“You Don’t Have To Travel Halfway Round The World For This”

- This Scenic European town is nearer than you think – in Malaysia, to be exact.

If you have always fancied a holiday to a far-flung fairytale land-like Alsace in France, well, it’s only half a day’s coach drive away. Part of the 16,000-acre resort development at 3,600 feet above sea level and nestled among the 150 million-year-old rugged tropical rainforests, Berjaya Hills is an enchanting out -of-this-world attraction.

First-time travellers to Colmar Tropicale will be bowled over by its classic French countryside charm, with its architecture completely modelled after the village of Alsace, best known for its picturesque scenery and delicious wine. Its German-born General Manager Bjorn Henning Buth laughingly says he once hosted guests who had visited the original French town, and they exclaimed in awe upon arriving, “it’s exactly like Alsace!”

It’s little wonder. Besides the traditional half-timbered walls and flat-tile roofs, sights such as the fountain, wishing well, viewing tower and cuckoo clock tower are designed and build based on those in 16th-century Alsace. And to simulate as authentic an appearance as possible, all construction materials used to build Colmar Tropicale, right down to the cobblestones for the streets, were also imported from France.



No two rooms are alike

Colmar Tropicale offers 248 rooms and suites, ranging from the 28-sqm Superior Twin/King to the 196-sqm La Colmar Suite. They are sprinkled throughout different buildings with names such as Fuchsia and Dahlia. Some face the lovely streetscape, while others come with panoramic views of the surrounding forestation.

While no two rooms share the same exact configuration, every one is embellished with pretty countryside-style touches such as a classic four-poster bed, scalloped- shaped lampshades and walls awash in sweet pastel shades. And while air-conditioning is available, the cool climate means many open windows were spotted.

Standard amenities are available, such as mini-bar IDD telephone line, but Internet access is limited only to the business centre.

To keep in line with the French character of the resort, visitors can look forward to culinary highlights at French restaurant La Cigogne, delightful breads and pastries at French bakery-café la Boulangerie, as well as French vintages and cigars at Le vin Wine & Cigar Bar.
If you insist on going local, choices abound too. Pop into Le Blason, which serves Malaysia and other international specialties, or tuck into Indo-Chinese, French and Southeast-Asian delicacies at L’Orient.

Oriental mystique

Also within the Berjaya Hills Resort is the Japanese Village. The first of its kind outside Japan, the serene grounds include a Japanese Tea House and the Botanical Garden. It was designed by famed Japanese architect Kaio Arizumi and built by a 22-member craftsmen team, based on an environmentally friendly principle that no trees were logged down during construction.

Those who want to indulge can check in to Tatami Spa, the first-ever Japanese concept of Japan and which won Resort Spa of the Year by Hospitality Asia Platinum Award 2007-2008. Pick from an extensive range of treatments such as aromatherapy massages and hot therapeutic baths. Or opt for the Japanese experience with an onsen (hot spring) soak in the outdoors. If you want to avoid the hassle of travelling, Tatami Spa also offers the Ume Tatami Suite, a luxurious apartment-style accommodation said to be a favourite especially with the country’s well-heeled set.

Not to be missed, also, is Ryo Zan Teo restaurant, the cosy Japanese eatery that serves lip-smacking Japanese dishes such as saba, salmon and sushi. Its unobstructed view of the Botanical Gardens provides diners with a pleasant experience.

Get busy

Berjaya Hills Resort appeals to families because of its myriad of child-friendly activities. Start off with the Rabbit Park and Deer Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with the creatures. Carry, pet or chase after rabbits, feed the deer or hop on for a ride on one of the resident donkeys.

Over at Horse Trails, however, you can make like an European aristocrat and gallop away (ok, almost!). Visitors can either hop on for a guided ride that takes you to different sights around the development, or simply go for a few rounds at the training paddocks.

I had Felicia, a good-looking mare with a shining chocolate coat and ebony mane, which started running when I let slip a “click-it” sound. Her trainer smiled politely and pointed out that it meant “move-it” in horse-speak. I think I must have bored the poor creature.

If size excites you, get on a tour to the Elephant Sanctuary, where you not only meet but also get to play, feed and bathe them. But if you’re into greenery, check out the Botanical Gardens, for a leisurely 15-minutes stroll amongst the plants, vegetation and wild boar (trails, we mean).
Berjaya Hills is also home to Berjaya Hills Golf & Country Club, which boasts an award-winning 18-hole golf course, with a perfectly manicured green against Malaysia’s stunning mountain range. Designed by course architect J Michael Poellot, it was named among the country’s Top 20 Best Golf Courses.

Come end of the year, visitors can look forward to the opening of Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort. Modelled after the 18-th century medieval Haut Koesnigburg Castle in Alsace, this luxurious boutique spa hotel offers accommodation decorated in exquisite Renaissance style, as well as a health spa with a wide range of body therapies and treatments.

Berjaya Hills Resort is a 45-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur. Daily shuttle services to Colmar Tropicale are available at 9.30am and 2.30pm from Berjaya Times Square , and at 12.30pm and 4.30pm vice versa. One-way transfer costs RM 25 (S$ 10.38 at press time) and return transfer costs RM 40 (S$ 16.60 at press time).

For reservations or enquiries, contact Berjaya Hotels & Resorts Reservations Office, Kuala Lumpur, at 603 2141 0088.

You can also log on to www.berjayahotels-resorts.com