A staycation in the city is a great idea to escape from your daily grind.

Images: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Why take a costly vacation when you can indulge and relax with no agenda right here in the city?

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur makes a great place for a staycation for its location alone. Right in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to, while being just a walking distance to both Suria KLCC and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. That the hotel has great amenities and dining options just add to its appeal.

Outdoor pool at the hotel

I was invited to experience Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur for a 2-day-1-night stay. Upon arriving on the ground floor of the building, check-in takes place at the Sky Lobby on level 37. Here, one is already gobsmacked by the city skyline courtesy of the glass walls wrapped around the building. Truth be told, KL is one beautiful city.  

Sky Lobby

Sanctuary

The hotel houses 411 rooms and suites, some of which are the largest among hotels in KL. My room was on the 32nd floor, a spacious 47-sq m anchored by a king-size bed. But the pièce de résistance? That view.

 

The bed directly faces the windows, and I had the view of the KLCC park and the Petronas Twin Towers. A refreshing patch of green surrounded by a landscape of concrete and glass. Did I say how beautiful this city is?

 Room with a view

Unfortunately, there was little time to make myself comfortable in my new sanctuary just yet. After all, I had a spa session on the cards. And it wasn’t the regular massage treatment that I’m more familiar with.

The first and only in Malaysia

Introduced here in May 2024, the CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument) is a non- surgical, non-invasive facial technology. At the heart of the 90-min CACI Non-Surgical Face Lift treatment reserved for me to experience is the CACI Synergy system. It incorporates S.P.E.D® technology (Simultaneous Photo Electrical Delivery) that combines simultaneous LED skin rejuvenation with microcurrent facial toning. The combo is said to tighten and lift facial muscles while dramatically improving the overall complexion. 

 ESSA Spa

Interestingly, the ESSA Spa at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is the only spa in the country known to offer CACI. And the technology has some A-list fans, among them Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Lopez, Cillian Murphy, and Kim Kardashian.

After prepping the skin, metal rods that emit LED light and microcurrents are used to massage the face. There’s a little bit of sting but I got used to it after a while. The therapist mentioned that usually people will feel and notice the difference the next day. Also, I was advised to avoid direct sunlight on my face for the next 7 days. Naturally, for a more dramatic result, a few sessions will be required. At ESSA Spa, a session is priced from MYR1,180+ per session.

CACI treatment in progress

A Malaysian feast at JP Teres

Following the treatment, I returned to my room to then get ready for dinner at the JP Teres. Located on the ground floor, JP Teres specialises in a plethora of Malaysian flavours. Thus, the restaurant is equipped with its own satay grills, tandoor ovens, roti hot plate and wok stations.

SPteres

With a menu that included favourites from Malay, Indian and Chinese kitchens, I was spoilt for choice. But somehow managed to narrow it down to Cucur Udang, Karela Pakora and Chilli Crab Mantao for starters. All very indulgent, though the crispy bitter gourd was my personal favourite.

Chilli Crab Mantao & Crispy Bitter Gourd

As for mains, the JPteres Chicken Rice has been a specialty since 2012, and its presentation alone  felt ritualistic. The portion of the chicken was very generous. However, I felt the Mee Goreng Mamak was the yummier dish, with a smoky fresh-from-the-wok taste that was irresistible.

JPteres Chicken Rice

For desserts, the Pandan Tau Fu Fa was a creative twist on a classic, mixed with black pearl, sweet potato ball, palm sugar, jackfruit and lemongrass jelly for texture. But the chiffon cake was a revelation, smothered in pandan kaya then complemented with mango compote and soft serve ice cream. Sinfully delectable. 

Chiffon cake dessert

Breakfast with a view

After a very good night’s sleep, thanks to a well-fed stomach, it was time to survey the breakfast spread. 

THIRTY8

Buffet breakfast was served at THIRTY8, named after the very floor it resides on. And what a spread. From the myriad of kuihs, pastries, noodles, salads, dim sum, to staple Malaysian fares such as Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng and Roti Tisu … every choice was irresistible. 

THIRTY8

So I went with the classics. Roti Bakar with butter and kaya went beautifully with a hot mug of Masala tea. And that the experience came with a spectacular view of the city, made breakfast all the more enjoyable. 

Breakfast

Staycation Destination

What makes my staycation at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur unique is the familiarity. Malaysian food just has a comfort like no other. And when they’re made beautifully, it just takes the whole self-pampering experience to another level.  

 THIRTY8

Speaking of, dining is but one thing you can enjoy at the hotel. There’s also facilities such as the outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre for more strenuous activities, or ESSA Spa and the Grand Club when all you want to do is relax or unwind.

Hotel pool

If you’re curious to learn more, visit the hotel website to see what it has to offer or to make bookings.