There are fewer than 20 tents dotting the serene grounds (All photos: Zen by Stellar)
The morning mist envelops the distant peaks in a brisk embrace, its invisible droplets gently waking the songbirds, critters and creatures as the sun rises. With the curtains pulled back and the sliding glass doors ajar, the soothing view is the first thing the eyes adjust to, aside from the tingling chill in the toes.
Peace and quiet is so hard to come by. Yet it can be found through doing something as simple as leaning into the warmth of steam rising from a cup of freshly steeped tea. At Zen by Stellar, a luxury glamping site in Cameron Highlands, the day may be as languid as one desires.
Perhaps a hearty Japanese breakfast to start? The nutritionally balanced bento sets, which you can pick out the night before, are served at the resort’s expansive and airy café, which also offers hotpot and grilled skewers for dinner. The private dining rooms are reserved for Zen’s multi-course omakase experience, perfect if you have an occasion to celebrate. Organic produce is sourced locally from the highlands and fresh ingredients are frequently brought in from Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
zen_by_stellar_1.jpg
Zen proposes a couple of different ways to appreciate tea culture. After all, Cameron Highlands is Southeast Asia’s largest cultivator. At the bar, specialty mocktails are crafted using leaves harvested from the undulating plantations that carpet the mountains. Guests can also register for the tea ceremony, where they can sample a variety of imported high-end Chinese selections, such as fragrant Da Hong Pao and mellow Long Jing. A tea master imparts ways to detect nuanced flavours and aromas as well as proper brewing methods for the perfect cuppa. Soon, the leaves will also be available for purchase.
Keep the little ones busy by signing them up for a creative class that teaches the ancient Chinese art of lacquer fan making or dress the entire family in traditional Japanese garb for pictures around the manicured grounds.
Prior to Zen, entrepreneur Darren Lim established Stellar Golden Hill, just 10 minutes away, in 2022. Coming out of the pandemic, people craved to be close to nature again and did so by booking Stellar’s caravans and tents. Zen’s approach veers towards offering unique experiences amid a tranquil environment.
_wlp7721.jpg
“While on a trip to China last year, I was inspired to create a Zen-style accommodation. Later, a visit to Japan deepened my appreciation for this serene aesthetic. Noticing a lack of such spaces in Malaysia, I envisioned a special retreat where everyone could find peace and relaxation,” Lim says.
A suikinkutsu — garden ornament that generates a melodious sound similar to the koto (Japanese harp) with water droplets — tinkles in the corner of the café, Lim’s favourite area. “You can sip tea and listen to the water flowing nearby. It’s the perfect spot to relax and really soak in the vibes.”
Follow the gravel pathway to the garden, designed to reflect the meditative philosophy the site is named after. Stone, water and plants — core elements of both Chinese and Japanese landscaping — foreground the villas perched on the property’s vantage point.
_wlp7830.jpg
The Sora and Yama Villas are the most spacious room options at Zen. They come with their own en-suite bathroom, an outdoor bathtub and a private parking lot. While a comfy king-size bed anchors Sora, the moppet gets more room in Yama’s queen and super single configuration.
The furnishings are not quite luxurious, despite the villas being promoted as such, but they are certainly far from shabby.
The Kaku and Nami Cottages are also appropriately fitted with a queen bed, smart TV and dressing table, but the bijou rooms share communal bathrooms and toilets. A caveat for those who plan on staying: These are still tents after all, so do not expect much soundproofing.
After a long day of browsing Cameron’s farmers’ markets and nurseries, there is nothing quite like a hot soak on the balcony and a box of ruby red strawberries on the side to cap it all off. While it may be a tad difficult to snag a booking — there are fewer than 20 rooms dotting the grounds — visitors are more than welcome to dine at Zen. 
This article first appeared in issue No. 114, Winter 2024 of Haven.
