The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands: A Little Space to Slow Down

I have never spent nearly two and a half hours having breakfast at a hotel or resort.

From 7 a.m. until almost 9.30 a.m., I allowed myself to stay at the table, enjoy the food and simply be there. For once, I wasn’t rushing to finish my meal and move on to the next thing.

That morning captures what my stay at The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands felt like: having the space to slow down, and allowing myself to enjoy it.

A Warm Welcome in the Highlands

Coming away from the heat of KL and Ipoh, the cool highland weather was a welcome relief. Surrounded by greenery, flowers and serene views, I could feel my body beginning to relax. The quietness of the place made it easier for my mind to settle, too.

With its timber-framed exterior, red-tiled roof and garden paths lined with hydrangeas, The Lakehouse has a charm that invites you to linger. Yet what made the experience particularly memorable for me was the warmth of its people.

The staff were friendly in a way that felt natural and sincere. You could feel their kindness and their willingness to help, and that they wanted you to have the best experience they could offer. There was an ease in the way they welcomed us, almost as though we had known them for years.

I felt at home.

Working in events, I know how much the people behind an experience shape the way we feel. A beautiful setting draws us in, but being cared for helps us relax into it. During this stay, that sense of care was something I truly appreciated.

Taking Time to Savour

It carried through to breakfast.

The freshness of the ingredients, the presentation and the chef’s creativity in bringing everything together made the meal a highlight. There was also a good choice of vegetarian options during our stay, which I was especially happy about.

From a colourful plate of fruit to a generous breakfast with eggs, mushrooms, asparagus and other vegetables, there was plenty to appreciate. Even the pancakes, dressed with fruit, were beautifully presented. The thought given to the food made me want to take my time with it.

And I did.

As breakfast stretched towards 9.30 a.m., I realised how rarely I give myself this kind of unhurried time. So often, we eat while thinking about what comes next. That morning, I was enjoying what was already in front of me.

For me, this was mindfulness in a very everyday form: noticing the food, enjoying the surroundings and being present enough to receive the experience.

The Lakehouse gave me room to do that.

Room to Simply Be

There was no need to fill every hour with sightseeing. If you visit Cameron Highlands and feel like staying in, the garden offers a lovely place to spend your time. You can sit among the greenery, admire the hydrangeas and flowers, or simply look out at the trees and mist-softened hills.

I could easily imagine bringing a journal into the garden, writing a few thoughts and giving myself time to reflect. Or sitting quietly, without needing to do anything at all.

When our days in the city are filled with conversations, responsibilities and the chatter in our own minds, that kind of space feels precious. Here, I found it easier to quiet down and let myself rest.

What I enjoyed most was how naturally it happened. The cool air, the garden, the leisurely breakfast and the kindness of the staff all contributed to a stay that felt gentle and comforting.

I came away appreciating how much a short getaway can offer when we give ourselves permission to experience it slowly.

And sometimes, that begins with staying at breakfast a little longer.