The lulling sea breeze, the lapping waves and the din of families playing and sunbathing on the sand outside greeted us as soon as we settled into our room. The room's patio faced a strip of beach with a row of chaise lounges for hotel guests.
How glad we were when the room was finally ready since we arrived about an hour early from the stated check-in time. Considering we left quite late from home and even stopped for a petrol fill-up, we had thought we would be there near to the appointed time of 3 p.m.
I didn't count that it was still a school holiday when a three-day getaway was proposed in early June. I had thought it was only the customary one-week school break the previous week and was looking forward to a quiet, relaxing time at the hotel. Blame it on not having a school-going child as yet.
Since that week was the second half of the mid-term school holiday, the hotel was teeming with people, most predominant of whom are the squealing children. Yet, the pandemonium that resulted from a combination of school's out and kids galore was surprisingly inviting. Sadia enjoys the festive feeling that came with the crowd. We confessed that the merriment and laidback vibe even rubbed off on us.
Most especially, she loves attempting to swim in the water with the other children. The small kiddie pool, equipped with a water slide, suited her wee size and we were more than happy to 'show her the ropes'. Although we are unable to float ourselves, we still like to soak in the water with a requisite depth i.e., one in which we could touch the pool's floor. :)
We were pleasantly surprised when Sadia got used to her lifesaver ('pelampung') by kicking her legs on her own. She's a natural. Probably she should take swimming lessons and thereafter teaches her old parents how to swim. Else, we can take the classes together. Haha!
After spending our annual Raya vacation here last year, this trip marked the second time at this seaside resort. Well, in my opinion, calling it a 'seaside resort' would be somewhat misleading. The hotel covers a substantial area - all 23 acres of them - of the beach with kampung-styled wooden chalets propping stilt-like straight into the sea. Thus, the private beach area is rather limited save for venturing further into the public beach that adjoins it.
The renovations and improvements that were underway during our virgin stay had finally come to fruition comprising, among others, a flock of noisy peacocks roaming free on the compound, chaise lounges by the beach, and a snack bar by the seaside to unwind. Also in the works is an ultra-modern - floor-to-ceiling glass windows - spa complex by the water's edge.
Our visit this time around was also 'graced' by the presence of a certain son of a former Prime Minister and his family et al. And et al is the term loosely referred to the body guards and nannies in waiting. This particular arrangement which entails that these parties be with you at all times got me into thinking if the kids would have any leeway for some sort of privacy. It surely would be suffocating for me if someone were to follow me everywhere 24/7. They were on a close watch when the kids frolicked in the same pool as we did. They chose the table nearest to the only entrance door during breakfast.
Also, on the last day before checking out as we relished the pool for one final time, I bumped into a familiar-looking TV3 personality - I forgot the name - who was reading a Tafseer Al-Qur'an (Qur'anic Translation into one's Mother Tongue) by the poolside. It was certainly refreshing to see someone thumbing through these pages at the most unlikely places. A few days later I came across an article in the newspaper headlining that she had donned the tudung (or hijab).
Apart from these deviations, we engaged in the customary trip to Malacca on the second day for a quick mall run and ikan bakar (or grilled fish) and other seafood binge.
Of course, Avillion's main attraction for us fledgling parents is without a doubt, the animal farm which lets you (read: kids) feed the animals - turtles, birds, rabbits, chickens and hamsters - 10 a.m. daily at the enclosure situated close to the swimming pool area. Sadia loves the ritual to bits and enjoys it more with the appreciative crowd of her age.
This vacation was also a first for Sadia in terms of sighting new animals. Other than mimicking the loud cry of the peacocks, she is obsessed with the snails that we had discovered during our nocturnal strolls. Till now, the snails have left a lasting impression on her!
Full from the ikan bakar grub, we sauntered along the wooden planks housing the water chalets on the second night, savouring the night serenity as the sea breeze gently stroked our exposed skins. Stopping at one kampung-styled gazebo on these wooden planks, we rested our heads on its ample space and blankly gazed at the infinite sky. The new moon tried to peek its way through the clouds, but to no avail. As the wind got stronger and Sadia restless, we heeded the signals and doubled back to the spacious room.
This village is just the lush haven that we need to escape the dreary life in the city.
3 comments:
We love Avillion, too!
But, we were a bit worried when we realized that our room was quite far out off the edge of dry land, and standing perilously on flimsy looking stilts!!! I kept waking up throughout the two nights we were there - checking if the room was swaying...Hehehe!
And it took a while for us to get used to the idea of having our shower in the semi-open concept bathroom, too!
But, yup - Avillion's a REALLY nice place :)
AND YOUR SADIA IS SO GORGEOUS!!!
Wanshana,
I had the same feeling when I stayed there the first time too. :) Are the structures strong enough to withstand the tumultuous (imagined) waves? But my worries were unfounded of course.
Yeah, the fact that the open-air bathroom faces a small window from the bedroom to which someone can just spring open to take a look is just naughty. Haha.
About Sadia, thanks dear.
Very nice post, Theta, very nice!
Happy day
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