Avillion Port Dickson…

Gosh…I just realised my last post was the beginning of this week! :( Things have been rather crazy at work, but hey, it’s finally the weekend…and what better time to write about getting away to a place that will have you well-rested to face another week. I stayed at the Avillion at Port Dickson late last year during a company offsite, and I felt like I wasn’t at work, but enjoying a holiday instead!

The driveway…

Description:
Avillion Port Dickson sits on a waterfront landscape along the Straits of Malacca, made up of ethically designed chalets that set a mood reminiscent of a traditional Malay fishing village. Each chalet is different from the rest, but each one opens out to a stimulating view of the sea, perfect for invigorating both body and mind. Located in Port Dickson, Avillion is a sanctuary for anyone who wishes to rest and experience tranquillity free from the maddening affairs of city life.

Waterfront chalets

The Verdict:
We stayed at the waterfront chalets, which are quite spacious yet homey, with a small balcony opening on to the sea – lovely for a spot of reading or just enjoying the view. I took quite a few shots of the room, and the photos do a much better job of showing the lovely accommodations.

The beds were simply lovely – I love the canopy!!


The day bed or lounge area – can be used for an additional person too…


Each bathroom comes with two sinks…no need to fight for space in the mornings…haha…

My favourite part of the room was the shower, which was very innovatively done. The bamboo curtains are the only thing that form the “shower curtain” bit, but otherwise it’s open space…and this is the perfect clincher to a luxurious rain-shower…

It’s got an open roof!!

Seriously, I didn’t feel like wanting to leave the room at all…clean crisp sheets, aromatherapy products, the feeling of taking a shower while hearing the waves splash against the pilings below you…you have to try it at least once in your lifetime.

Of course, the rest of the place is so nice that I had no choice but to want to check out the rest of the resort. I still can’t believe this place is in Malaysia…hehe…

Fancy a swim? There are several options available…this is the Cochin Pool, which is strictly for adults (especially if you’re there on a romantic breakaway, and don’t want screaming kids in the picture – of course, if you end up with one thanks to the getaway, that’s another matter altogether! LOL…)

The general family pool…


…and the more private Jacuzzi area (it’s not on at the moment)

If there’s one thing that makes the place seem exceptionally exotic, it’s the peacocks that roam freely around the compound. It wasn’t uncommon to see peacocks milling around the pool, around the gardens and on the rooftops – I even saw one perched on the fence of the tennis courts!

For families, there’s a kids playground and activity corner to keep them occupied…

Directions are aplenty at Avillion with these little totem poles…they’re lighted even at night, so you’ll never need to worry about getting lost (actually, I wouldn’t mind getting lost at Avillion if it means I won’t have to leave…)

If you stay at the waterfront chalets, there are these pretty Traditional Malay Footwash areas at the entrance to the chalets. At the end of a long day, this really just adds to the whole rustic experience at Avillion…even kids will love it – the scoop is made of a coconut half-shell nailed to a rattan stick…just so authentic, don’t you think?

As far as food at Avillion goes, the selection is pretty good at any of their F&B outlets – this was (part of) breakfast while we were there…LOL…

Of course, one big thing to remember is that sunlight is in abundance here – just remember to pack the SPF and you’ll have a blast!

Who wouldn’t want a view like this?


The entire place is beautifully landscaped with plenty of greenery – this is the entry way down to Riau beach…

…and the beach looks like something out of a travel brochure – gosh, every area of this place looks unbelievable…and seriously, all these pictures are raw from my camera, with no retouching…

The sauna and steam room…

As of end 2008, Avillion has opened a ‘Spa Garden’, which lets people take a tour around aromatic plants and herbs…only a maximum of 5 visitors are allowed on a Spa Garden Tour each day at 4.00pm…

If you’d rather spend some time alone or with a good book, these little corners found all around Avillion make for a cosy hideaway…

Avillion also comes with a luxurious spa, set apart in this wood and glass structure – it looks oddly out of place, but when you’re inside, the view while you’re having your massage is just gorgeous!

So, how about it? Avillion’s rooms start at about RM450++ per night which seems rather pricey, but rest assured that the service is excellent, and you do get what you pay for. There are also promotions running from time to time so do check the website regularly for their latest deals and packages. I’m already dreaming about the next time I’ll get to go back…the open-sky rainshower and canopy bed is calling my name!!


Rating: 5 / 5
Value: $$ (as I said, rather pricey but you get what you pay for)