Amari Johor Bahru – Great for a Weekend Getaway from Singapore

Located directly opposite Komtar JBCC, less than one-year-old Amari Johor Bahru hotel is equipped with new and modern facilities which provide an oasis of comfort. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from JB Sentral Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system which links Johor Bahru and Singapore. If you need a break from Singapore’s fast-paced society and want to avoid spending the weekend in town squeezing with the crowd, simply cross the border for a relaxing weekend staycation at Amari Johor Bahru.

Our wonderful hotel experience began the moment we stepped into the spacious hotel lobby on the 6th floor. The hotel lobby offers a warm and friendly welcome and we were greeted by the subtle touches of Thai design, a nod to the origins of Amari. The Breeze Spa, Amaya Food Gallery, Amaya Café, the Ballroom and the meeting venues are on the same floor. There is a ‘library’ where you can catch up on work and the Idea Room which is converted to a kids’ area on weekends.

We were hosted in the Junior Suite on the executive floors, so we enjoyed the enhanced personalized service, privacy and amenities such as the private check-in and check-out services available on the 20th floor. The Private Lounge serves breakfast and pre-dinner cocktails and canapés. Tea, coffee and juices are provided throughout the day. You will also have free access to the meeting rooms on the 20th floor for the first 2 hours.

The Junior Suite is designed for both leisure and business travellers, and is appointed with highlights such as the spa-inspired bathroom, dual frontage wardrobe, generous storage for shopping finds and the ergonomic work station. Furnished in soothing beige hues and purple accents, the Junior Suite features subtle references to the locality with a signature bed head depicting fresh winds blowing into the surrounding mountainscapes of southern Peninsula Malaysia and custom carpets inspired by the undulating terrain of the nearby hills. The clean and contemporary lines are balanced with traditional Thai motifs which are hand carved on the drawer panels and reinterpreted on cushions, fabrics and bathroom glass panels.

We spent the afternoon cooling off in the outdoor swimming pool. There is a children’s pool available for the little ones too. The fully-equipped FIT Centre is on the same floor and you can work off some calories before feasting again. The Dip Bar is Amari’s outdoor pool bar, ideal for a pre-spa treat, post-workout snack or a poolside refreshment. The menu features smoothies, detox drinks, TWG Tea mocktails, fresh juices, beer and wine along with salads, sandwiches and pastas.

I was treated to the Dreamy Mood Massage at the Breeze Spa. It was easy to nod off as calming sounds, hypnotic aromas and long, flowing massage strokes sent me into a state of complete tranquility. The spa offers a diverse array of facial, body and beauty treatments. It was an amazing experience and I’m already planning my next trip back.

You can get delicious food choices at the Amaya Café and the Amaya Food Gallery. The Afternoon Tea Set (65RM nett for 2 persons) is available at the Amaya Café. Besides serving the usual English Afternoon Tea menu consisting scones, finger sandwiches, savoury pastries and cakes, the café came up with an Asian version of afternoon tea. You can look forward to savouring coconut financier, kaya macarons, assorted Malay pastries, deep fried dim sum and finger sandwiches with an Asian twist. The café also serves a range of salads and pizzas.

The Amaya Food Gallery is Amari’s signature market-style all-day dining restaurant. Hearty eaters will be delighted to have the lunch and dinner buffets while the rest of us can stick to their ala carte menu. We were spoilt for choice by the tantalizing variety of Thai, Indian, Chinese, Malay and western delights.

Last but not least, Amari Johor Bahru is located within the JB Heritage Old Town District. If you are interested in local culture and heritage, why not visit attractions like the Coconut Wine Shop, the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple, the Johor Chinese Old Temple, the Sultan Ibrahim State Building and more?

We usually take a day trip to Johor Bahru and have never thought of spending a night there. However, after experiencing a weekend staycation at Amari Johor Bahru, we felt so relaxed and recharged. We are already thinking of having another weekend retreat there.

Amari Johor Bahru
Address: No.82C, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +60 7 266 8888
Website: https://www.amari.com/johor-bahru/

Note that this is an invited stay, but the opinions are the writer’s own.