When you enter Mangala Resort & Spa in Kuantan, Pahang, you might find it hard to believe it was once a barren land of 60 acres.

It was once a place of tin mining and then sand mining, activities that lasted about 70 years. When activities were halted, the ground was dotted with unsightly gullies, ponds and small lakes.

There was hardly any vegetation too, as the land was mostly covered in clay and no topsoil, with much of the sand dug out.

But thanks to more than 15 years of restoration efforts by Dato Franky Chua Goon Eng, it has been transformed into an ecological recreation haven, a far cry from its previous state.

Lined with serene lakes and swaying trees, 67 villas in five different styles, plus a bungalow for larger groups.

Its name ‘Mangala’, which in Sanskrit means ‘auspicious well-being’, succinctly sums up the resort’s goal: to enhance guests’ rejuvenating journeys through nature.

And their service has not gone unnoticed; Mangala Resort & Spa has won several awards such as Malaysia Property Award 2017, FIABCI World Prix D’Excellence Award 2018 (World Gold Winner in the Environmental Category) and FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2020 (Winner of the Resort Category).

It is also one of the two Malaysian subsidiaries of Small luxury hotels of the world (SLH), a professional community of discerning travelers who personally review hotels around the world, choosing unique stays to showcase.

While the resort’s lush nature lulls guests into moments of relaxation where time seems to stand still, its management team knew they had to adapt to our rapidly changing endemic phase of COVID-19. .

make it work

That meant responding smartly to the small but growing crowd of digital nomads and hybrid professionals looking for a remote work experience with more privacy, space, and a change of scenery from cafes or workspaces. coworking.

While the leisure market still forms the core of the resort’s customers, the hospital team now anticipates a rising trend of hybrid professionals looking for a quiet space to get their brains flowing, whether creative or even researchers.

After all, you’ve heard the saying “healthy body, healthy mind.” Thus, Mangala Resort & Spa will launch its “Work from Villa” package from April 1, 2022.

It includes a two night minimum stay at Sara Villa or Jala Villa. Along with the usual furnishings, the 55-square-meter Villa Sara comes with a king bed, hot tub, and a large private open-air balcony that overlooks the Mangala Wetland.

The 50 square meter Villa Jala has the same basics, but instead its balcony overlooks the serene Lake Mangala, which is a central feature of the resort.

Both come with workspaces for a solo hybrid professional or a duo. To provide a distinction from a regular stay at either villa, Mangala Resort & Spa will provide additional services in this new “Work from Villa” package.

These include a free stationery kit which comes with a light ring (upon request) for any late virtual meetings that may take place, and Free use of resort chat rooms for up to two hours with reservation in advance.

If you want to use the chat rooms longer, it’s RM650/next hour. They can comfortably accommodate teams of up to 10 people and are equipped with charging ports, a large screen TV and a projector.

Their recently Improved Wi-Fi is strong, fast and reliableand is accessible from the villa, restaurant, meeting rooms and other commonly used spaces. Free printing services (in limited quantity) can be found at the reception.

And since the stereotype that professionals can’t function without caffeine in their system persists, the station offers unlimited coffee and tea (in your room and at the Lakeside Restaurant).

In the villas, the “Work from Villa” package adds a few more appropriate snacks in the fridge which are free for the first round which include kombucha, energy drinks and energy bars.

Breakfast buffet come with the package, so lunch and dinner are free and easy. If you decide to dine a la carte at the resort, sweetening the deal is a 20% discount on catering (excluding alcoholic beverages).

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so rest and recreation is part of the work hybrid here too, and you could say that’s what Mangala Resort & Spa always does best.

Relax by the infinity pool overlooking Lake Mangala or take a break, hit the gym, cycle around the vastness of the resort, or head to the lake for kayaking or pedal boating. If you want to start the day with the intention of hitting your targets, book an archery session.

these outdoor activities are on request and free of charge, so you can consider them part of your work experience.

We’ve had the pleasure of previewing what “Work from Villa” has to offer, and we can say with confidence that it’s something you’d be hard-pressed to find in hotels around town, which tend to be the places to go. luxury work by default.

If you want to enjoy this nature-filled experience yourself or with your colleagues, you can book the “Work from Villa” package with Mangala Resort & Spa from April 1, 2022. Prices start from RM998 per night.

If you want to know more beforehand, stay tuned for our full workstation review.

• Find out more about Mangala Resort & Spa here.
• Read more workcation content here.