There are hotels, and there are hotels. The reader would most probably know what makes such establishments highly regarded, and is familiar with service apartments. Ah, how well-travelled we are, aren't we?

Along comes another hotel that promises the luxurious stay, away from home, and you, the jaded and budget conscious reader, may wonder what it is that makes this particular one different.

Launched on the 1st of September, 2005, The Residences, the all-suite extension of the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, will turn your head and persuade you to rethink about hospitality establishments.

The Residences

There are 110 units of two and three bedroom suites, and perfect for the traveller, be he or she a jetsetting film star, CEO of a Forbes 500 company, head of a travelling family, that wants total privacy, and excellent and discreet service.

The Residences is unique in that the traveller is offered a gourmet of delights right smack in the lively Bukit Bintang district, it is also connected by a link bridge to the JW Marriot hotel and Starhill Gallery. Within these buildings are gems such as luxury retail and speciality dining, refined entertainment, and within The Residences itself, the famed Spa Village of Pangkor Laut Resort and the Carlton Conference Centre.

So what can one do with all these at hand? One is truly spoilt for choice. It all depends on the intention as they say: is one here to work, and needing a quiet retreat after hours of cutting deals, or wanting to be pampered?

Spoil yourself then by checking into The Residences for a night, at the very least. Checking-in is a fast and fluid affair, as the staff understands the impatience of a weary guest. You're given your card and immediately whisked to your suite.

Even though there are guests residing in the suites, you hardly see them. The hallways are warmly lit, and the floors are padded with thick carpeting. You enter your suite, and are welcomed by the sun shining and warming the living room.

This has to be a suite to end all suites. Oh, you'll probably argue, to say that there are better penthouses in the city and around the country. You may be correct. However, The Residences has nailed it: it's luxurious and yet not uninviting; it's spacious but not cold and while accommodation is right smack in the hub of the city, it is private and cocoons the visitor from the hustle and bustle outside. You may argue about the expense, but isn't life worth savouring and that you are worth treating once in a while?

Like all hospitality establishments, The Residences offer the traveller all hotel amenities, with a link bridge taking him to Starhill Gallery, a high end retail centre and to the lively Bukit Bintang area. Within The Residences' vicinity are two places to visit and if the wallet permits, splurge on.

What to do

The Malaysiakini reader may wonder at what an article is doing in its hallowed pages. Once in a while, the warring, justice seeking reader deserves to treat his family and himself to a decadent weekend. Such a vacation will only rejuvenate the reader. For the newly married with no hope of an immediate honeymoon, a trip to the Spa Village to partake in the Couple's Spa Experience is the best alternative. The three hour package comes in three types for you to choose from: the Traditional Royal Malay Treatment, Nusantara and Chinese Peranakan Treatments. You won't have to travel far to enjoy these exotic treats.

For a night of fun, great food and entertainment, Bukit Bintang Walk is right at the doorstep. The choices are many. If you feel like splurging, then all the more you should visit the Feast Village, which is really a fun experience. Designed by Yuhkichi Kawai, each restaurant has its own distinct look and feel, apart from its dishes.

You may find walking through the Village an adventure, which is what Kawai wants you to feel. The Village is modelled after nature, and like Mother Nature herself, the restaurants flow into each other. Even the service too you may be seated with your friends at Tarbush Restaurant but if you have a hankering for Thai food, you can simply order from the menu of MyThai and your meal will be delivered to your table. You won't go home weeping over a meal you wanted but could not have.

From seafood (Fisherman's Cove) to teochew delights (Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant), there are about 13 family-owned eateries for you to choose from. Singles needing an aperitif before hitting the clubs nearby ought to pop by the Village Bar. It's for the bohemian sophisticate or the very thirsty party animal.

Shopping is a quiet experience. While each floor is themed according to a customer's desires the Adorn floor is dedicated to over 70 fine luxury watch brands; Indulge is for the discerning fashionista, Pamper is the oasis of wellness and beauty while Muse celebrates the arts, you may find the hushed tones of the building a tad disconcerting. Shopping in Malaysia is a rushed and noisy affair, but at Starhill, shopping is not to be viewed as stressful. The customer or window shopper is encouraged to take his or her time browsing. The Tiffin Bay Cafe is a hit among the ladies that lunch and artistic professionals. Bright, poppy and casual, it's the place for a leisurely chat with friends or a romantic rendezvous.

Decadent perhaps, but a holiday that one should encounter once in his life.

For more information, visit www.ytlhotels.com .

Photos courtesy of YTL Hotels.