BY: SHALINI RAVINDRAN

The condohotel’s jewel in the crown is the iconic 14-storey high, 280-millionyear- old limestone outcrop that has been dubbed ‘Rockhaven’.

TOUTED as one of the finest eco-resorts in the country, The Haven Lakeside Resort Residences in Tambun, Ipoh, certainly lives up to expectations.

The posh condominium and hotel, referred to as The Haven, is among the first developments in the country to harvest all available renewable energy resources.

The condo-hotel hybrid development operates as a condominium which also offers short-term rentals.

Out of the 512 units, 150 are operated by the Best Western International family chain of hotels, the world’s largest under its five-star status.

The Haven Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Peter Chan was proud to admit that the site’s natural surroundings was preserved during and after construction.

Amenities within The Haven include a 600m jogging track.

“It is a green development which harnesses natural energy resources.

“We use rainwater harvesting, solar energy and even have a windmill turbine within a sustainable budget to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said at the official opening of The Haven Luxury Hotel Suites.

The virgin forest at the site was conscientiously preserved and maintained.

“Even the paint used for the three blocks of 26-storey buildings is eco-friendly and able to last for at least 10 years.

“We also have a strict ‘no-fogging’ policy to prevent contamination.

“Instead, we use natural methods such as growing pandan and serai (lemongrass) plants to keep mosquitoes away.

“Also, no fireworks are allowed within the compound so that the wildlife will not be affected,” Chan said.

The condo-hotel’s jewel in the crown is the iconic 14-storey-high, 280-million-year-old limestone outcrop that has been dubbed “Rockhaven”.

The condo-hotel units are spacious and each can accommodate more than four people.

The outcrop sits amidst towering karst hills and a picture-perfect natural lake.

Among its many accolades so far, The Haven has been conferred the Best Green Development Asia’s Best Resort Residences and Global Retreat Destination of the year 2014 by Luxury Travel Guide.

It is tipped for another award after being nominated for the World Luxury Hotel awards in three categories: Luxury Family All-Inclusive Hotel, Luxury Hotel – Best Scenic Environment and Luxury Suite Hotel.

The Haven is also in line for an award from the Tourism and Culture Ministry.

During the launch, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz commended the company for its take on resort living.

“What was once derelict land has been transformed into a unique space that is enhanced by nature.

“I am impressed and awed by the environment which blends with the luxury resort.

The Haven also offers onsite activities as well as teambuilding programmes such as the Flying Fox.

“I understand they have won several awards and now, I want to give another award,” he said at the launch.

Nazri said while they would decide on the award’s name, the ministry would help promote the resort as a tourist attraction.

“The state government and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) can work together to make the resort a top tourist destination,” he added.

As for the amenities and facilities, The Haven has all the facilities one would expect of a luxurious condominium project, such as landscaped waterway gardens, a jogging track, swimming pool, barbecue area, gymnasium and sporting facilities.

The swimming pool is one of the main features, with its five levels comprising a lap, spa, leisure, children’s and wading area, all under the magnificence of the limestone hills.

Chan conceded there was an initial scepticism towards the viability and saleability of the project but there was now a wave of acceptance as people came to realise the benefits of luxurious condominium living.

Chan said the project’s units, with their international appeal, were also great as holiday homes, which is an increasingly popular trend among the rich in particular.

The Via Ferrata is a climb up to the top of the 250ft Mount Haven.

“As a weekend retreat, it is just a five-minute drive from an interchange of the North-South Expressway, a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur or one-and-half hour drive from Penang,” he said, adding it was only 15 minutes to the Ipoh city centre.

To mark the opening of the resort, a familiarisation tour of Ipoh City was held for a group of 30 media representatives in collaboration with The Haven, Tourism Malaysia and KTMB.

The three-day-two-night stay and tour took them to various interesting places including eateries as well as the famous Tambun pomelo farm in the city.

The media representatives also stayed at The Haven resort to get a feel of the place and its surrounding natural environment.