When was the last time you had to pinch yourself that you were in paradise? A tropical haven so special that you wanted to literally kiss the ground you were standing on? Anyone? No me neither until, that is, I visited Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia.
• Sydney Morning Herald – World’s sexiest hotel pools, 2013
• Trip Advisor Travellers Choice – Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Malaysia, 2013
• World Luxury Spa Awards – Winner Best Luxury Spa, 2012
• Tatler UK – Best 101 Hotels of the World, 2006
• Conde Nast Traveller – No 1 Resort in the World, 2003 (big claim, bit still living up to it!)It had been a busy few months at lastminute HQ and what this twenty-something, city-slicker needed was some serious time out. I’m talking: cocktails with a little brolly, hotel suites with big bathtubs and fluffy day-spa bathrobes that swaddle you reassuringly. Pangkor Laut Resort was going to fulfil all my pamper indulgences and more.Hello sunshine
Pangkor Laut Resort is located about three to four hours away from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur by road. As a private island, all guests have to then make the short speed-boat transfer (or heli ride) from the mainland which is an extra cost to the hotel stay but adds some rock-star excitement to the experience. The resort is not as accessible as Malaysia’s more popular island destinations of Penang or Langkawi but getting off that worn tourist path rewards you in spades. You’re headed for a more exclusive retreat.
And relaxation is most definitely the name of the game at this retreat. From the airy library complete with classic novels and day-beds, to the private, beachside cabanas or, the deep blue infinity swimming pool overlooking manicured gardens and an emerald sea; they’ve created the ultimate relaxing ambience to soothe even the most stressed out exec.
The rooms
Over water villas are Pangkor’s iconic accommodation option and the most impressive of these is the Pavarotti suite named after the famous tenor who fell in love with the island. Celebrity guests, of which there have been many from prime ministers to rock stars, opt for the more private Estates on the other side of the island.
I stay in a ground floor Garden Suite which is the resort’s base rate accommodation. Having been shown all the room options I think these offer the best value for money – spacious and extremely chic. When I stayed at the resort in March 2013 the rooms were retailing for $247 per night on lastminute.com.au which is excellent value.
The rooms are elegantly decorated with traditional Malay furnishings, have a sheltered day-bed area and the bathroom features a massive bathtub in a private outdoor courtyard. Special touches, which take the accommodation from good to great, are the quality of the toiletries, a relaxing night-time incense cone and daily fruit platters. Relaxation heaven.
My private courtyard bath
Calming incense
The Spa
Pangkor Laut’s Spa Village is the most decadent pamper experience I have ever encountered. Fact. Before your chosen treatment (in my case a signature facial) you are given a luxurious bath-house experience. This is a 45 minute cleansing experience which involves a series of bath-house treatments including walking through rain showers, drinking fragrant tea in a hot pool, Japanese cleansing and a body scrub.
The spa staff are warm and gracious, guiding you delicately through the wellness process. It is an experience for the senses and on completion you understand why the resort has secured so many awards for their exceptional pamper offering.
A stay is simply not complete without visiting the spa so advance bookings are crucial.
The activities
If all that relaxing has you running for a departing boat to the mainland, you’ll be pleased to note there are a number of activities to keep the easily bored entertained. Apart from walking around the stunning resort or swimming in one of the pools, there are non-motorised water-sports, tennis courts, sunset cruises, cooking classes, tai chi, yoga and a small gym. I found dragging my butt to the cross-trainer in the morning that bit easier when sunrise looked like this:
But the most unique experience (which is also free) is the daily jungle trek guided by the resident naturalist. With the resort only taking up a small portion of the island’s 300 acres, the natural rainforest environs command a strong presence on the resort. Majestic toucan-like birds hang around the pool, giant lizards lounge on partly submerged rocks in the ocean and guests are recommended to double lock their doors to avoid break-ins from the island’s mischievous monkeys. So to be able to hike through the ancient rainforest with the resort’s expert and get a better understanding of that nature is really special.
Dining Options
The resort has a number of restaurant choices to suit the fussiest of eaters. All overlook the emerald sea or tranquil pool areas *sigh*.
Uncle Lim’s Kitchen – authentic Chinese restaurant housed in a stunning tree-house pagoda. Resident chef, Uncle Lim himself, stopped by my table one evening. At 70plus he still heads to the market daily to pick seasonal veg and fish – legend.
Fisherman’s Cove & The Straits – the island’s fancy pants western dining venues. Degustations and matching wines at the ready. Collars are a must for boys.
Jamu Bar, Royal Bay Beach Club & Chapman’s Bar – daytime waterside eateries perfect for a light salad and tropical cocktail.
Feast Village – breakfast buffet heaven. I particularly enjoyed the fresh juice station (take your pick from a selection of fruit and veg to concoct the perfect morning refreshment) and dedicated omelette chefs.
My time in paradise had to end (and it nearly broke my heart). Like so many of the hotel’s visitors I’ve promised to return but next time I’ll bring a special someone to share it with – it’s just too good to have all to myself.