Staycation Experience at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

 After spending most of the time for the past 18 months confining ourselves to home, we needed much a change of scenery. Getting away from home is no longer a luxury but has become a necessity. Time to leave the place where I am constantly surrounded by work responsibilities, reading the emails, a shift from the drab house chores or predictable schedules. This is when a staycation come to plan, and it coincided with the recent freedom of movement reinstatement. 

Then it comes to the most important question - where is the best place for a safe, relaxing and enjoyable staycation in Penang? Eventually, we decided Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa as our destination. This was one of the best decision we made this year, and we were rewarded handsomely with a quality and memorable time spent together with our daughter here.

On top of that, a stay at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa automatically enroll us into the resort StaySurance which commences upon checking-in and ends during check out. It includes daily hospital cash benefit up to USD 100 per day and cover accident or infectious disease. Additional sanitary kit including face masks, wipes and sanitizers also provided upon checking-in.

Jubilant and ecstatic mood was filling our emotion when we were about to checking into Rasa Wing Deluxe Suite. 

Firstly, the Deluxe Suite is spacious and offers a panoramic view of Andaman Sea. Opening the patio doors lead to a spacious balcony area, while the sea breeze gently wafting our face leads to extra comfort. On top of that, the Deluxe Suite also come attached an outdoor soaking tub with a sweeping garden view with curtains provide an unparalleled experience. Of course, electronic curtain is there to provide maximum privacy while you soaking in the outdoor tub.

Another feature we liked about Deluxe Suite is the separate sitting area from the bedroom. That means we can unwind ourselves in the sitting area, while the little kid is taking her nap at the bedroom. The distancing of toilet from main bedroom, and presence of second toilet also enable us to use the toilet freely and reduce interruption to the kid sleeping time.

Upon learning we are coming with a toddle, the resort also took extra miles by asking whether we needed a playpen in our room and they can help to arrange it, if needed. What surprised us was a Shangri-La's signature plush toy is being placed in the playpen, along with a bag of baby toileteries. Really thoughtful of the resort for such arrangement!

Of course, our little one was having a fun time with her newly acquainted friend aka Mr. T.

Being a guest at Rasa Wing certainly comes with benefit and privileges that worth the money paid and experience. We get to access the exclusive Rasa Wing lounge, with afternoon tea served there from 3pm - pm daily. 

On top of that, pre-dinner canapes and selected alcoholic beverages, including cocktails are served at the lounge from 5.30pm to 7.30pm daily. We had a great time indulging at the canapes while enjoying the sunset view. 

Traditionally, guests at Rasa Wing can opt to have breakfast at Feringghi Grill or Spice Market Cafe. We were glad to see safety is being placed as number one priority during breakfast hours at Spice Market Cafe. Buffet style is still being practiced but only the crews will help to take your desired food at designated counters. All the food samples are placed at the counter to faciliate you make the choices

Currently the resort is offering RM 100 nett daily resort credit per room per night for local residents that can be used against the room rate, The Spa and food & beverages. Therefore, why not utilise the credit to enjoy some of the good food at the restaurant offered by the resort?

If you have such a plan to dining, we recommend you to try out Tepi Laut Coconut Husk Seafood Barbecue, which is available every Friday to Sunday starting from 5pm. The chefs source the freshest catch of the day from local fisherman, and grill these seafood following a Balinese inspired coconut husk technique, rendering an unique smoky aroma.

Among the fresh catch of the day included ikan jenahak, sotong buncit, ikan bawal (pomfret), prawns and lobsters. Mussels and deep sea prawns are sourced elsewhere such as Australia. 

The dinner here is absolutely delighting in terms of the taste and experiences. While seated at outdoor dining seems have challenges in term of hot temperature and mosquitoes, rest assured the reality is otherwise. The restauraunt has the mosquitoes issue being taken care of by placing mosquitoes repellent across the dining area, while the sea breeze provides more cooling sensation that you may have thought. Imagine our 1 year old daugther can stand seated there for 1.5 hours without making a fuss.

Other dining options here included Feringghi Grill, a la carte menu at Spice Market Cafe or even in room dining.

Topping the things to do during our stay in Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang was a spa therapy at The Chi. After a long intense time staying at home, it is the best time to unwind ourselves right? Unfortunately, long staying at home also means our daughter is super clingy toward both of us, so there was no way we could leave here unattended while we go for the long yearning spa therapy.

Therefore we decided to have some activities that bond our family ties in the resort, while letting our daugther to explore the surroundings beyond home. For her, everything seems new and truth is she was lacking in learning all the different objects due to prolonged staying at home.

The resort offers direct access to the bridge and hence we decided to let her play some sanding activities. Good thing is the beach area in the resort is rather secluded and away from the crowd. 

Besides, we took a stroll across the beautiful resort, introducing her to the garden, flower, birds or any insects such as bees and butterflies that we came across. There are also plenty of Instagrammable place for us to take some pictures.

As a matter of fact, 2 days 1 night spent at the resort seems too short for us. There were so much to enjoy still but we have to return back to home. The little one was so excited engaging the sands in beach, and we have to trick her to the pool by distracting him. 

Even though it was a short escape but it was great to rejunvenate ourselves. 

A splendi staycation at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa indeed.