THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Puttin' on the Ritz

Puttin' on the Ritz

From a chauffeur-driven Maserati to a high tea bar, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur offers the ultimate in good living

It's not everyday day that you get to enjoy a ride in a Maserati but then it’s not every day that you stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, where they use the luxury Italian car to ferry you from the Malaysian capital’s international airport to the hotel. 
Located within the prestigious Golden Triangle district, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur offers easy access to the trendy, upscale business, shopping, dining and entertainment areas.
Serving as a luxurious home away from home for well-heeled guests from over the world for more than 18 years, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur recently undertook a complete refurbishment of all its 364 guestrooms and suites, restaurants, spa and public areas.
The lobby’s contemporary design with a touch of the classical sets the mood for what is to come. Heading to the reception desk, I am surprised to hear my name being called by a petite young lady who is walking towards me.
“We are expecting you. I am Chloe, your personal butler. How was your flight?” 
Chloe leads me to my room number 1223 and walks me through the kitchen, dining area, living room, reading room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and powder room. I joke that I might get lost in this expansive space and Chloe cracks a smile. 
I decline Chloe’s offer to book a table for afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge since I need a rest to stop my cold before it goes nasty and spoils the rest of my days at The Ritz.
I decide to nap in the smaller of the two bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom and save the master bedroom for the night.
Dinner at the Library, on the first floor, is a must-have, as it is prepared to the tradition of Cesar Ritz’s top chef, Auguste Escoffier, the legendary French chef who was referred to by the French press as “king of chefs and chef of kings”. 
With wood panelled walls and floor, The Library has a relaxing and stylish ambience where good food, drink and books come together under the same roof.
 Back in my gigantic room, a set of colourful sweet treats with a poem brings a smile to my face. Must be The Ritz’s standard service, I think, but realise that personal service goes a step further than standard when Chloe, rings my doorbell and brings a tray of hot ginger tea.
“I heard you’re coming down with a cold. This tea will soothe the illness. If you want more tea, please dial 13 and I’ll bring you a fresh pot for you.”
I find myself tap dancing like Fred Astaire performing “Puttin’ on the Ritz” in the film “Blue Skies” while pouring hot ginger tea in my cup.
Rising the following morning and feeling much better thanks to the ginger tea, I have breakfast at The Cobalt Room. The restaurant has both local and international flavours as well as diverse food-stations offering cooked-to-order dishes. I treat myself to a second round at Roti Canai’s station as I want to try all four vegetarian curries served with the flatbread.
A three-hour Rose Therapy treatment at Spa Village gives me a chance to enjoy the rose and lavender hair treatment, a rose petal body masque, steam, a milk bath with rose and a full body massage. 
That’s followed by a very light lunch at Li Yen, the hotel’s award- winning Cantonese restaurant, which allows me to save some space for another highlight at The Ritz, the renowned afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge.
I am spoilt for choice with 40 luxury teas from Ronnefeldt to go with cakes and pastries. Finally, I choose The Ritz Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Blend, which was created exclusively for the hotel. It’s made from green Oolong Tie Guan Yin steamed in boiling milk to produce a beguiling flavour. The delicate aroma and creamy flavour capture the essence of eastern and western tea drinking traditions. 
As I savour my tea, I give a little giggle as I realise I now understand the true meaning of “Puttin’ on the Ritz”.
 
AT A GLANCE
High point: Spacious and well-equipped rooms and dedicated staff to cater to your every need.
Low point: None 
Pay for it: Visit the hotel’s website for the best deal 
Find it: 168, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Call it: (+60 3) 2142 8000
Browse it: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/kuala-lumpur
 
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