[Travel] All I Want For Christmas Is.....

... TO SPEND TIME SHOPPING AT MY FAVORITE MALLS!

Yes, I confess I am a mall rat. Considering the climate we live in, a nice air-conditioned space with dining, entertainment and shopping options is the best place to even. And if you are travelling to the cooler regions, it's a good idea to get warmed up in a mall. Here's where I would rather be:

1. Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Year End Sale in Malaysia is a force of nature. The discounts are huge and the shoppers are fierce! Suria KLCC is one of my favorite destinations in KLCC and not just for the shopping. The dining options are endless (one of the best Nasi Ayam/Chicken Rice can be found at the Signatures Food Court on Level 2), a tropical park and a 12 screen cinema. Oh, and Aquaria KLCC, Petronas Art Gallery.... and so much more!

And Christmas really is the loveliest time of the year, even in the tropics. The Christmas decor is just stunning and the malls in KL really up their game every year. Check out Santa's workshop in the main Concourse at Suria KLCC this year. Also, don't forget to get your Tourist Privilege Card at the Concierge,


2. Dolmen Mall Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan

The greatest part about this one, it's home! Feels and smells like any international retail space should. The mall hosts fun activities from time to time but for a mall rat the best one is a nice, fat sale. This year's sale goes from 16th Dec to 1st Jan (I think it should be extended to include the next pay check).  For a list of the all discounts offered go here.  Besides the discounts there's Sunday brunch specials at the food court with live music, a Beauty Lounge and Kids Arena as well. And lots of activities for adults too, shop and win style. Because free stuff is always a winning feeling! They also have a bunch of online contests happening so do find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat as well!

3.  VivoCity, Singapore

Not only is VivoCity Mall the gateway to Sentosa Island, it is a destination in it's own right. And come Christmas season, the sales and freebies alone demand that you spend an entire day there. In terms of dining, your options range from Burger King to Jamie's Italian. The mall also has a 300 m water front boardwalk, a rooftop amphitheatre and a water feature the size of four Olympic sized pools! Is this a mall or WHAT? This Christmas, there's 107 ft tall tree and similar sized discounts all across the mall.

[Travel]: We're Dreaming Of A KL Christmas....

So finally I have been able to put together a trip to Kuala Lumpur that is not the same old boring tour operator list of '10 Things To Do in Malaysia' but one that let's you experience the city like a seasoned travelled and not a tourist. And the bonus of having ME as your guide to the city and beyond

Here goes!

Let's getaway to tropical Malaysia this Christmas! 10 days in magnificent Kuala Lumpur with day trips to Malacca and beyond! You will be exploring the temples and markets of old Kuala Lumpur, the hip night spots, budget shopping and the best of Asian cuisine. And top it all off with New Year Eve celebrations in the heart of Kuala Lumpur! All for Rs 180,000.

Includes:
Return Tickets
Malaysian Visa Fees 
Accommodation 
Airport Transfers

Entry to Tourist Attractions

City Tour of Kuala Lumpur

Day Trip Malacca City

Lots of freebie surprises along the way and a KL Kit with all your travel essentials!

You will be guided by cool, hip young folk who know the city inside out. At Have Love, Will Travel we believe in stretching our dollar as far as possible, but not comprising on comfort and quality. And we like taking the road less travelled, so do not expect the same old ’10 Things To Do in KL’ kinda tour. We will get under the skin of the city and beyond!

Contact us on www.facebook.com/havelovewilltravel2012  or havelovewilltravel2012@gmail.com for more details.

[Travel]: Marini's on 57, Kuala Lumpur

I know you may be a bit tired of me raving about everything Malaysian and particularly from Kuala Lumpur... but... it's my favorite city in the world. I make a trip there every year and the city keepsreinventing itself and there is always something new to do in Kuala Lumpur. My last trip to KL was over Christmas and New Year and my dear friend Hee Wei Han took me to a hip, new bar called Marini's on 57. 57 for 57th floor of the third tower of the Petronas Twin Towers. Well, technically the 'third' tower is not a part of the famed Petronas Twin Towers but it is an adjoining tower that is a part of the property.

But first, a selfie in Suria KLCC

Marini's is a restaurant and a bar that gives an unprecedented view of the Twin Towers. We went there on a whim so there was no way we could get a table at the restaurant on Christmas Night. So, as most disgruntled people do, we headed to the bar instead. And surprise, surprise... it was not as expensive as I would have imagined.  Besides, the view was nothing short of stunning.

But as luck would have it, KL decided to have one of it's signature down pours. I loved it but my gentleman friend was rather disappointed that I could savor the view for longer. I thought the rain made it quite brilliant.

The art deco furniture and neon lights make it a fun, young (but not too young, thank god) place to spend a splendid KL evening. The crowd consists of well-heeled locals, expats and tourists with cash to burn. The age group is definitely 28 and above. There are no Rihanna remixes but the DJ does spin some smooth electronic jazz and progresses on to house music. The music could have been better, but that's only because I am a better DJ. 

It's not straight forward getting to Marini's on 57, but then you have me on your side. Head to the Versace store in Suria KLCC and find the dedicated elevator right next to it. You will be personally escorted all the way to the bar. Dress well, not skanky! An average drink will cost you about RM 50. 

Would I go there again? Every single time I am in Kuala Lumpur!

Cheers!