Villa Samadhi has an impeccable pedigree: being the sister hotel of the exclusive JapaMala Resort on Tioman Island, the same architects created this equally stylish city retreat. It’s therefore no surprise that Villa Samadhi nestles comfortably in KL’s embassy district without conforming to its chunky, uniform surroundings. The hideaway takes its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘tranquil’ and, indeed, its thatched pagoda roofs, lush gardens and bamboo screens disguise the outside world with ease.
After 2 full days of exploring Kuala Lumpur’s bustling streets - tasting authentic street food at Jalan Alor, marvelling at the Batu Cave temples, bartering for mementoes at the Central Market, and getting lost in the botanic gardens - we were ready to unwind. Happily, Villa Samadhi more than fit the bill. The lagoon pool was impossibly enticing, our suite’s outdoor Jacuzzi tub beckoned, there's a rooftop spa, and we needed to watch the sunset, complimentary cocktail in hand. As incense wafted through the air, interrupted only by mouth-watering smells drifting from the restaurant, we soaked up that A-list celebrity feeling.
Highs
- The smiling staff go above and beyond, and there are lots of little extras (free sunset cocktails)
- The best of both worlds, total peace and quiet yet ideally placed for exploring KL (you’re within walking distance of the Petronas Towers)
- Excellent on-site cuisine and a free shuttle service to the hotel’s 3 sister restaurants
- 21 huge rooms with Asian-style décor; honeymooners will love The Loft with its rooftop pool and skyline view
- Excursions to the countryside and the elephant sanctuary can be arranged by Travels with Samadhi
Lows
- It’s a romantic couples’ retreat, so no twin rooms and children under 16 aren’t allowed
- As with the rest of Malaysia, mosquitos come out in force in the evenings, but repellent is provided
- There are just 21 rooms, so it can get booked up a long way in advance
- Full payment is required on reservation
Best time to go
Kuala Lumpur is 30-35 degrees year-round; we visited in August and experienced overcast mornings, bright, sunny afternoons, the occasional tropical downpour, and hot nights. Peak season is over the festive period, when the hotel gets booked up months in advance. If you plan to visit the east coast, too, avoid November-February as this is monsoon season.
Our top tips
For spectacular views of the Petronas Towers, visit award-winning 33rd-floor Skybar. It's very hip, with an extensive cocktail list and swimming pool centepiece. Call ahead and book one of the cushioned window-side booths to ensure drinks to remember.
- Boutique Hotel
- 21 rooms
- Restaurant + bar (open daily)
- Over 12s only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Shuttle service
Rooms
You’d never guess there were 21 vast suites here; everything has been designed to ensure the utmost privacy and serenity. Inside, each is bedecked with modern Asian-style furniture, reclaimed wood, and splashes of colour.
The Loft is a huge room with a private rooftop lap pool to splash around in. You also get impressive views of the city skyline; it’s really romantic. We loved our Luxe Crib room with its dressing room, plush sofas and palatial courtyard bathroom; the jewel in the crown, it had twin rain showers and a Jacuzzi plunge tub. We were also smitten with the Luxe Sarangs’ added treats: a private patio, direct access to the swimming pool, and kitchenettes (in which the hotel’s chef will happily whip up a meal for you).
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- DVD player
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast was an event, mixing Malaysian dishes with international favourites, and served either by the pool or in-room - and no time limit. The bar groaned with an array of cakes and bread, plates of fresh fruit, porridge, cold meats and cheeses. The ‘traditional toaster’, a grill over burning charcoal, made a fun addition. We also chose pancakes and roti canai from the a la carte menu.
There's further indulgence at sundown when the manager hosts nightly free cocktail gatherings in the restaurant. The modern Asian cuisine served at Villa Samadhi’s restaurant The Dining Room (open to hotel guests only) is light and refined, with inventive flavour combinations. It’s a peaceful dining experience, with just a handful of tables and a soundtrack of trickling fountains.
For a change of scene, take Villa Samadhi’s complimentary shuttle to one of the hotel’s four sister restaurants. Tamarind Springs, hidden a 15-minute drive away in the jungle, serves classic Mekong cuisine, including Northern Thai, Laotian and Cambodian dishes. Since our last visit, they've added Barra, a Spanish-inspired tapas joint in the heart of Chinatown, and Tamarind Hill has been recognised in the Michelin Guide.
Features include:
- Bar
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Ascend the nearby world-famous Petronas Towers, stopping off on the 41st-floor skybridge for breath-taking city views (closed Mondays)
- Alternatively, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is the highest observation point in the city. Those with a head for heights can stand in the glass pods which jut out from the terrace
- Visit the Art-Deco Central Market. It began life as a wet market in 1888, and is great for gifts, handicrafts and jewellery
- Culture vultures are spoilt for choice; visit the National Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, the Thean Hou Temple and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Take a short train ride to the Batu Caves, just outside the city. You’ll find the monolithic 140ft-gold statute of Lord Murugan, plus intricate temples and lots of cheeky monkeys
- The hotel can set up Vespa city tours, motorbike trips to Genting, days out to Malacca (the oldest trading port in Malaysia) and Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary visits (and if you're heading onwards to sister property JapaMala Resort can arrange insightful excursions en route)
- Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, Little India and Jalan Alor areas offer exceptional street food
- Take time out on a cushioned daybed by the hotel’s lagoon-style pool
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Wildlife
Kids
This is predominantly a couples retreat and under 12s are not allowed.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Villa Samadhi is located in the embassy district of central Kuala Lumpur, within walking distance of the Petronas Towers.
By Air:
Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (70km).
To take a taxi to Villa Samadhi, buy a fixed price voucher from inside the terminal. Alternatively, take the KLIA Express train direct to KL Sentral (30 minutes). From there you can take the the monorail to Ampang Park (a 5-minute walk from the hotel) or hop in a taxi.
Getting Around
Many sights are also accessible by foot and Villa Samadhi is 5 minutes from the nearest monorail, which will whisk you around the rest of the city. The hotel also offers a free shuttle service to nearby restaurants and attractions (on request, subject to availability).
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Malaysia and getting around
Airports:
- Kuala Lumpur International 70.0 km KUL
Other:
- Beach 90.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km