The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
The Estates at Pangkor Laut
The Estates at Pangkor Laut offer total privacy and luxury in a small cove on the private island. Whether it is a waterfront estate, allowing guests the pleasure of a private beach, or an estate nestled on the hillside within the two million year old rainforest, the experience of staying at The Estates offers a luxurious getaway far from the crowd. Your every desire will be met by a team of dedicated butlers, maids and personal chefs.
www.pangkorlautestates.com
A luxurious suite at Pangkor Laut Estates
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
We’re not suggesting you get up to anything naughty over in Tambun, but inadvertently, a spa treatment at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, a Condé Nast Johansen recommended venue and 2011 winner of FIABCI awards for Best Spa Resort, will definitely put you into some hot water – natural geothermal hot spring water. Here, you can dip into geothermal hot spring pools, meditate in 280-year-old natural caves, improve a stagnant chi or revitalise a tired chakra. All of this while surrounded by natural limestone hills and an equatorial rainforest at a property that has earned its place as the Best Sustainable Hotel in Malaysia and Asia Pacific 2012-2013 by International Hotel Awards. Even if you’d rather do nothing, just relaxing up at one of its private villas wouldn’t be such a bad idea. There’s a private plunge pool and hot spring spa bath where you can rejuvenate. www.thebanjaran.com
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Crystal Cave
Sutera Sanctuary
Checking in at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at the foot of Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, would be the perfect chill-out idea. Snuggle up by the fireplace on chilly nights, or simply admire the lush greenery of Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site from your doorstep. Never mind the task of conquering the mountain, there’s always the view to write home about. www.suteraharbour.com
The Datai
If hiding away is your idea of heaven, then the standalone villas at The Datai on Langkawi Island will welcome you to their forest embrace, far from the noise and lights of the city. So kick back and enjoy being in the heart of a tropical rainforest which has been around for many millions of years, while nearby the waters of the Andaman Sea await you with its stunning white shores. Tucked away from the rest of the island in its own private cove, The Datai offers guests the ultimate luxury hideaway. The only problem is, you’ll never want to come out. www.dataihotels.com
Seri Chenang Resort
Also in Langkawi, on the banks of Kuala Chenang River with easy access to the famous Chenang beach, is the traditional Malay villas of Seri Chenang Resort. While the island is famous for its legends and breathtaking landscapes, the resort aims to impress with its personal attention, such as 24-hour butler service to deliver on your every whim, no matter how fancy. The resort’s unique bring-your-own concept enables guests to fully enjoy Langkawi island’s tax exemptions on alcohol without the usual hotel price hikes. As for the rest of Langkawi? Whether you’re kayaking through the ancient landscapes, taking a sunset cruise around the Langkawi archipelago, or indulging in a whole host of other fun or relaxing opportunities – it’s a very hard place to resist.
www.serichenangresort.com
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort in Sabah, Borneo, welcomes guests looking for a private island escape set against breathtaking rocky coastal outcrops and surrounded by coral reefs.
Serenity at Pangkor Laut Estates
Guests can immerse themselves in the surrounding natural and cultural environment that Sabah is famous for. Sign up for the Borneo culinary programme, PADI diving, or enjoy learning the regional crafts with the locals. Maybe indulge in a massage that incorporates Sabah’s healing traditions and where guests work with the in-house perfumer to make a custom oil blend for their spa experience. Its great location combines a relaxing holiday at the resort with either extreme or gentle adventure activities that the rest of Sabah is so famous for. www.gayaislandresort.com
Gayana Eco Resort
Meanwhile, comfort and conservation go hand-in-hand at neighbouring property, the luxurious Gayana Eco Resort, located at Gaya Island, Sabah. With its on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre, guests can go from pool-side lounging to saving giant clams and conserving coral reefs all in a day. They take their conservation efforts seriously on the island, and there is much to learn with coral replanting programmes run by dedicated marine biologists and professionals. www.gayana-eco-resort.com
The Chateau
The first organic spa and wellness resort to be located in the cool mountains of Malaysia, The Chateau is modelled on an 18th-century medieval castle in France, and offers a European spa experience with impeccable Asian hospitality. Guests can indulge in a wide selection of unique spa treatments, such as the herbal infused sauna chamber and salt grotto, they can then enjoy an exquisite tea service at the Belle Vue tea room, before finally settling down to enjoy an evening of fine dining at its award-winning fine-dining French restaurant L’assiette.
Located at 3,000 feet above sea level, but only 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, The Chateau’s French atmosphere combines magically with the peaceful surrounds of lush rainforest and cool climates. www.thechateau.com.my
Further information
To find out more please visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my