Think weekend getaway, think places like Penang, Malacca, Ipoh or Langkawi.

Kuala Rompin probably wouldn’t be on top of the list –  but this laid back town in Pahang is inherently charming and full of hidden gems. Being close to the sea, river and forest, there are loads of activities to enjoy, and the best thing is that the area is not over commercialised (yet) –  so it’s perfect for a quiet, relaxing family getaway or a couple’s retreat.

Tucked by the beach within the idyllic Kampung Lanjut village is Villea Rompin Resort & Golf (Formerly Lanjut Beach & Golf Resort), which opened its doors in July 2018. The 196-room resort boasts a contemporary design, with plenty of facilities and its own 3.5 km private stretch of beach where you can (if you’re extremely lucky) catch sight of dolphins!

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an expansive double height lobby and tasteful interior deco that blends the contemporary with traditional Malay elements. Just next to the lobby is Cafe Strada, which carries freshly baked pastries, snacks and coffee. 

Rooms are set surrounding the main courtyard, which boasts two swimming pools – a half Olympic-sized one for the adults and another one for children, with slides and fun water fixtures. There are a variety of rooms to choose from, such as the spacious Junior Suite or the Superior Twin Room, which comes with connectivity options for families.

My superior triple room with a pool view came with a double bed and a single bed – ideal for small families or a group of friends. The room was cosy and comfortable, with sleek wood furniture, TV, dressing table and cabinet.

Welcome chocolates and cakes! + tea and coffee making facilities.

Toiletries. No tub, but there was a nice shower.

Tea time! The Anjung Brasserie Coffee House offers a mix of mouthwatering local and international favourites. Our tea time spread consisted of various sandwiches, pastries and finger food. 

The mini mushroom/chicken pies were deliciously addictive! Food was fresh and tasty.

After the meal, we were taken on a tour of the facilities. Aside from leisure, Lanjut also caters to business travelers, with meeting rooms and spacious ballrooms that can be set up for anything from weddings to corporate events.

Take a stroll at the resort’s private beach, which features a unique ‘mirror’ phenomenon at certain times of the day. Reminiscent of the Salar Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, the sand has a reflective quality at low tide, mirroring the blue sky on its surface. The results are mesmerising, to say the least.  

Although the beach is not suitable for swimming, beach side activities such as volleyball can be arranged. The manager also told us that on certain days and if you’re very very lucky, you might see dolphins frolicking about in the waters around dawn!

Come evening, tuck into a scrumptious seafood dinner buffet at Anjung Brasserie and have your fill of fish, shellfish, shrimp, squid and more, fresh off the ice, straight onto the grill/into the wok, and onto your plate. The chef will prepare it to order and in a variety of sauces. There is also beef, chicken wings, sausages and other meats.

Assortment of pate + cold boiled mussels and shrimp/crabs.

Had my fill of squid and bamboo clams in black pepper sauce. Seafood was fresh and cooked just right. Clams were very meaty as well.

Range of pastries and desserts.

Went to bed stuffed and had a good night’s rest listening to the waves lapping on the shore. 😀

The next morning we were up bright and early for an excursion to the golf course, where we drove ourselves around in buggies. Golfing enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the resort has an 18-hole par-72 golf course located just steps away from the resort’s accommodation. The wide green is well maintained, with different types of terrain. 

Caddy showing the member of the group how to swing. Needless to say there was a lot of laughter and a whole lot of thwacking the golf club into the ground.

Even without leaving the resort premises, there are loads of activities to do within Lanjut, such as beach sports, swimming and golfing. A spa and gym is slated to open in 2019. Other fun recreational activities, such as fishing, jungle trekking, firefly watching and clam picking can also be arranged at request. 

Rooms start at RM220+ per night.

VILLEA ROMPIN RESORT AND GOLF

Kampung Lanjut, 26800 Kuala Rompin, Pahang, Malaysia

Tel: (+609) 415 8888 or visit villea.attanahotels.com. 

*I was invited to review the hotel as part of a media trip for work. Views here are entirely my own.