There are plenty of reasons to holiday or honeymoon on Langkawi island, off the coast of Malaysia – an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, this golden fringed island is a fabulous place – but I’d go back to Langkawi just to stay at The Four Seasons Resort.
Inspired by Muslim architecture and decor, entry is through a series of courtyards, each with a different theme; it’s a bit like leaving the world you know and entering a heavenly experience of rest and relaxation in a glorious setting. The beach is on your doorstep, but the two on-site pools are hard to resist, particularly the ‘quiet’ pool with its private shaded areas and step-down entry to the infinity pool.
The Rooms
‘Room for Two’ in this case is something of a misnomer – there’s room here for a small family. With a timber balcony on two sides (one side garden views, one side looking to the ocean!), and daybeds piled high with cushions, in the warm Langkawi days and nights the verandah was the place to admire the sunset, or an approaching storm.
Inside, polished wooden floors set the scene for a room of tropical splendour – or so I thought until I saw the bathroom! The decor at Four Seasons Langkawi has been informed by the Muslim heritage of most of the island’s local residents, so Moorish influences abound. So while the main room is cool and restrained in an effortless example of elegance and style, the bathroom features a deep (and very large) bath surrounded by alcoves in the style of a traditional hammam and lit by skylights. The bathroom is huge, the bed is ultra comfortable – it’s quite difficult to persuade yourself to leave!
Couples will Love
Drinks at the Rhu Bar at sunset – Arabian nights meets beachside glamour in this gorgeous spot. Swing seats and rockers look out to the beach and the fiery red sunset – perfect for a pre-dinner drink.
Taste Temptations
There’s plenty on offer at the Four Seasons. With four restaurants on-site covering menu options from casual beachside snacks and light meals to the flavour sensations of Ikan-Ikan, a traditional Malay style house looking out to sea, there’s plenty of variety.
Venturing Out
A mangrove tour with the impressively informed staff of the resort is not only entertaining, but offers the opportunity to see the local wildlife – brahminy kites, monkeys, mangrove vipers and if you are really lucky, river otters.
