Home Away From Home

Suzelah Ahmad, 41, who lives in Kulaijaya is the director of Human Resource at Thistle Johor Bahru.

 By Chuah Bee Kim

I am passionate about our company's new training programme. It is called Our World Class Way and was specially designed for the Thistle Hotel in Johor Baru and Thistle Port Dickson Resort.

First, let me explain what each word of the programme means.

"Our" means "We", which includes everyone in Thistle Hotel, from the stakeholders to the entire team.

"World Class" means being the best in whatever we do and how we interact with our clients and stakeholders.

"Way" means our distinctive approach and style.

The Presidential Suite

The programme, which was mooted in the middle of last year, was unveiled two months ago.

The team is trained to customise their interaction with each guest, taking into consideration their needs and maximising their experience. This approach will leave an indelible impression on guests during their stay with us.

This helps us to develop the hospitality which is inherent our team naturally. We spent time focusing on our team's strengths, particularly as this is Visit Malaysia Year 2014. When we warmly greet our guests the Malaysian way, it is the start of Our World Class Way.

Our mission is not only to give our clients satisfaction, but also to improve the performance of each team member and make a difference in the hospitality industry.

The hotel industry in Johor has evolved from a corporate market to the corporate and leisure market, with the introduction of Hello Kitty Town and Legoland Malaysia Resort.

We have to ensure that the hotel industry can support the economic growth of Iskandar Malaysia.

For me, there is a difference between a nice hotel and a memorable one. My mission is to make Thistle a brand that people will remember.

Thistle, known for being a "resort in the city", has the amenities of a five-star hotel, but we need to provide unparalleled service to make every guest feel at home away from home. When I recruit team members -- I do not like to use the word "staff" -- I look for attitude and passion.

One must have passion, integrity and honour as these are positive attitudes. Other than these, the other virtues can be nurtured.

I love being in this industry. I have been with the company since February 2008, and I see myself growing with it for many years to come.

Read more: Home away from home, the Thistle way - Johor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/home-away-from-home-the-thistle-way-1.509843#ixzz2vqlInh3n

Edward Kollmer

Edward Kollmer, 44, is the general manager of Thistle Johor Bahru.

By Chuah Bee Kim

WHEN I am working, I don't perceive work as work. That is how much I enjoy my role. I strive to make improvements, big and small, as I believe there is always room for improvement. When I'm not at work, you will probably find me enjoying a game of golf. I also love travelling, as I find it is not only a form of recreation but also something that is educational.

I travel to London, my home base, four or five times a year. When I was growing up in Dublin, Ireland, my father owned a fine-dining restaurant. I helped out in the restaurant from the age of 6 till when I was about 16.

This was really tough as you can imagine. The business was very successful and I learned a lot, especially how to work hard and be part of something successful.

I graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management and during the course, I worked in London. I then spent a year in Switzerland.

A scholarship from Cornell University enabled me to complete a Master's degree from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom.

Since then, I went on to work in numerous hotels and held many roles and business responsibilities before joining Thistle Hotels and Resorts in the UK in 2006.

Two years ago, I came to Thistle Johor Bahru and I must say that I am very proud of the fact that Johor Baru is a city that is currently experiencing rapid growth.

There is so much I can do here. I want Thistle to maintain its status as one of the leading hotels here. We are currently working with several government, corporate sectors and tourism boards to attract more tourists to Johor Baru.

With our continuous efforts in conducting "Our World Class Way" training for the entire team and extending the warm southern charm and Malaysian hospitality, it gives our guests a sense of feeling of being at home.

The past two years were exceptional years for Thistle Johor Bahru, the best ever.

I see this year as another splendid one as it is Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and we are seeing more business and leisure tourists from Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

The Malaysian greeting of placing one's hand over the heart, for example, is such a warm gesture and you will see the entire team doing that here. It truly reflects the Malaysian hospitality and guests usually reciprocate the same way.

Johor Baru has much to offer tourists, especially with the new development in Iskandar Malaysia and the Legoland Malaysia theme park. This motivates us all to ensure that we are at the centre of transformation.

Read more: For Kollmer, work is not like work - Johor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/for-kollmer-work-is-not-like-work-1.506288#ixzz2vbqRCfQH

Thistle A Gem In The City

 

At BodyWork Spa at Thistle Hotel

At the BodyWork Spa in Thistle Johor Bahru, I shared a light moment with  the spa's executive director Lynda Eunos (right) while having a foot bath before my body massage.

