Elevator pitch
What does it feel like living in the second tallest skyscraper in the world? When you’re that high up in the sky, it’s not unlikely that the vantage point feels like a surreal turn. Such is the experience of being put up at the newest Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, an opening that has been about as buzzy as the building it is housed in: the Merdeka 118.
After all, it’s not everyday that you get to reside in the very same building Florence Pugh jumped off for her free fall stunt in Thunderbolts. But the shock factor doesn’t end there—because with Park Hyatt’s entrance into Malaysia starting off at 100 floors in the sky, you’ll discover that this urban oasis will feel like a floating pod up in the clouds soon enough—entirely operable in silo.
The stay
When it comes to luxury living, the Park suites tick all the boxes; from Dyson hair appliances and aromatherapy shower steamers to Le Labo toiletries for your languid hours in the bath—Bergamote 22 to be exact.
There is its evocative design language to wonder about; one that takes the idea of the traditional kampung house on its head and interprets its materiality through a contemporary lens. Think timber shutters that filter plenty of natural light through, or perforated brass screens that softly illuminate batik canting patterns. I particularly enjoyed chancing upon specific art pieces; a particular pair of works feature striking wood carving techniques by Malaysian artists, a handful of paintings are vibrant expressions of the country’s colourful flora and fauna, and some—like a sextet of raku tapir sculptures that reference the Malay Annals—are simply a fun find.
There’s also always that convivial, good-natured attitude you’ll find in most places in Malaysia. One which translates to unpretentious hospitality from the team of staff at Park Hyatt KL, often leaving you feeling like you were conversing with your friendly neighbour who’s just eager to share all her insider knowledge with you.
Yet there’s nothing like the panoramic nightscape it offers. From most corners of this stately escape, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the city’s iconic Twin Towers, which once basked in a similar glory: of being one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. And whilst the rain was torrential during my own stay, it’s certainly a peculiar experience waking up to a shroud of grey and white all around my floor-to-ceiling windows—one I soon realised was simply a blanket of clouds ensconcing my suite for the time being.
The dining
Whilst the dining scene of Kuala Lumpur is rich enough as is, it would be remiss not to try out Park Hyatt’s spectacular offerings as is. Park Lounge, for one, focuses on reviving some of Malaysia’s long-lost recipes—and paying homage to the heritage flavours of the region. If there’s one thing you make time for here, it’s the ingenious Puff Pastry Lamb Briyani: a glorious amalgamation of fork-tender lamb shank and flavourful side dishes like mango chutney and dhal.
Sweet tooths might make time for their afternoon tea experiences, far removed from the normalised concept of what an afternoon tea might look like. Instead, a four-course journey ensues and culminates in an enticing dessert trolley of handcrafted confections, including a delightful Mile Feuille, a signature creation by pastry maestro chef Holger Deh. But the sweetness doesn’t have to end there. Head to the Cacao Mixology & Chocolate bar—offering a unique chocolate and cocktail experience for its curious explorers. Beyond exquisite cacao-infused concoctions, it’s the chocolate table at the centre of the bar that is simply too difficult to resist. Where you can chisel at a house-made dark chocolate block, taste test some beautiful chocolates, and even bring them home as gifts if you’d like.
There are, however, infinite praises to be sung about the hotel’s crown jewel: Merdeka Grill. Helmed by executive chef Stig Drageide, the open concept kitchen is an audacious showcase of exactly how far one can experiment with seafood; a brilliant number of its plates redefining flavours that feel familiar to the distinguished palate with the chef’s experimental approach to his artistry. In plenty of dishes, the region’s ingredients and produce are seamlessly introduced, like in a bright starter of tomatoes and avocado or a pumpkin dish underscored by feta and a unique ice plant variant. The star of the show, no doubt, was certainly its Salmon Roasted on Cedar Wood, enrobed in a smoked butter sauce and generous spoonfuls of caviar.
The itinerary
When you’re that far up, you might deign to come down from your castle in the sky—but we insist that you do. If Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur has one other thing on its side, it would be its magnificent location, just a stone’s throw away from Chinatown, where some of the city’s buzziest spots to explore are located. Think cool vintage hideouts, famous food shops to enjoy its local delights, and plenty of bars and cafes to frolic to and fro.
If you think you’ve carved out enough time for the city’s streets, the wellness route back at Park Hyatt KL is one less travelled. A sanctuary of quiet, you might find that a restful and rejuvenating spa experience is just what you need; a suite of circadian treatments dedicated to aligning with the body’s natural biorhythms available at the in-house spa. There’s also the glittering Sky Infinity Pool to take a lap in, if only for some more of those stunning views. But for those who simply desire a refuge where the element of time does not exist, escape to the gender-segregated zones of Himalayan salt chambers, aromatherapy steam rooms and deeply restorative vitality pools to wade around in.
So that when you finally return to your private suite, all that’s left to do is draft up a nice long bath, put on your favourite soundscape and lose yourself to your surroundings. It’s a front row seat to the clouds before you, and we’re certain this is what dreams should be made of.
