LIKE many people in the travel and tourism industry, I have stayed in a fair few hotels in my time and being based in Dubai, where enjoying five star luxurious hotels is the norm, it takes a lot to impress a seasoned expat. However, from the moment you walk into the 53 m high marble and gold lobby of The Empire Hotel and Country Club, you’re aware that the hotel is something quite special.
As the only resort in Brunei, this 518 room, suite and villa property goes beyond a simple stay enticing guests with its 18-hole, floodlit Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, nine swimming pools and range of spa, leisure and dining options.
Every guest room overlooks the ocean, lagoon, gardens or golf course and as I stepped out on to my private balcony, I was met with an incredible vista of the aqua-marine pools seamlessly merging into the horizon of the South China Sea. The interior of the room was just as stunning; 60 sq m of pure luxury reflected in the enticing soft linens that covered the huge bed to the complimentary soft drinks and coffee and tea facilities. What appealed to me most was the room’s ability to provide guests with a spacious retreat while still maintaining a feeling of warmth and intimacy.
The sheer space of the room was echoed in the bathroom where a double sink vanity, separate shower and enormous Jacuzzi bath tub were complemented by Elemis bathroom amenities, making getting up each morning an absolute pleasure.
The hotel offers several categories of rooms and for those looking for even more space, the two and three bedroom villas would be ideal, while the award-winning, 666 sq m Emperor Suite will impress VIP guests with its exclusive elevator, private pool and steam room, and movie theatre.
The entire resort covers 445 acres and with its enviable position on the coast, exploration of the hotel is a photographer’s dream. From the gently swaying palm trees to the meandering pathways amongst the gardens, the hotel ambiance is one of serenity and tranquillity. We experienced this best when we dined at Pantai, an attraction for guests due to its stunning location by the sea. With its impressive buffet of fresh seafood served in an alfresco setting, this is just one of eight restaurants in the resort.
Each day, guests can take part in activities such as cycling, snorkelling, golf, hill walking, bowling, fish and turtle feeding and even a basic Malay language lesson.
Successfully offering guests a stay that is both efficient yet tranquil, the resort is an ideal retreat for those looking for a welcome break from the stresses of daily life and is the ideal stopover before exploring other areas of Borneo.
By Karen Osman