A Resort In The City

I never took the time to explore Thistle till yesterday.  Wow!  It took me so long to discover this little gem of a hotel in the city.  The room  I stayed in offered an astounding view of the Dataran Bandaraya.

The view from the 16th floor of the hotel

The landmark clock tower was built to commemorate the proclamation of Johor Baru as a city in January 1994.  That was 20 years ago.

Dining at the Oasis, a food and beverage outlet by the poolside that features Italian and Japanese cuisines, was a heavenly experience and an amazing gastronomic journey.

I had the Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak, which is Oasis' signature dish.  It was just exquisite.   Other notable dishes on the menu --- the Mix Furai To Unagi Bento, Risotto Al Funghi Di Bosco, Grilled Fish and Seafood Platter, Selected 5-Spiced Glazed Australian Lamb Fillet and the Supremo Pizza baked in a wood fired oven.

After dinner

Before breakfast

with Thistle's director of marketing communications and public relations M.S. Bobby

More on Thistle.... coming soon!

Pamper Yourself At Le Spa

20 February 2014

Try a chocolate facial at Le Spa

By CHUAH BEE KIM 

Le Spa manager Noreen Rahim (right) with therapist Siti Salwa Nasir.

UNIQUE: The spa at the Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor is offering cost-saving promotions for its therapy sessions including an aromatic chocolate facial

SENAI: LE Spa has introduced  a series of competitively priced spa packages tailored to soothe your senses.

Le Spa, located at Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor, is currently offering an 8+2 Spa Indulgence voucher where clients can enjoy 10 sessions and save RM555.

The package includes eight sessions of LeSplendeur body massage, a foot bath and three sessions of ear candling.

There is also the 6 + 2 Total Revival voucher promotion priced at RM1,155 where clients will be entitled to eight sessions and enjoy saving of up to RM565.

This package includes the chocolate Total Indulgence, three sessions of LeSplendeur's body massage, a foot bath and two sessions of manicures and pedicures.

Alternatively there's the 4+2 Body Wellness Vouchers where clients are entitled to six spa sessions with savings of up to RM210.

This includes four sessions of LeSplendeur's body massage, a foot bath and one session of ear candling.

The inviting environment of the spa

Spa manager Noreen Rahim, 39, a beautician who has been in the industry for 19 years, urged guests to give the chocolate facial a try.

"Chocolate or cocoa is known for its antioxidants, promotes blood circulation, hydrates the skin and nurtures it.

Wawa, 27, applying the chocolate face mask.

"At Le Grandeur, we also make our own chocolate.

"So, we blend the dark fondant chocolates with other ingredients such as milk and brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil," said Noreen.

"When the therapist applies the mixture to the face while massaging it, and putting the coat of chocolate as a mask, the aroma will cajole you into a state of bliss," she added.

Noreen also said the spa industry is a competitive one and Le Spa has to come up with new and innovative products from to time.

She added that the ingredients are all natural and free of chemicals.

A cup of ginger honey tea will be served before and after each session.
 
The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

For enquiries, call 07-599 600007-599 6000.

Read more: Try a chocolate facial at Le Spa - Johor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/try-a-chocolate-facial-at-le-spa-1.488247#ixzz2tont9ztm

Call

Send SMS

Add to Skype

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

Enchanting Le Grandeur

A face and hair treatment at Le Spa in Le Grandeur

A cup of ginger honey tea was served before and after my chocolate facial at Le Spa in Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor

In my post the chocolate factory, I wrote that chocolates enhance the mood and makes one calmer.  At Le Spa, I learnt that cocoa and chocolates also have antioxidants that does wonders for the skin.  A chocolate facial promotes blood circulation, soothes and hydrates the skin, and has anti-aging benefits.

Le Spa has come up with a series of affordably-priced treatments tailored to promote wellness and rejuvenation.  I will write about that on another day.

For now, I just want to relive my enchanting al fresco dining experience at the Le Grandeur.  This took place after my two-hour relaxing spa session. 

