Set against the glittering KL skyline, SANTAI at The RuMa Hotel and Residences blends laid-back poolside ease with a refined drinks programme – from Billecart-Salmon Champagne to an unexpectedly charming Clare Valley Riesling.
On level 6 of The RuMa Hotel and Residences – a Michelin Key-recognized hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur – SANTAI Pool Bar and Lounge continues to position itself as one of the city’s most effortlessly stylish hideaways. Part pool bar, part social lounge, and part skyline-watching perch, it offers a relaxed yet reasonably polished escape from the city’s steady hum.
From day to night, SANTAI moves with an easy rhythm. By day, it is sun-drenched calm and cool water reflections. As evening arrives, the space softens into something more atmospheric, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline lighting up the horizon and the pool reflecting the glow of the city. As we discovered as our afternoon visit segued well into the evening, it’s less about formality and more crafted for lingering conversations, unhurried drinks, and the kind of gatherings that stretch well past intention.
A standout feature of the beverage programme is the hotel’s partnership with Champagne house Billecart-Salmon, a name long associated with finesse and restraint in the world of Champagne. Founded in 1818 and still family-owned, Billecart-Salmon is known for its elegant, precision-driven style rather than overt opulence. At SANTAI, guests can enjoy both the Brut Réserve – a crisp, structured expression marked by fine bubbles and notes of orchard fruit, citrus peel, and of course those subtle brioche tones characteristic of so many good Champagnes – as well as the Brut Rosé, a delicate and aromatic style that delivers lovely red berry notes, rose petal hints, and a gently refreshing finish. We particularly enjoy the Rosé from Billecart-Salmon.
Offered at a preferential rate of MYR380+ per bottle (splits are also available at a lower price), it becomes a compelling option for sunset sessions and shared conversations without the usual formality associated with Champagne service. (On the topic of dispensing with formalities, we admittedly did not love that such an elegant Champagne is served in plastic flutes, but given the poolside setting, it’s understandable. We were seated near the bar, however, well away from the pool, so perhaps a thought could be given to providing glass stemware there.)
Beyond the bubbles, however, SANTAI’s wine selection also rewards those willing to look a little further. Our advice, though? Skip the Wolf Blass Bilyara. It’s an acceptable supermarket selection, but without much more of a spend, you can enjoy a vastly better wine.
On a recent visit, one such highlight came in the form of the Ministry of Clouds Riesling from Clare Valley, Australia. Known for producing expressive yet finely structured wines, the Clare Valley is particularly celebrated for its Rieslings, which often balance precision with natural vibrancy.
The Ministry of Clouds interpretation is a particularly engaging example. Pale straw in the glass, it opens with lifted and lingering aromatics of lime zest, green apple, and white florals, followed by a gentle mineral line that runs right through the palate. There is a softness to its citrus profile – more fresh, subtle lime than sharp acidity – which gives the wine an easy drinkability while still retaining structure. Subtle stone fruit undertones emerge as it warms slightly, adding depth without heaviness. It is the kind of wine that fits naturally into a poolside setting: refreshing, unpretentious, but quietly well-crafted. And we must add that while drinking white wines well-chilled is very much the norm in steamy Malaysia – often directly out of the ice bucket – this wine seriously rewards a bit of time in the glass to shed some of the frostiness. With the temperature of the liquid elevated even a few degrees, the Riesling really makes itself known in a far more expressive way. Try both approaches and see if you agree!
If you are in a cheeky mood and don’t mind topping up on the wine budget, we spotted a Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough on the list that is easily among our very favourites of this particular variety. It is made using rather distinctive methods and will surprise you in all the best ways, as it’s not at all like your typical New Zealand savvy B.
BITES WITH THE BUBBLES
The food menu complements this approach, with an à la carte selection of light bites and international dishes designed for sharing and grazing rather than structured dining. We especially liked that there are a handful of “healthy dining” options featured on the compact menu. We started with one such choice, a fresh and lively Pomelo and Pomegranate Salad with Grilled Chicken. Boasting baby spinach, fennel, and kyuri, along with a lovely house dressing, this was a definite winner.
We also ordered a set of Prawn Spring Rolls, with poached fresh prawn, cucumber, carrot, and finely shredded sweet turnip. The dipping sauce is a rather thick, viscous chilli-based sauce that seemed more like something that should be used in wok cooking rather than alongside a delicate, fresh spring roll. We would have preferred the dipping sauce have been a more classic lime and fish sauce-based affair, the common accompaniment for the Vietnamese version.
Throwing caution to the wind next, we ordered one of SANTAI’s frankly terrific pizzas. The choices all tempted, but we landed on the Pizza al Funghi, festooned with forest mushrooms, mozzarella, and Gorgonzola cheese, then baked and topped with a shower of fresh arugula. Be sure to ask for an extra minute or so in the oven to get a beautifully crisp crust. Highly recommended!
Cocktails and curated pours round out the offering, ensuring there is something for every pace of the evening, whether it is a quick stopover drink or a long, unplanned night by the pool.
What we also liked about SANTAI, however, was not just its menu but its mood. It is a lovely space that manages to feel both city-centric and removed, lively yet unhurried – a rare balance in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. For guests of The RuMa, it functions as an extension of the hotel’s broader philosophy: understated luxury, thoughtful detail, and a sense of place. For people like us, who are just paying a visit from the outside, you get all the perks of a hotel dining experience without having to check in.
As the city lights shimmer across the pool and the glasses are topped up with the last of our bottle, we felt we finally hit that vibe with SANTAI – a poolside retreat where Champagne, Riesling, and skyline views come together in an atmosphere that feels both polished and genuinely easygoing.
Details and Location
SANTAI @ The RuMa Hotel and Residences
7 Jalan Kia Peng (Level 6)
50450 Kuala Lumpur
T: 03-2778 0888
W: theruma.com/en/kuala-lumpur-luxury-hotel-dining/santai-pool-bar-and-lounge
