A haven to pine for

Yesterday’s charm, today’s hotel — that’s the Lone Pine in Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

Few establishments, if any, can lay claim to being the oldest and newest all at once. One such exception sits proudly on Penang’s famed Batu Ferringhi beach — the Lone Pine Hotel. An idyllic haven where opposing elements come together in perfect symphony, the Lone Pine was built in 1948 amidst casuarinas, sandy beaches and sprawling greens, making it the oldest hotel along the stretch. Now, after a multi-million ringgit refurbishment and expansion process that spanned 1½ years, it has been rejuvenated and can now lay claim to the title of newest kid on the block. Following the makeover, including a new block and a poolside area specially designed to blend in with the original structures and setting, Batu Ferringhi’s only luxury boutique hotel still maintains the colonial charm for which it has always been known.

Night view of Lone Pine Hotel’s poolside and facade

It remains a wonderful getaway where one finds tranquillity and peace.

       An intimate touch

Step into the lobby, and you will find a minimalist and airy set-up befitting the hotel’s laid-back ambience. At the check-in counters, guests are greeted by name — the warmth and intimacy making one feel like a family member who just came home. The welcome cocktails are a nice touch, as you lounge on the lobby’s plush sofas while taking in panoramic views of the hotel grounds through the ceiling-high glass windows. Depending on your choice of accommodation, you either take a short elevator ride or stroll along gravel-lined pathways to your room.

English couple James and Pauline Justice, frequent visitors to Lone Pine Hotel, relaxing inside their Premier Garden room.

Upon stepping inside my sanctuary for the day, a spanking new Deluxe room on the top floor of the new block, I am taken aback by its size and spaciousness. The management tells me they are the largest of its class at 45sq m. Pristine white walls, punctuated by dashes of pastel tones, imbue it with a breezy, tropical feel. The bathroom is equally spacious, nicely done up with tiny tiles in a style that harks back to the yesteryears. I couldn’t help but spend most of my time in the balcony, making myself comfortable on a giant sofa whilst enjoying a gentle sea breeze. If that’s not enough, there’s always the plunge pool for relaxing bubble baths with splendid views of the beach.

There’s an additional day bed area for the Super Deluxe rooms (55sq m). The Premier rooms (50sq m) and Premier Garden rooms (52sq m), on the other hand, are ideal for families, with the latter even having its own patio or courtyard. For added luxury, opt for the Deluxe Suite (63sq m), Premier Suite (77sq m) or Grand Deluxe Suite (89sq m), all of which face the sea and have separate living areas. The crème-de-la-crème of the hotel’s 90 rooms is the Grand Premier Suite which, at 118sq m, is essentially a two-bedroom condo unit by itself. Those with some spare cash lying around should find it the epitome of luxury. It boasts two immaculate bedrooms with attached bathroom, a spacious living area, dining area, kitchenette and balcony from which prime sea views can be had.

A Super Deluxe room.

All the rooms come equipped with 32-inch, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Though I am tempted to remain cocooned in the comforts of my room, I eventually decide to do a bit of exploration. Amongst the amenities found in the new block are boardrooms for corporate meetings, a well-equipped gymnasium for the workout junkies and a games room that kids will happily while their time away.

Dip and unwind

The pristine poolside is an ideal place to relax. After a dip in the main pool, I head over to the Jacuzzi where I literally feel myself floating away to paradise, with all city worries seemingly a million miles away. Being a native of the tropics who’s had enough sun to last a lifetime, I naturally am not too keen on sunbathing, but those from cooler climes might find stretching out on the beach chairs with a good book in hand a welcome way to spend those lazy afternoons. If a significant other is around, the cabanas by the pool are a great place to cuddle up.

After drying up, I find myself wandering to the hammocks tied between shady casuarinas trees, whose swaying motion literally rocks me off to slumberland. The shaded area regularly sees intimate garden weddings with many a happy couple having exchanged their vows, surrounded by smiling loved ones. I am unable to find the time but apparently, the hotel’s Pure Energy Spa offers a whole range of rejuvenating treatments that pamper tired muscles and weary faces. The spa is a partner in charity for PAWS, a shelter for abandoned and abused animals, so a percentage of its turnover is channelled there.

The much-loved Bungalow has also been spruced up, and still offers its signature Hainanese specialities as well as traditional Western and Asian menu items. Situated just by the pool side, the all-day dining coffee house also serves up some mouth-watering buffet spreads. Whether dining indoors or al-fresco, one definitely feels the Old World colonial charm of the majestic building. The gift shop sits on the Bungalow’s upper floor.

New F&B additions are the Batubar, an elegantly furnished yet laid-back lounge, as well as Matsu, a Japanese restaurant offering cuisine from the Land of the Rising Sun with a unique twist. All in all, a stay at the hotel is definitely something that leaves a lasting impression, not to mention lots of sweet memories. You’ll probably find yourself wishing for a return trip before too long.

> Ongoing promotional rates start from RM440++ for a Deluxe room inclusive of breakfast for two. For bookings or inquiries, visitwww.lonepinehotel.com, e-mail to info@lonepinehotel.com, or call 04-886 8686.

-thestar online.