There is something for everyone at the Sutera Harbour Resort. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a water sport activity buff or a golf connoisseur, this is the place to be. Sutera Harbour Resort’s status as a unique leisure attraction is augmented by its affiliation of the eco-resorts of the five Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

I was given the grand tour, and managed to sample the various tourism products at the resort, from honing my golfing skills to indulging in a rejuvenating massage at the spa and taking a fifteen-minute exhilarating boat ride to Manukan Island. What is your pleasure?

The Mandara Spa

Two years is a long time for any woman to be massage-deprived. Suffice to say that I really needed this one. Nestled within the sprawling luxurious tropical oasis of the Magellan Sutera Hotel, the picturesque view of the South China Sea complemented the therapeutic ambience of the Mandara Spa. The decor and architecture uses clean modern lines fused with an eclectic mix of Asian influences. Built over two levels, the spa centre houses six double deluxe spa suites, six single treatment rooms, reception area and boutique. Guests can also choose the type of aromatherapy essential oils they want for their massage ranging from Harmony, Mandara, Tranquility and Island Spice. With my body soft, moisturised and de-knotted from that divine session, I was on a “high” - it is a unique blend of five different massage styles – Japanese Shiatsu, Thai, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Swedish and Balinese.

Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club

Having no experience of golfing whatsoever, this was a challenge for me. The club manager, Affendi, was more than accommodating in showing me the massive edifice of the course and letting me try my hand at the driving range. Designed by leading golf designer Graham Marsh, the beautiful 27-hole championship golf course was the host venue for the 1999 Sabah Masters and is finished with Bermuda grass and strategically challenging bunkers of fine white sand. Playing any combination of 18 holes, golfers will enjoy a par-72 six-thousand-metre course. The resort also offers night golf facilities - the only one in East Malaysia. The golf facilities feature a splendid golf clubhouse with a 41-bay twotier covered driving range, pro shop, meeting rooms and luxurious changing rooms. The spectacular view of the sea on one side and the city on the other is breathtaking!

Manukan Island Resort

I love boat rides, so I was ecstatic about the trip to this exotic getaway. Located just fifteen minutes away by boat from the marina, Manukan is the second largest island

of the five Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park islands. For the avid diver, the reefs off the island offer excellent crystal clear water and beautiful corals. For those who want to enjoy the scenery, take a leisurely stroll along the nature trail or simply laze by the 1.5km stretch of the beach. All twenty units of hilltop or beachside lodges overlook the South China Sea. Dining options at the island include a sumptuous BBQ lunch served daily at the beachfront from 11.30am to 2.30pm. A tri-section restaurant is also available with an open air area, the “Prahu Terrace” and “Pulau Restaurant”.