One of the characteristics that makes the historic city of Melaka unique is that different groups, such as the Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Dutch, English and Japanese, have left their mark over the last six centuries on the city’s traditions, architecture, fashion and cuisine. This is why Melaka, a Unesco world heritage site, is such an interesting destination to visit.

Jonker Walk, with its eateries, souvenir shops and art galleries, is one of the best known heritage streets in Melaka. Other notable heritage sites include the mosques (in particular the one in Kampung Hulu), Hindu and Buddhist temples, the Admiral Cheng Ho Cultural Museum, A Famosa and St Paul’s Hill, which originally was the site of the palace of Prince Parameswara who founded Melaka in the 15th century. There’s also the Royal Museum, the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, the Stadthuys, St Peter’s Cathedral and the world-famous Portuguese Settlement, where you can sample some superb local fare such as baked fish, sambal prawns, spicy pork ambila, pang siusiu, dabble curry chicken and spicy crabs, washed down with ice cold beers and fresh fruit juices, while being entertained by young Portuguese dancers in traditional colourful costumes doing the branyo.

Accommodation-wise, there are several options to choose from. A boutique hotel that recently opened is the Casa del Rio, the newest addition to The Boutique Collection by HPL Hotels and Resorts. (Other brands in the HPL Hotels & Resorts’ management portfolio include Hard Rock Hotels and Concorde Hotels.) Casa del Rio is Spanish for “home by the river”, and it was thus named because it is the only hotel situated on the banks of the Melaka River. Ideally located on Jalan Kota Laksamana, the hotel is only a two-minute walk from Jonker Walk and other heritage attractions of Melaka.

The hotel’s architecture sports Arabic, Portuguese and Dutch influences. Warm colours of magenta, yellow and ochre over terra cotta blend with old wrought iron railings and ornamental lighting, giving the property a Mediterranean feel. The 66 beautifully designed rooms at Casa del Rio blend Mediterranean influences with Peranakan touches. All rooms have balconies, which overlook the courtyard “lago” or the Melaka River, while the bathrooms feature sliding screens that open up to the rooms and views beyond the balcony.

The rooms are equipped with all the mod-cons you would expect: hi-speed Internet access, flat screen TV, CD/DVD player, iPod docking station, IDD phone, coffee and tea-making facilities and mini bar. Facilities in the hotel include an infinity pool, and a spa with a good range of relaxing treatments.

The hotel boasts three riverside dining outlets: Bar Rio, River Café and River Grill. Bar Rio offers three beers on tap, a full range of boutique beers and wines, as well as a menu of local and international tapas dishes. There is also live entertainment during the weekends. River Café serves light lunches, coffee and gourmet tea from TWG, freshly squeezed juices, beers and wine, along with your favourite sports updates on the screen. River Grill is the outlet of choice for fine dining, thanks to its a la carte breakfasts, fixed price lunches and the return of the grand grill room dining tradition.

For reservations and more information, call (06) 289 6888 or visit www.casadelrio-melaka.com.

This article appeared on the Live it! page, The Edge Financial Daily, June 29, 2011.