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[title]Located at the foot of Kuching’s majestic Mount Santubong, Cove 55 was originally built as a holiday home for an Iban family. After extensive renovations, it reopened as a luxury ethnic-inspired private boutique hotel, offering guests a relaxing getaway within an idyllic slice of paradise. With only 16 luxury rooms and suites, guests are guaranteed a tranquil break away from the crowds.
Cove 55’s newest feature is an overwater sea deck with an infinity salt water pool offering stunning uninterrupted panoramic views – the perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails from the Cove Bar. This is also where the hotel’s sunrise and sunset yoga sessions take place, and where you can spot dolphins on their way across the beautiful bay.
Rooms and suites are spread across two wings, and the private villa is tucked between the gardens and the ocean. The fully furnished Balcony and Garden rooms feature spacious balconies or private courtyards respectively and are equipped with designer amenities. The two Corner Suites are located on each end of the guest wings and open up to sweeping panoramic views of the South China Sea and Mount Santubong. If you want a little more privacy, book the stand-alone Villa, which offers more space and added luxuries like a walk-in wardrobe and a bathtub with sea views.
There are no TVs throughout the premises, so guests are encouraged to get out and reconnect with nature. Nearby wildlife centres, nature parks and mangroves offer a chance to explore and discover the amazing natural diversity Sarawak is famed for. The hotel can also arrange for visits to local fishing villages, the Tun Jungah Foundation in Kuching city that showcases Iban culture and heritage, or the Sarawak Culture Village. The easily accessible Damai Golf and Country Club has an 18-hole course designed by renowned golfer Arnold Palmer, and of course, Mount Santubong is great for trekking enthusiasts.
Cove 55 prides itself on its efforts to embrace and preserve its rich Sarawakian heritage. This is evident in many details throughout the hotel – from the architecture incorporating tribal elements and design motifs to the locally hand-woven laundry baskets and beach bags in each room that reflect contemporary Iban designs. In-house restaurant Kechala serves a menu of modern Sarawakian cuisine using sustainably sourced local produce in delicious traditional recipes.
This exotic oasis is a scenic 30-minute drive from Kuching Airport, and provides the ideal respite from busy city life.
55 Jalan Sultan Tengah (Santubong/Damai Road), Santubong, Sarawak (082 846 068/cove55.com). Rooms from RM550 including breakfast.