIO ARMANI FW2014/15 Eyewear Collection

EMPORIO ARMANI FW2014/15 Eyewear collection is a perfect blend of masculine and feminine for contemporary urban-style eyewear. The distinguishing features are carefully chosen contrasts of original materials, a touch of irony for shapes and colours, and details. A modern and balanced vision of unisex, where the different versions (his and hers) are similar while preserving their individuality, characterises this eyewear collection, for a perfect look characterised by new formal elegance.

<EA 4036>

Men’s sunglasses in a rectangular ‘pilot’ shape for a great urban look. Their innovative design is enhanced by optical textures and contrasting colours. The double bridge, temples and front are in double layer acetate in alternating shades of beige, blue and brown, with sanded and polished finishes. The linear profiles, the “thick” bright layers and the special detail of the acetate coating of the upper bridge add unique modern appeal. They are available in black and havana with brown lenses, brown and matt havana with polarized brown lenses, or in burgundy and matt havana with brown lenses.

<EA 4039>

Sunglasses with double bridge frames, acetate temples and front in a havana colour. Smooth rounded profiles, optical textures and the soft shades of the temple tips add unmistakable modern feminine appeal. The shape ensures ideal comfort while the polarized lenses provide 100% protection. They are available in black and havana with brown polarized lenses, dove grey and havana with brown polarized lenses, and in purple and havana with purple polarized lenses.

<EA 4040> - Bejeweled

Smooth lines and opalescent surfaces enhance the contemporary style of these sunglasses in refined feminine design. The large pearl on each temple is the detail inspired by the runway show, other references to the catwalk are the bright colours for the front, and opal pastel shades enhanced by a contrast with black temples. These sunglasses are available in black with grey lenses, opal light blue and opal white with polarized grey lenses.

<EA 3037>

Square-shaped men’s optical frames, with linear profiles and exceptional flexibility. The frames with narrow temples and rubber-coated temple tips are extremely light. They are available in intentionally contrasting colours: matt burgundy, matt grey and matt blue. This item is also available in a sunglasses version (EA 4034).

<EA 3040>

Women’s optical frames in an appealing design. Elegant lines, optical textures and fine details revolutionise a classic concept, making it attractive and modern. The frames have a front and temples in double layer acetate with a blend of havana and bright complementary colours, also for the temple tips in the same colours as the front. They are available in black/havana, olive green/havana and purple/havana. This item is also available in style EA 4039.

<EA 3043>

Rectangular and square lines characterise these iconic optical frames, featuring a front and temples in double layer acetate. Shades of beige, blue and brown alternate with sanded and polished finishes. The material texture and original contrasts highlight the modern design of these optical frames. They feature clear-cut lines, an original eagle logo on the temples, enamelled in the same colour as the front and the temple tips, and metal profiles. They are available in black and matt havana, blue and matt havana, burgundy and matt havana. This item is also available in a sunglasses version (EA 4036).