As I completed my first lap of the Club Med buffet at Cherating Beach I was told to “eat with my eyes”.
I was a little miffed but, as I later realised, the advice had nothing to do with my loaded plate. Instead, it referred to the Malaysian philosophy of using all five senses to appreciate your meals.
And there was much to appreciate, including oysters flown in from France, lobster, foie gras, roast duck, kimchi, sushi, nasi (rice), noodles, curries, sumptuous pastries, even sweet corn ice cream.
The oysters and foie gras were special inclusions arranged for the Club Med Cherating re-birth celebrations, but the rest of the menu was de rigeur.
Club Med Cherating is about 60km from Kuantan outside Kuala Lumpur. It is a favourite with local residents with its lush setting and relaxed ambiance.
The resort at Cherating is a self-contained tropical paradise fronting 4kms of pristine beach on the South China Sea. Set amongst 200 acres in one of Malaysia’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, the village is surrounded by one of the last coastal areas of unspoilt jungle. The gardens are filled with brightly coloured birds, enormous rare butterflies and breathtakingly beautiful tropical flowers.
Every room in the traditional stilt village has been made-over. The restaurant has a view of the spectacular pool and a day spa.
The experience began with a 3am arrival at Cherating, where, despite the hour, we were met by applauding staff, face towels, a cool tropical beverage and quick explanation about the village and how it runs.
The Host staffs are known as GOs – meaning “Gentils Organisateurs”.
I was told Club Med Cherating employs 90 GOs from 17 nations. Their job is to help each guest make the most of their stay and this can involve anything from teaching you how to fly on the trapeze, captain a boat or master the finer points of salsa dancing.
And if you want to see another side of Malaysia, the resort also runs tours to a local village.
The GOs also understand that, for some, the perfect holiday involves a massage at the day spa, followed by a lazy session of cocktail sipping by the pool and nothing more physically taxing than a leisurely browse through the resort’s boutique.
CLUB MED-CHERATING BEACH MALAYSIA - AT A GLANCE
Address. Cherating Beach Malaysia
Contact. Club Med 1800 258 263
Email. sales@clubmed.com.au
Website. www.clubmed-cherating.com
