Philea Resort & Spa

Set on large grounds with lush greenery, pretty landscaping, and soothing water features like pools, ponds, and waterfalls, this upscale resort offers a relaxing retreat. Rustic architecture suits the green surroundings, with a mix of cabin-style wooden buildings housing the rooms and suites as well as more contemporary looking main buildings. The property prides itself on being eco-friendly, utilizing recycled materials like railway sleepers for fencing and shipwreck remains for furniture. Over 3,000 trees were planted across the sprawling grounds, which teem with lush greenery.

Guests are greeted in a spacious, airy lobby that's partially open-air and full of sunlight. Burgundy marble floors are dotted with potted plants here and there, while a collection of wooden tables and chairs offers seating. A touch of the rustic pervades, from the roughly hewn wooden front desk to the bamboo ceiling, and the sensibility is seen throughout the property. 

There are several dining options here and they differ a bit in terms of decor. The Bayu Cabana adds a cheery tropical flair with bright green and orange tables and chairs that sit overlooking a pond. The Chill Out bar has a different vibe entirely with more of a traditional look with dark-wood paneling, a marble bar, and high-top tables paired with leather barstools. Guests are tourists, both couples and families with kids, and weekends see a lot of corporate customers for team building events. 

The hotel is situated off the North-South Expressway that goes to Kuala Lumpur (about an hour-and-a-half away) on the outskirts of Malacca. Set on large lush grounds, the resort feels immersed in nature. It's right by the Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary (a four-minute walk away) as well as being near the Technical University of Malaysia Malacca (seven-minute drive away) and the Melaka Zoo (four-minute drive). Other area attractions include the Serama Adventure Park Melaka (six-minute drive), the Melaka Bird Park (six-minute drive), and Melaka Wonderland Theme Park & Resort (six-minute drive). Golfers will be happy to find a couple of courses nearby, including Ayer Keroh Golf And Country Club (nine-minute drive), Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club (11-minute drive), and the Orna Golf & Country Club (12-minute drive). Malacca is about a 25-minute drive away, and its airport is around a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

Occupying charming pine cottages, rooms and suites have an atmospheric rustic vibe, but offer modern comforts. The two-story cottages are divided into four rooms, all with verandas that offer a nice spot for a morning coffee. All wooden interiors -- pine log walls, beamed ceilings, and wooden floors -- create a cozy and inviting atmosphere and are paired with simple wooden furnishings. Suites occupy their own cottages, offering more privacy and space. Larger verandas have picnic tables and comfy wicker seats. The spaces add a few more decorative elements, like tartan headboards and armchairs.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, air-conditioning, electronic safes, and work desks. Bathrooms are small, but clean and pleasant, with modern fixtures and both soaking tubs as well as separate walk-in rainfall showers. Suites have larger bathrooms with flat-screen TVs by the tubs.

There are also two private villas available to rent. These two-story, two-bedroom units have private pools and poolside cabanas with daybeds, as well as living rooms, dining areas, and kitchenettes with microwaves. Large bathrooms are equipped with wooden whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers.

The most common complaint here is poor maintenance. Guests cite problems in the bathrooms, including plumbing issues like leaky and broken toilets. Many also complain of poor soundproofing and being able to hear upstairs neighbors in ground-floor rooms.

The sprawling lush grounds, peppered with ponds and water features, are a highlight here. One of the star features is the outdoor pool. It's a large freeform one, overlooked by a waterfall and flanked by an attractive pool deck dotted with chic padded loungers and cabanas. There's also a shallow kids' pool. There are changing rooms with lockers and bathrooms by the pool.

Wellness facilities include a bright gym that overlooks the green grounds, a sauna, and a spa offering a variety of treatments including massages, body scrubs, facials, and nail services. The resort offers five different dining options that serve both local and Western fare. These include a buffet-style restaurant that's open from morning to night, a casual poolside lounge offering cocktails and light bites, and a lobby lounge serving coffee, alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Breakfast is included in rates.

Kids have access to a game room with computers, plus there's a kids' club with toys and games. Other amenities include a business center with a computer and printer, karaoke rooms where guests have access to karaoke machines, and meeting/event space, including a ballroom.