The Best Luxury Resorts In Langkawi, Malaysia
Updated 9th May 2022
Picture this: you’ve eagerly watched out the window as your flight to Langkawi lands in the middle of a rainforest. You’ve disembarked, picked up your luggage and collected your hire car. It’s time to find your way to your resort. But where are you staying?
Well, it’s Langkawi. You need to rest your head in a place that really matches the stunning scenery around you. Somewhere you can have all your needs taken care of, where you can truly relax. You need a resort that will make you feel at peace, but that will never be boring. And let’s be honest, somewhere that will make people on your social media a little bit jealous.
Here are six properties in Langkawi that I can assure you will have the desired effect. Now go pamper yourself!
Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Current COVID-19 situation (as of May 2022)
Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Malaysia without quarantine or testing. See Malaysia’s MySafeTravel site and Australia’s Smartraveller for more details.
You should also have travel insurance that includes COVID coverage.
The St. Regis Lankgawi
What can one really say about the St. Regis Langkawi? Or any St. Regis for that matter?
Yes, it’s pricey. But when you look at the value you get, it’s so worth it. The St. Regis has approximately 80 suites and four overwater bungalows, and you’ll have your own butler for your stay to make sure everything is taken care of. The food is delicious, the drinks are as they should be, and couples and families alike will be wildly happy here. I love some of the activities on offer for kids in particular, such as cooking lessons.
The town of Kuah is close by if you do wish to leave the resort – which is always good to do, but you’d be forgiven if you never wanted to leave the St. Regis.
The beach here, however, won’t blow you away; being so close to the port town of Kuah the water gets a bit murky. The pool, however, will set you right.
You can book the St. Regis here.
The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi
Attention to detail is the key at the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. Just little things like the understated Malay decor, or the traditional treatments at the spa (try the Mandi Bunga ritual). There’s an adults-only infinity pool, which is great, but it’s situated just so, so you can watch the spectacular sunset.
The rest of the experience is everything you’d expect from the Ritz-Carlton brand. Little surprises like complimentary snacks in the room at night, or staff anticipating your needs before you even know, making you feel like a VIP.
For non-guests, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi offers something called a Resort Pass… this gives you complimentary access to the kids club and teens club, sun lounges, watersports and facilities, 10% off spa treatments, WiFi and 300RM to spend on food and drink. There’s car parking available, but it can be limited so contact the resort ahead of time.
You can book the Ritz-Carlton here.
The Andaman Langkawi
If you haven’t read my review of The Andaman, you should. It was divine. The Andaman is a Luxury Collection property, which means it doesn’t have the ponce of the big names above. Instead, through its sprawling grounds and facilities, it still manages to maintain a boutique vibe. I’m a huge fan of Luxury Collection properties throughout the world and The Andaman is no different.
It caters to everyone. Families will be extremely happy here with a sprawling pool that features a waterslide, endless activities in the Kids Club, and some really beautiful for the little ones (and grown-ups) to learn about the conservation initiatives taking part in Datai Bay.
The beach is incredible – a coral reef features here so motorised watersports aren’t allowed. However, the scenery and tranquility of the beach is much better for it and you’ll probably be lucky enough to see some otters! Side note: Bop, The Andaman’s otter mascot, is super cute and the kids are given their very own Bop soft-toy on arrival. The rooms are large enough to fit the kids in but suites are also available.
Couples will also be happy here – the sunsets are phenomenal as is the food and the cocktail menu so there are plenty of opportunities for romance.
I won’t lie: though our kids were extremely happy here and we found the whole experience wonderful, Mr. Winter and I fully intend to return one day sans kids.
You can book The Andaman here.
Update: Unfortunately, The Andaman is currently out of commission due to a very serious fire that has destroyed the main wing of the property. However, I am keeping The Andaman on this list for now in the hopes it will be fixed.
The Datai Langkawi
The Datai is the other resort in Datai Bay, near The Andaman. It features the same incredible view of the prehistoric rainforest and mountains jutting out into the sea. The Datai, however, is smaller and more decidedly boutique. Final touches are being made to The Datai’s major refurbishment, so this property is now at its peak. Read: incredible.
The Datai is a place to really enjoy being in the thick of nature; you’re in the geoforest, with all manner of nightlife coexisting with you. Take one of the morning or night-time jungle tours (actually, do both!) – you won’t regret it.
The Datai is family-friendly in that staff will go out of their way to accommodate you. That said, there is no kids club and in my opinion, the facilities are more adult-oriented. There are lots of reviews around the web from people who brought their kids along (and the occasional review saying don’t do it)… It’s definitely doable, but personally, I think I’d rather enjoy this one as an adults-only trip. Book a private villa and reconnect with each other.
You can book The Datai here.
The Four Seasons Langkawi
Another resort to sit within one of Langkawi’s to geoforests, The Four Seasons is luxury jungle tranquility at it’s finest.
The Four Seasons is one of my favourite hotel brands for the way it so effortlessly combines complete luxury with family-friendliness (is that a word?) My honest opinion is that if you want luxury but still want to bring the kids, the Four Seasons is the way to go and its Langkawi offering is no exception. Kids are well taken care of in the free kids club and they eat for free during the day. The interconnected kids’ pools are fantastic but the adults-only pool will give you a bit more peace and quiet (and there are private cabanas here too). Down on the private beach, you can hire a jetski for a bit of a thrill.
As always, the Four Seasons staff will make you feel completely at home and take care of your every whim.
You can book the Four Seasons here.
The Berjaya Langkawi Resort
The Berjaya is many things. The most affordable on this list (hooray!). The only property that features plenty of overwater accommodation (yes, please!). One of the properties with the best mix of seclusion and easy access (bonus!). Sounds perfect, right?
The Berjaya is certainly popular for a reason. Kids love it here, parents love it here, and honeymooners especially love the overwater chalets akin to something you’d find in the Maldives (but more green, giving that real Southeast-Asian jungle feel). If you’re a couple or a family of 3, the Berjaya is an excellent option as it won’t break the bank, though the service and facilities are not quite of a St. Regis/Ritz-Carlton standard (but what is?). Rainforest Chalets, the Berjaya’s lead-in room, have a maximum occupancy of three though, meaning if you’re a family of four or more (like us) you’ll have to spring for the Family chalet.
The Berjaya is ranked more as a 4-star than 5-star resort (and this is accurate), but it makes this list for its breathtaking views, friendly service, and affordable price.
If you hire a car, which you absolutely should in Langkawi, then the Berjaya is great. It feels totally secluded but it’s right next to the Langkawi Skycab – great fun for everyone.
You can book the Berjaya here.
Looking for some luxury inspo elsewhere in the world? Check out my list of ten affordable luxury resorts.
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