Dining by a pool with floating candles and romantic ballads that lull you into a mood for romance and nostalgia. Last year "Chap Goh Meh" I heard Richard Marx belt out "Right Here Waiting" in person at a concert in Setia Tropika, Johor Baru.  This year I'm hearing this beautiful ballad again here, albeit a recording, but the ballad was just as magical.                                    

Have I Told You Lately?  is the name of the main course that I had.  It comprise of grilled lamb rack served with mint chutney and crispy Zucchini cakes with sweet potato gratin.  Superb.
 

Feelin' Fabulous

Feelin' Confident

Feelin' Loved

Being Mindful

Sarjit Singh greeting the dawn

this is a continuation of my post Nothing Is To Be Clung To

This is one of the chalets at the Regency Jerai Hill Resort.  The resort has four types of rooms --- superior, deluxe, premiere and executive.

Our bus left the Larkin bus terminal in Johor Baru at 10.02pm.  The ticket costs RM75 each.  We reached the Gurun R&R in Kedah at 7.30am.  We had breakfast and then called a cab (RM20 per cab).  The ride was 15 minutes to the foothills of Gunung Jerai.

From there, we hopped onto a van which took us on a winding path to the resort.   We had lunch at the Puncak Kedah Restaurant, where I enjoyed a virgin pina colada mocktail.

virgin pina colada mocktail

DAY ONE:with Jean, Sarjit, Bachan and MK

DAY THREE: Group Photo courtesy of Sarjit Singh

As for the return trip, we got a lift from a fellow participant, William Chan, who was heading to Butterworth.  We managed to get seats in the SuperNice coach.  The journey turned out to be more than 12 hours.  (3.30pm to 4am).

There are too many people to thank here.  To Fung Lee Jean for the invite.  To Bachan Singh for giving me a lift home when we reached Larkin and to Sarjit Singh for his generous sharing of all that he has learnt about mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

In the year 2020, the World Health Organisation estimates suicide to be the No. 1 killer with  about 1.53 million people taking their own lives based on current trends. Please don't get stressed up.


I would like to leave you all with you all with this video where Thich Naht Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen monk shows us the 10 mindful movements. I hope to incorporate these mindful moves into my daily schedule.

Nothing Is To Be Clung To

In the old days, the 1,217-metre high Gunung Jerai in Kedah was a landmark for sailors and traders from distant lands who used it as a beacon.  On day three into 2014, 56 people gathered at the sacred peak that sits in solitude close to the shore, to cultivate the art of joyfulness and to find the light that is in the core of all of us.

Life's journey is never a straight path.  There will be obstacles.  The three-day-two-night workshop held at the  The Regency Jerai Hill Resort, organised by the  Oracle Advanced Toastmasters Club District 51, Malaysia, was an enriching experience for all the participants. I don't think anyone will disagree with me on this.

Standing majestically 986 metres above sea level, the resort provides a breathtaking view of the paddy fields.  The resort is also adorned with beautiful flowering shrubs, regal trees and the soothing sounds of the forest.

We did not come here to search for answers.  The answer is already within us.  We just need to learn the methods from the trainer Dr Sarjit Singh that were tailored to bring us to the core of our being.

We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of living in the concrete jungle, hardly having any time to get intimate with ourselves.  Everyone needs some alone time.  A time to slow down, and find the moments that define a great day.  

It's not hard at all, if we become more aware of the

the lovely hydrangeas that call out to us as we pass by

the clouds that hover over us

the zappy rabbit that grazes freely, minding its own business

And when the going gets too tough, just go blow some soap bubbles and let the wind take away your troubles.  Everything that happens to us --- the good and the bad --- does not last.  So, don't cling to it.

MK Ong

My roommate and photographer who took most of my pictures throughout the retreat.  Thank you MK, not only for being such great company but for being an inspiration to me and to many others.

When your inner world changes, your outer world also changes.

(to be continued)

Stay & Play at Le Grandeur

An advertorial that appeared in the New Straits Times on Dec 18, 2013.

The Allamanda Course 

JOHOR is set to draw the tourist dollar from golfers next year as the nation welcomes tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2014. One operator who is ready for the influx of visitors is Le Grandeur Palm Resort Golf & Country Club  in Senai, which expects a 10 to 20 per cent increase in bookings for its stay and play promotion

Its chief executive officer, George Loong said, the promotion attracted 338 bookings this year. Loong said the promotion had been well-received since its introduction several years ago. The weekend rate for an overnight stay in a deluxe room, which includes breakfast and one round of 18-hole golf, is RM440 (single) and RM640 (double), while the weekday rate is RM340 (single) and RM450 (double).

