THE Haven Luxury Resort, the first and only five-star resort hotel in Ipoh, has officially opened.

Launched recently by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, the resort comprises 150 units of hotel suites, with sizes ranging from 868sq ft to 2,072sq ft.

In his speech, he said the Government has been working very hard to increase the number of tourist arrivals in Malaysia.

“The launch of The Haven’s luxury resort is timely and supportive of the country and Ipoh’s economic growth and travel sector,” he said.

“In the present market environment of Ipoh, catering to either the condominium development market or a five-star luxury market would have risked failure.

“But congratulations, you have combined both and made both a success,” he said to The Haven chief executive officer Peter Chan.

Nazri believes that more progressive Malaysian developers will take a cue from Chan’s accomplishment, as the luxury resort, he said, has drawn the attention of the world.

“It is comforting and encouraging to know that the developer has embarked on a responsible approach to conserving nature.

“Embracing the marvels of nature’s gifts and the best of man’s innovations, The Haven is a true representation of our philosophy for sustainable tourism growth,” he said, adding that he would be giving his ministry’s Minister Award to The Haven as well.

The concept of The Haven is to offer an attractive eco-vacation destination of five-star international standards with accommodation, food and service to match.

The Haven centrepiece is the 280-million-year-old 14-storey limestone outcrop called Rockhaven, situated adjacent to a 1.6ha pristine natural-flowing lake.

It is located in Tambun, just five minutes after exiting its North-South Expressway interchange.

The Haven also features a unique sea-horse shaped pool.

Among the other amenities available are a 600m natural jogging track, meditation deck, barbecue areas, fully-equipped gym, squash court, badminton court, table tennis room, outdoor children’s playground, indoor children’s playroom, business centre, restaurants, shuttle bus service, multi-storey covered car park buildings and open car park space and private helipad.

There are also conference and event facilities like the Haven Ballroom, two seminar rooms, an outdoor amphitheatre, a garden area fronting the lake and a rooftop setting above the clubhouse.

The Haven offers stunning venues for events such as weddings.

The luxury resort hotel houses two restaurants – Cuisines Poolside Bar & Restaurant and The Premiere private indoor restaurant – that serves local favourites in addition to other Asian, Western and Mediterranean cuisines.

A multi-award winning development, The Haven has so far garnered more than 30 prestigious awards, both locally and internationally, including Best Green Development and Luxury Retreat of The Year.

It is operated by Best Western International, one of the world’s largest hotel management chains.