We packed our suitcases for a short escape to the neighbouring city

The city capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is perhaps best known for the Petronas Towers, once the world’s tallest buildings and now the world’s tallest twin towers. The landmark has since become an attraction for travellers, with Suria KLCC—one of Malaysia’s largest shopping malls—at its feet and numerous luxury hotels setting up camp in the city hub.

The latest to join is Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur—part of mixed-use building Four Seasons Place, which stands prominently at 342.5 meters beside the Petronas Towers, making it the third tallest building in Malaysia and also the third tallest hotel in the world.

Tatler Asia
Above The lobby of Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur

Despite opening just last November, we heard through the grapevine that the hotel has already been attracting royalty and esteemed individuals alike to spend the night. Of course, it was also the spectacular venue for Malaysia Tatler Ball 2018.

We check into Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the weekend to enjoy an urban getaway.

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Photo 1 of 2 Executive club lounge
Photo 2 of 2 Lobby lounge

1. First Impressions

I found myself particularly taken with the hotel’s decor from the moment I stepped into the foyer. The dramatically high ceiling lit with crystal chandeliers, pond blooming with larger-than-life silver lotuses, and lift lobby gilded in reflective champagne gold—adorned with golden hibiscus petals—were all awe-striking against the building's neutral colour palette. All the way to the executive club lounge where we were checked in, art and sculptures by local artisans dotted the hallways, paying homage to Malaysia’s rich culture and lending a human touch to the hotel’s contemporary design—the work of Susan Isaac, design director and principal of Wilson Associates Singapore.

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Photo 1 of 3 Premier park view room
Photo 2 of 3 City view room
Photo 3 of 3 City view room bathroom

2. Do Not Disturb

This understated luxury extends to Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s 209 rooms, which comprises of 198 guest rooms and 11 suites. The Club Premier Park View room I was checked into offered a spacious doorway that led to an open closet, a marble bathroom, and a bedroom with an abundance of natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, which boasts panoramic views of the KLCC park and fountain.

The bedroom is thoughtfully outfitted with a bedside outlet for charging mobiles as well as light and curtain controls, so you won’t have to climb out of bed to make yourself comfortable.

The bathroom, however, was my favourite—a frosted sliding door opens to a double-basin vanity decked out in amenities from L’Occitane, with a spacious tub on the left to soak away your stress, and separate cubicles for the toilet and shower on the right

Like Japan’s high-tech restrooms, the automated Kohler commode seat opens up when it senses motion, heats up to a comfortable temperature, and is fitted with a bidet, all of which can be adjusted to your preference on the control panel.

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Photo 1 of 2 The Spa's signature Rotan Manau Herbal Tungku massage
Photo 2 of 2 The Spa lounge

3. The Extras

One of the differentiating factors that make Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur such a standout is its location. Not only are shopping malls Suria KLCC and Pavilion a few minutes away, but Robinsons is also literally downstairs, occupying four storeys across the Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. The flagship store in Malaysia offers more than 500 brands, including 110 exclusive labels such as House of Avenues, Inge Christopher, and more.

Travellers looking for a quick glow-up: the men can head to Gentlemen’s Tonic on the second floor for a trim or even an express facial, while ladies can head to floor 7A for a pampering K-beauty session from head-to-toe at famed South Korean salon chain Leekaja, which recently opened its doors at The Spa at Four Seasons.

If you’d rather indulge in a slow, relaxing massage, The Spa at Four Seasons offers everything from facials, skin and body care to massages and spa rituals.

Don’t miss the signature Rotan Manau Herbal Tungku massage, a 60-minute deep tissue treatment that uses locally sourced rattan wood poles to loosen your knots along with a herbal tungku, a warm compress to ease your tension. The massage uses Kuem Royal Heritage Oil, a century-old line exclusive to Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur. The blend of jojoba, coconut and ginger soothes your muscles and invigorates your mind and together with the massage therapy, helps to improve blood circulation.

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Photo 1 of 4 Bar Trigona
Photo 2 of 4 Yun House
Photo 3 of 4 Private dining room at Curate
Photo 4 of 4 Pool Bar & Grill

4. Food & Drink

There is no end to dining options at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, whether you prefer a dim sum brunch, a sweet and savoury afternoon tea, or a sumptuous intercontinental buffet dinner. Executive chef Junious Dickerson has curated and conceptualised an eclectic collection of restaurants and lounges for the hotel. Choose from the all-day restaurant Curate; rooftop Pool Bar & Grill; patisserie Decadent by Four Seasons; and of course, the signature Cantonese restaurant Yun House—where executive chef Jimmy Wong has perfected pork-free Chinese delicacies. For a nightcap, there’s the dazzling Bar Trigona, which was awarded The Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019, where it ranks 40 on the list. The popular cocktail bar is helmed by head bartender Ashish Sharma, previously from Regent Singapore's Manhattan bar.

We were lucky to be part of the first in the hotel’s Chef’s Table series, a themed eight-course dinner served in a private dining room in Curate. Kickstarting the series was none other than Chef Junious with his Southern Heritage menu, which pays homage to his African-American roots. From fried chicken and waffle served with tabasco maple syrup to macaroni and cheese with a side of Boston lobster, this was American soul food in a fine dining setting. Paired with Michter’s American whiskeys, it was a lavish dinner that left our taste buds and stomachs satisfied.

Tatler Asia
Above Four Seasons Place Kuala Lumpur, next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers

5. Tatler Tip

Want a change of pillows or feeling peckish in the middle of the night? You won’t even have to get up and call the concierge, which is just perfect for millennials—like me—who hate phone calls. The hotel’s app allows you to instantly message the concierge who is exceptionally prompt in replying and managing your requests. In-room dining can be easily ordered within the app, allowing you to keep track of your spa appointments and restaurant reservations.

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