The resort recently launched another promotion called the "Break, Brick and Fun". For RM450+, guests can experience a two-day one-night stay in a deluxe room. The package comes with breakfast for two persons and Legoland entrance tickers for two adults, with a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages spent at the park in Nusajaya. The park is the first Legoland theme park in Asia. The entrance ticket to Legoland is RM110 nett per child (foreigner) and RM80 nett per child (Malaysian).

Guests can enjoy a 15 per cent discount when they visit Le Spa to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. There are foot baths, body, neck and shoulder massages as well as facials using natural ingredients and pure essences.

Guests with children can ask for an extra bed at RM70 nett with breakfast thrown in. However, there must be a maximum of two children in the room. The promotion runs from Jan 1 to June 30. The resort also has a new attraction, the "Nerf Gun Battle Zone", believed to be the first of its kind in Johor.

Loong said the new attraction was ideal for corporate team building and children as it provided an avenue for a battle of wits and energy.

"Remember those days when Nerf blasters were just toy guns and nothing more?

"Times have changed and toys have become more sophisticated as playing them requires strategy. Nerf guns are the craze now. The game is played with safety vests and masks, appealing to cubicle warriors and children," Loong said.

Players are required to position themselves at stragegic areas, set up ambushes and shoot out with enemies. The goal is to reach and possess the red flag without being shot.

The Melati Suite

Comprising a 330-room facility on one side and the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club on the other, the 324ha resort has so much to offer. The Indonesian-based brand aspires to provide luxurious accommodation with all rooms and suites having views of either the golf course, swimming pool or lush tropical gardens. Guests can also visit Hello Kitty Town and the Little Big Club (featuring Barney, Thomas & Friends, Pingu the Penguin) and shop at Johor Premium Outlets.

Pamper Yourself At Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa

Back scrubs to wash away stress

DESARU: IF you are in the mood to pamper yourself, drop into the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa for a back scrub.

Among the popular scrubs the spa offers are citrus salt, Balinese Boreh and Javanese Lulur.

Spa supervisor Noorshamila Mohd Nor, 29, said the Balinese Boreh soothes tired muscles and joints; and improves blood ciruculation, as well as aid the digestive system.

"The citrus salt scrub consists of an aromatic oil blend, citrus and sea salt, while the Balinese Boreh uses a mix of spices such as ginger, clove, cinnamon and ground rice," she said, adding that the spa has six therapists.

As for the Javanese Lulur, Noorshamila said the treatment uses a body paste made out of sandalwood, turmeric, and rice powder to exfoliate and 'polish' the skin.

Besides back scrubs, the spa also offers facials, foot spa, its signature Pulai massage and a therapeutic back massage.

The spa, located near Bandar Penawar, opens from 9am to 8pm from Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the spa operates from 9am to 10pm.

For details, call 07-822 2222.

Conquering Self

This is the rainbow that I saw this morning while making my way to the summit of Gunung Pulai.  I was there three weeks ago In the Woods  and  today I am here again with Anthony, May and Nona Shella.

I need to thank Anthony and May once again, for patiently waiting for me for nearly three hours at the foot of Gunung Pulai.

We reached there at 6.35am and immediately started the hike.  But Anthony and May reached the top way before me and Shella.  However, I was determined to conquer Gunung Pulai.  I wanted to see what was at the summit. And I wanted to strengthen my "ichinen" (determination or one life moment).

Along the way, I saw this rainbow which according to popular belief, symbolises good luck, peace and love. 

I didn't expect to find a telecommunication tower at the peak. Shella and I sat on top of a rock for a moment before starting the descent from the summit.

In total, we had walked 10km, as it was 5km up and 5km down Gunung Pulai, which stands 654m above sea level.,

It was not just the conquering of  Gunung Pulai.  Because as I was reaching the top, I was chiding myself and thinking thoughts like: "Today's a public holiday in Johor. Should've slept longer instead." "All the aches and pain for what?" "Could've gone shopping instead or find a good book to indulge in at My Library".

But at the end ....
 

That's me indulging in a sense of achievement of having reached the top and having conquered self.

Still lots of conquering to do (fundamental darkness hehehe) but that's for another day.

