With the RMCO in place until year-end, domestic travel will be a more constant fixture as Malaysians are rediscovering the allure our pristine beaches and lush nature retreats have to offer. Spend a long weekend at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi and you’ll be surprised at how the vast grounds of the property offer not only temporary seclusion but also peace of mind away from the scores of holiday crowd without compromising on safety.
Location
Sequestered within the UNESCO World Geopark, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is located in a unique natural environment that offers a slice of paradise. The resort’s sprawling grounds spans a private beach that stretches as far as 1.8 kilometres along the Andaman coast, a lush tropical forest that is home to an abundance of wildlife and extraordinary limestone rock formations all within steps away from your room. Its strategic location is also easily accessible by car from Langkawi Airport within 20 minutes.
Rooms
The rooms are divided into two categories – pavilions and villas. All the villas come with a private pool catering to families or large groups. The partial sea-view upper floor pavilion which I occupy is a one-bedroom which has been spaciously designed with extra-high ceilings to create a light, airy setting. The private upper-floor balcony is best enjoyed during the sunset watch as the golden glow streams right into your room, marking a precious intimate moment as you shut off from the world. The rooms have all been redesigned by designer Bill Bensley as splashes of bold blue accents pop against the teak wood. Local Malay craftsmanship utilising tropical wood is juxtaposed with the Moorish style bathroom which features a hammam-style terrazzo bathtub. To soothe those tired muscles and joints after a long day, ring the front desk and request for a rose petal bath to be drawn.
Dining
During the RMCO period, only two out of three restaurants are open for operations. Be sure to check in with the resort staff on the dining options available for the day. Breakfast and lunch is typically served at Kelapa Grill which offers an unparalleled view of the beach in an open-air dining space. A selection of Asian stir-fries, wood-fired pizzas and even a specially-curated vegan menu are available during the day. My personal pick is the fish and chips for a leisurely lunch and the seafood platter for dinner as the sea produce doesn’t come any fresher. Should you want to opt for local cuisine, Ikan-Ikan offers a menu crafted around rural-village recipes highlighting local ingredients and flavours on a beachfront pavilion. Evenings prior to dinner are best spent at Rhu Bar watching the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.
Experiences
The resort’s strategic location adjacent to the UNESCO World Geopark allows unparalleled access to a myriad of bespoke experiences catering to those who seek adventure. I am booked in for the mangroves and eagle safari which begins bright and early in the morning where I meet my nature guide at the resort’s beachfront. We set off on a boat towards Langkawi’s Kilim Karst Geoforest Park which boasts a maze of exotic wildlife such as eagles, monkeys, monitor lizards, sleeping vipers and colourful fiddle crabs. Breathtaking views of the magnificent ancient geological formations dating as far back as 550 million years provides a stunning backdrop to the clear blue waters. As our tour navigates us through scores of mangroves and limestone caves, I get the opportunity to observe some of the wildlife up close in action including colourful fiddle crabs and hornbills.
Amenities
Wellness and relaxation experiences are thoughtfully curated at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi to restore balance to the mind and body. Early risers will want to kick-start their day with a yoga session at the outdoor pavilion overlooking a lotus pond. A variety of treatments and massages are available at the Geo Spa including Urut Melayu and Ayurvedic based treatments. For couples, the Raja and Ratu award-winning treatment promises not only a retreat for the body but for the mind as well.