TEEPED in the cool hill country a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands Resort is a gracious essay in colonial history. Like the verdant tea gardens that clad the low rolling hills, this boutique spa resort has an aroma entirely its own. High timber-beam ceilings, tall French windows, louvred shutters, the rustle of rich silk and four-poster beds beckon guests to another era. Immaculately pickled in the mists of the highlands this is one of the best Malaysia boutique resorts and well worth a visit for a serious unwind, golf, or high tea.

The Cameron Highlands Resort offers 56 rooms, including suites and the regal Cameron and Jim Thompson Suites (with 76sq m of space, a king-size four-poster, a twin arrangement and a shared lounge with comfortable settees). Deluxe rooms with gleaming timber floors open onto balconies with sweeping vistas, all an eye-soothing green. Or plump for a two-bedroom suite.

The Spa Village draws inspiration from the traditions of the “Orang Asli” or the original people, twinning these with modern remedies. A key ingredient here is tea. Try a Yellow Rose Tea Bath. There are six treatment rooms, four Tea Bath rooms, two outdoor cabanas and a well-equipped gym, enough to salve skin and soul and more.

While the resort can double as a conference hotel, rustling up glitzy receptions for up to 300, its main charm is the unadulterated romance of the place. Tour tea plantations, walk the Mossy Forest, visit tribal villages, and explore the Jim Thompson Mystery Trail (for it was from these highlands that the silk baron vanished, without a trace). The outdoors beckon from everywhere. At the end of a well-trodden day, or after a spot of snooker, chill out at The Highlands Bar, try Japanese, savour the Jim Thompson Tea Room or eat in style at The Dining Room.

This is easily one of the top Malaysia boutique resorts. Mark it down in your diary, and visit.