Frolicking in flowing brooks, live orchestras of jungle birds, camping under the stars… the stuff of childhood dreams is a reality at Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina’s glamping property, Tiarasa Escapes, in Janda Baik.

Just 45 minutes by car from the city, and you’ll find yourself in the nook of luxury glamping at the foothills of Genting Highlands. Since opening in June 2018, Tiarasa Escape's tented resort has been booked out till December.

A whiff of fresh air and cool temperatures (it never hits 30 degrees here) greeted us, followed by the sunny welcome of Puan Sri Tiara herself, who was eager to lead us through the 7 acres of lush forest and streams, framed by sloping mountains. “I think an experience and encounter with nature, and finding yourself through nature is quite special,” the Tatler Tribe member declared.

As we strolled with the animated thespian through 20 safari-style tented villas and 5 treehouses, she relayed the personal influences and features of Tiarasa Escapes.

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Tatler Asia
Above The elevated treehouses with their quirky themes and teepees are Puan Sri Tiara's favourite spots. (Photo: Shaffiq Farhan) 

How did the concept come to you?

"I grew up reading Enid Blyton and Secret Seven. I longed for adventure and dreamed of having my own treehouse headquarters one day. My family went on picnics, camping holidays and when I became a mother I wanted to give my family that affinity to nature. In 2015, we holidayed in Marrakesh and stayed in Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot in a berber tent. I was inspired to bring that experience of living in a safari tent to our rainforest."

Tiarasa is heavily influenced by East Malaysian elements – tell us why.

"We wanted a very wholesome Malaysian concept and a tribal feel. My husband is from Sarawak, too, so we thought of a Borneo chic-meets- tribes from around the world. There’s a touch of Moroccan, Hawaiian, African, to create the bohemian feel for bespoke tents and treehouses. Additionally, each tent has bits and pieces I collected on my travels."

See also: In photos: Marlon Brando's luxurious French Polynesia retreat, The Brando

Tatler Asia
Above Puan Sri Tiara personally conceptualised themes of the bespoke villas. (Photo: Shaffiq Farhan)

How did you merge modern comforts with rustic beauty here?

"We share the same tentmakers as Kasbah Tamadot’s. We worked with award-winning WHZ Architects to create the landscape, taking care to integrate the natural topography. Features like the 'Big Rock' and a couple of ancient pine trees have been adopted as Tiarasa’s unique icons."

What’s Tiarasa’s ‘best-kept secret’?

"Many guests arrived without expecting comforts. City dwellers can’t imagine doing bare nature holidays, but Tiarasa will prove them wrong, and present a different and very rewarding experience of nature. The resort has even become an ‘OOTD hotspot’ for fashion influencers and Instagrammers. It’s also perfect – and become an unusual alternative – for bridal shoots, corporate retreats, wedding proposals, and very intimate dinner parties."

What are guests’ raving-favourite activities?

"Leisurely picnics at the Enderong river surrounded by teepees and hammocks, the moonlight cinema, the magical bonfire ceremony and stargazing!"

See also: The 9 Romantic Getaways For A Couple's Retreat In Malaysia

 

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