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The Qing Suites: A Quiet Retreat in the Heart of Penang, Malaysia
- Jianne Soriano
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
PENANG
As soon as I set eyes on the courtyard of The Qing Suites, I let out a quiet gasp. It’s undeniably stunning, not in the way that looks grand or opulent, but in a minimalistic sense that still feels luxurious. Indeed, because feeling at peace is a luxury. Being from Hong Kong, I’m used to the bustling sounds of the city and the quick pace of life. It feels almost impossible to find a quiet retreat, even if you live in the islands. The Qing Suites provides a sanctuary of stillness that I long craved.
The newly opened Suites continue the story of Cheong Fatt Tze — The Blue Mansion, just across the road. If that historic landmark is brimming with guests and visitors, The Qing Suites is the opposite. It was originally built in 1904 as the servants’ quarters to support life in the Blue Mansion, and has been reimagined as a quiet hideaway. The sense of calmness doesn’t undermine the sophistication, and if anything, the design leans more towards modern indulgence with traces of its storied past.
The Arrival: A Sanctuary of Stillness
When I arrive at the Suites, the first thing I notice is its striking blue colour. Of course, Cheong Fatt Tze — The Blue Mansion shares a similar hue, but since the Suites is relatively new, the colour still stands out. The row of terrace houses is a prominent feature, and it’s quite prominent to any traveller that it took great lengths to preserve its original look as much as possible, from large black windows to the tile carvings, and even the iconic arches.
Anna, the Operations Manager, gives me a tour of my room — The Garden Suite — and lets me settle in. The room is massive, complete with a bathtub and rain shower, a workspace, a little corner to relax with a sofa and pillows, a king-sized bed, and a mini-garden. The cream-coloured walls both illuminate and dim the surroundings, but the wood and warm-toned furnishings evoke a sense of home. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors by the garden give ample natural sunlight, finishing off with tropical and Earthly colours. The most eye-catching feature in the room is the preserved terracotta floor tiles, a vestige of the Suites’ past. It gets cold at night, but the carpeted part of the room serves both as a cushion and a splendid decor.
Virtue TCM: Wellness at its Core
The Qing Suites also champions wellness, where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is woven into the stay. This is a nod to Cheong Fatt Tsze’s father, who was a scholar and practitioner of the tradition. So, as part of my stay, I visit Virtue TCM, which offers wellness experiences rooted in TCM and is designed to restore harmony between Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit). The spa is the first heritage spa built around the pillars of TCM in Southeast Asia.
After a sip of hot tea, I follow the staff for a consultation. She takes my pulse on both arms and can immediately tell what my concerns were. She also looks at my tongue and asks a few questions about my health to give the best therapy. My treatment is a mix of gua sha scraping and massage to ease muscle tension, improve sleep, and enhance energy flow.
Dining: Excellent Food Within Reach
The Qing Suites’ annexe location provides a different experience, one that feels personal, according to your tastes and needs. I interact with the staff regularly, and at times, we have casual conversations, not just a passing greeting. Yet, despite its exclusiveness, the experience doesn’t feel separate from The Blue Mansion. As a Suite guest, I can enjoy the experiences at the Mansion, from the guided tour to a dinner at Indigo restaurant.
For dinner, I try the Degustation Menu by Chef Kim Hock Su. He’s already a familiar face in George Town’s dining scene, so you know you’re in good hands. I start the meal with Black Olive Bread with preserved radish butter and whipped cow’s butter. It’s the perfect dish to whet my palate before trying the Steamed Hokkaido Scallops. The next dish, Sea & Spice Angel Hair, uses turmeric royale in an interesting way that I haven’t tried before.
The main dish, Toh Panjang, draws inspiration from the elaborate feasts during special occasions in Penang. It comes with a side dish of Rosewater Pilaf Rice, Mango Sambar, Stewed Jicama with dried Cuttlefish, and Fresh Lettuce. While the dish is made for sharing, the team specifically made the portion just right for a solo dinner, so I simply savour everything — plates clean and all. For dessert, I have the Pineapple Tart and Bika Ambon Mignardise, both of which offer a different kind of sweetness.
For breakfast, I simply step out into the open courtyard to have a hearty meal. And I don’t take the word “hearty” lightly here. The breakfast consists of a basket with fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, treacle flapjacks, bread roll and house butter, a choice of main, juice, and tea or coffee. Another option is to have breakfast served in the room, which doesn’t take away the experience but rather provides a different, more relaxing one in the comfort of my own space.
Activities to Make Your Stay More Memorable
Besides the guided tour of the Mansion, Suites guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities. If you’re a tea lover like me, the Tea Ritual at the Tranquillity Room is a must. It’s a stress-free and personalised tea experience with Anna, the Operations Manager, to introduce the TCM philosophy that shaped the Suites. Here, guests can explore a curated selection of Chinese teas, from aged pu-er to classic jasmine.
For a relaxing evening, I headed over to Cafe Mangga, located just beside the entrance of the Mansion. This casual space offers brunch, tea, and evening meals al fresco, but the main attraction is the live music performances from Wednesdays to Sundays from 7:30 pm. And after a day of exploring, the best way to end the night is to enjoy an in-room herbal bath, exclusively prepared by Virtue TCM.
Other activities include a private guided tour of the Suites on Tuesdays and Sundays at 5 pm. The tour allows guests to get a deeper look into the Mansion’s past and meticulous conservation work. Meanwhile, on Thursdays, guests can listen to a piano serenade from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, as well as a traditional guzheng performance from 6:30 pm at the Mansion’s courtyard.
The Qing Suites Insider Tips
If you’re staying for two days (or more), mix your breakfast pick with dining at the courtyard or having it in-suite, so you can experience both
Treatments at Virtue TCM are best booked during weekdays for a truly relaxing experience. We suggest trying a combination of massage and facial.
Reserve a table at Indigo Restaurant for lunch or dinner, as it can get quite busy. Ask for a table near the terrace so you can see the view. If the weather permits, the terrace has a nice view of The Qing Suites.
The Qing Suites, 9, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Book your stay at The Qing Suites
Disclaimer: The writer was invited by The Qing Suites to experience the property. All observations, assessments and opinions expressed are based on the writer’s independent experience and professional judgement.
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