The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

A retired British colonel started construction on the property in 1966, fashioning it into a Tudor-style manor with sharply angled roofs and a half-timbered exterior adorned in white plaster and red latticed windows. He opened The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands in 1970, while living in what is now the luxurious Foster Suite, which bears his name today. The place is dressed entirely in Colonial-era furnishings that are so convincing that it appears to have been built in the 1870s, with interiors covered in dark-wood beams, ornate rugs, and antique period furniture. Outside, the grounds are beautifully manicured and dotted with comfortable wicker lounge chairs, as well as pretty wrought-iron tables and chairs set in the shade facing the lake. The downside is that the once beautiful lake has become more of a mud pool, in part due to nearby developments. Guests are largely a mix of Westerners and Singaporeans on both family and romantic vacations.

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands is situated on a hilltop overlooking Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, with plenty of jungle behind it. It's right off the main road that winds through the region connecting all the major towns, but the isolated location means a car or taxi is required to get anywhere of real interest. It's a short distance from the town of Ringlet (about a three-minute drive), but more attractions can be found in the opposite direction, toward Tanah Rata and Brinchang, which are 15 and 25 minutes away by car, respectively. There, travelers can find strawberry farms, golf courses, and a popular night market. The enormous Boh Tea Estate is about a 17-minute drive away through mountainous terrain. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, in Ipoh, is a two-hour drive away. However, most guests simply use the airport in Kuala Lumpur, which is a three-hour drive away.

The hotel's 19 rooms and suites are individually decorated and vary slightly in their details. Some have vaulted ceilings, but all are decked out in stylish period decor, with heavy dark-wood furniture, half-timbered plaster walls, and pinstriped carpets that echo the exposed ceiling beams above them. The entry-level Deluxe Rooms have sitting areas with high-backed armchairs, small vanities, and carved wood armoires. Most have queen or twin beds, and some have four-poster beds draped in gauzy linens. All suites have four-poster beds and add larger sitting areas with couches, while Family Suites have two separate bedrooms. There are also two adults-only suites with living rooms centered around huge stone wood-burning fireplaces. All units have flat-screen TVs, capsule-style espresso machines, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Black-and-white tiled bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. Keep in mind that rooms facing the road will pick up some traffic noise.

A decidedly British character pervades the hotel, especially in its Cameron Bar, styled after an old English pub, with a wood-paneled bar serving a variety of Scotch whisky. The formal restaurant serves a breakfast buffet (not included) and British cuisine, while the Highlander Lounge and outdoor Lakeview Terrace serve snacks, scones, and afternoon tea. There's another lounge with a large stone fireplace for reading or playing chess. The small spa offers traditional Malaysian massage, along with aromatherapy and foot reflexology treatments. There's also a small meeting room for up to 10 people. Unfortunately, there is no pool or fitness center here. Free, daily guided hikes set out in the morning into the jungle surrounding the back of the property. Free parking is included, and a shuttle to Kuala Lumpur International Airport is available for a fee.