For now, I just need to soak my sore feet in a tub of warm water with sea salt, which was given by May.  Let me take this opportunity to once again thank her and Anthony for their patience and benevolence.  I promise I will improve my endurance and stamina, so that I can reach the summit in a shorter time. 

Can indulging in salmon increase stamina? Omega-3 fatty acids improves blood circulation, right? I'm reminiscencing my wonderful stay at the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa.

CRAVING...Grilled salmon on garlic boiled potato with sauteed vegetable served with lemongrass butter sauce available at the Palm Brasserie of the resort, followed by a serving of fresh fruits to finish off the meal.

Honeymoon Suite

I checked into the Honeymoon Suite (Deluxe Room) of the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa yesterday.

The Deluxe is one of the 6 types of rooms available in the 3-star award-winning resort, which offers a panaromic view of the South China Sea.  Located in Bandar Penawar, Desaru,  the room rates start from RM300 (Standard) to RM690 (Junior Suite).  The Deluxe costs RM550 per night.

The management is aggressively marketing the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Pulai Springs Resort, both under the Pulai group, via the social networking site Facebook.  For those who "LIKE" the FB pages of these two holiday retreats will get to see crazy deals updated on FB from time to time.  Go "LIKE" the pages now to keep track of the promotions.

Once I checked into the room, I went to the balcony and saw a group of people having fun in the sun.  They were part of a church group from Singapore.

Guests can enjoy, among other things, the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, a game of paintball, the mini gym and mini zoo.

For me, I think I'll head to the spa.

The therapist served me a cup of refreshing hot honey ginger tea before starting the foot massage.  The 45-minute foot reflexology comprised of scrub, mask and massage.  Having your feet pampered amid the sound of crashing waves nearby was simply heavenly.  What followed was a therapeutic back massage and a facial during the 2-hour long session.

After the massage, I got back to my room, and curled up on the round bed to read a book.

If the weather's fine, one can embark on the tours and excursions available, such as, the kampung and sightseeing tour where one will have a chance to enjoy home-cooked meals while sitting on the floor and dining with hands.  Most foreigners will find it strange to be deprived of cutlery, but the local folk are used to eating a meal with hand.

There's also the river cruise, fireflies tour and a tour of the Desaru Fruit Farm.

The Teppan!, found in the resort, is the only place serving Japanese food in the area.  The other food and beverage outlets in the resort are the Palm Brasserie and the Beach Bar.  There aren't any shopping malls in the vicinity,  only a supermarket and pasar malam (night market) in Bandar Penawar.
  
One can find a serving of authentic Korean food nearby the resort, and the business is run by a Korean couple.

Well, that's Charlotte Monterio (left) and Nurul Farahin Samsari (right).  Can't leave this enchanting resort without thanking these two friendly staff of the Pulai group for making my stay here a memorable one.

An Awesome Day!

Shella leaving footprints in the sand.

Write your sad times in sand, write your great times in stone."- Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950)

The alluring Desaru Beach.

Reached here in the late afternoon.  From the Perling toll in Johor Baru, it took nearly 2 hours to get to the Desaru beach. But it was worth the drive.. Haven't got a chance to frolic in the sun in quite a while.  Another stolen moment.  The 22km stretch of the South China Sea behind the Pulai Desaru Beach Resort and Spa is an enticing draw.

That's me lazing on the rocks. A wonderful place to just sit, close your eyes, shut out the noise and get connected with the Divine. However, I have something embarrasing to share.  When I tried to stand and walk on the rocks, I had to be "rescued".  I didn't set out to be the damsel in distress, but when I wanted to get down, it was slippery and there were sharp edges.  I was terribly terribly afraid of falling.  My faith is not strong, I guess.  This urban dweller and novice traveller just needs to get out more.

Lady in Red

Next time may bring my swimsuit and float board. On second thought, MAYBE NOT as the sea was qute rough even during low tide in the late afternoon. Wouldn't want to go missing at sea!!!

Bee pollen, honey, fruits and royal jelly can be found here.

On the way home  via the Johor Baru - Kota Tinggi trunk road, Nona Shella and I stopped by at the Dessaru Fruit Farm to get some "buah srikaya" (sugar-apple fruit).  I've never heard of this fruit before.  Need to get out more.  Seriously!