In partnership with Mangala Estate

It’s rare to come across luxury hotels that successfully marry first-rate offerings with a genuine ethos of sustainability. Enter Mangala Estate Boutique Resort, an eco-conscious, tropical sanctuary in Kuantan, Pahang, whose design is inspired by the surrounding ecosystem.

The estate was built from the ground up on barren land. Present day, Mangala embodies principles such as zero deforestation, and has implemented a range of sustainable strategies including water irrigation systems and solar panels to champion regenerative energy. It has now been restored to an eco-paradise of palm trees, serene lakes, abundant flora and fauna and undisturbed wetlands. Mangala manages to mindfully co-exist with nature while embracing the organic growth of its surroundings. This means that it’s perfect for families who wish to bond but also want the freedom to explore the lush landscapes.

Set on 30 hectares of lush landscape, Mangala houses just 67 villas to ensure privacy and peace. As a bonus, the resort welcomes kids of all ages to immerse themselves in the gorgeous countryside setting. Why not introduce your children to the beauty of nature from a young age?

Perhaps this is a chance to educate your kids on the importance of renewable energy and point to Mangala’s smart use of solar energy to fuel its property. The estate also emphasises in-house composting which is then recycled as fertiliser for its many species of flora. Mangala’s ethos is also clear in the small details. Take note of the wooden keycard, for instance. Or the myriad indoor plants to aid in purifying the air. The sum of all its sustainable parts makes Mangala a role model in eco-tourism.

Luxury accommodations perfect for families

Mangala Estate’s spacious villas boast serene views, perfect for sunset-gazing. For larger families, the two-bedroom family villas offer a range of features; opt for private plunge pools, a spacious living area, a poolside balcony or rain shower-fitted bathrooms stocked with refillable bath amenities and L’occitane products. Amenities such as baby cots, high chairs, baby-proofing tools, swimming floaties and kids’ bath toys can also be requested.

If you’re planning a family holiday with extended relatives, the enchanting six-bedroom bungalow can accommodate up to 12 adults and five children. Just imagine celebrating grandma’s birthday in a private luxury estate, surrounded by untouched greenery, with the kids splashing around in the private pool and the adults relaxing with a drink on the sun deck.

Nature and relaxation await  

A result of the property’s restoration of the land’s natural ecosystem is an abundance of rare birds that frequent the area. Some of these migratory birds fly across the East-Asian Flyway from their breeding sites in Northern Asia and gently roost onsite at the resort. Armed with a pair of binoculars, kids can spend a morning spotting over a hundred species of birds and taking in their melodious birdsong.

Birdwatching is just one activity that’s part of Mangala’s Young Explorer Kid’s Club inspired by the great outdoors. While parents unwind, children aged four to 12 can immerse themselves in educational activities that involve the surrounding biodiversity and eco-friendly practices such as learning about recycling and various local fruits and vegetables.

Parents can also bond with their kids through family-friendly activities such as cycling, kayaking, paddle-boating, archery, a scooter tour or swimming in the infinity pool with a stunning lake view. If the family loves crafts, opt for towel origami and handicraft lessons for a quiet afternoon in. When evening comes, unwind with your little ones with a choice of traditional Malaysian games or board games – an aspect of cultural heritage meant to be passed on to future generations.

After a full day of activities, tired parents will surely want to surrender to the healing hands of Mangala’s skilled therapists during a relaxing massage amid the blissful tropical setting. Mangala Spa is just the place for other holistic wellness therapies such as facials, body scrubs and reflexology. Leave your little ones in the capable hands of the Kids’ Club, where they can make new friends and busy themselves with age-appropriate activities and toys.

When it comes to food, Mangala has fussy eaters in mind with a curated kids’ menu at The Lakeside Restaurant overlooking lush foliage. The restaurant offers continental fare that includes local food with a twist, international classicsand various farm-to-table specials that highlight the bounty of the land. The landscape’s vegetable and fruit harvest from its orchards are used to produce many seasonal, delicious treats such as its pandan-coconut drink, mulberry jam and smoothies.

A short hop away from cities like KL and Singapore

Mangala is merely a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it perfect for a stress-free school-holiday road trip. And if you’re travelling from Singapore, simply hop on an hour-long flight to Kuantan for a slice of family-friendly paradise that doesn’t involve hours of queuing and jostling with crowds. Because parents need a vacation too.

To find out more, visit Mangala Estate’s website.

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