Langkawi, the picture-perfect Malaysian archipelago off the coast of Penang, has all that you need for your next island getaway: pristine white-sand beaches, protected mangroves and crystal-clear waters. Here are the best places to stay – from inviting hostels to star-tagged resorts – on the Jewel of Kedah.
Situated in an actual jungle along a rocky strip of coastline, the Ritz-Carlton feels like it’s located at the end of the road on Langkawi – in a good way, of course. Accommodation ranges from spacious rooms to private pool-equipped villas, but you may find yourself spending much of your stay in the communal areas, which include three outdoor swimming pools.
A newish, young-feeling hotel on a lesser-known beach, the Aloft is the perfect place to get a fresh perspective on Langkawi. The loft-influenced design of the rooms offers space to move, and large sea-facing windows allow you to take in the views over the Strait of Malacca. An emphasis on activities for kids and a location on a vast stretch of beach make this hotel a no-brainer for travelling families.
Scale a steep, jungly hill to this clutch of diverse rooms with apartment vibes that almost feel like luxury treehouses. From the hotel, it’s a five-minute walk to Pantai Tengah, one of Langkawi’s lesser-known beaches, or you can stay on the grounds passing the time at the spa or developing new skills in the form of a cooking lesson. A pool and a charming café overlooking the greenery round out the offerings at Ambong Ambong.
Langkawi is big enough that it never feels crowded, but if you really want to get away from it all, consider checking in at the St. Regis. Occupying a private cove at the island’s southeastern tip, the ambience here is private and isolated. The hotel’s Middle Eastern architectural influence adds to the element of elsewhereness, while accommodation options that range from suites to villas throw luxury into the mix.
To those familiar with the island, head to Langkawi’s southeastern corner for a bit of space. In this respect, the Westin delivers, offering a vast compound with a private beach, a swimming pool the size of a small ocean and activities ranging from tennis to water sports. A huge variety of accommodation also means that you can opt for a room that also offers space to roam.
The Meritus is an old-school resort in the best sense of the term. Taking up an entire corner of Langkawi’s buzzy beach town Pantai Chenang, there’s an almost village-like vibe here, with the breezy, Malay-style, tile-roofed chalets interspersed by palm trees and other flora. A massive pool with slides and other activities for children make the Meritus a smart choice for families.
Built in the shadow of dramatic karst cliffs is this compound of luxurious and inviting villas. The low-slung verandas, warm wood features, textured cloths and breeze-swept curtains might trick you into thinking you never left home, while the semi-private beach is a pleasant reminder that you’re on a tropical island. When you need a fresh perspective on your surroundings, board a boat for a tour of the cliffs and mangroves of the UNESCO-recognised World Geopark, located virtually next door.
One of only a handful of resorts on Langkawi’s rugged, isolated northern coast, the Andaman doesn’t need to work too hard to boast a sense of place. A private, white-sand beach helps, while the dense jungle setting only adds to the vibe. The spacious, classy rooms look out over the Strait of Malacca, potentially fooling you into believing you’re at the edge of the world rather than on an island off the coast of northwestern Malaysia.
Set in and along a strip of rocky jungle on Langkawi’s east coast, the Berjaya just might remind you of your childhood summer camp – if your camp happened to be based in a tropical jungle. Although the resort isn’t located on a beach, a portion of the Malay-style villas here are elevated over water, giving a new meaning to the concept of a private pool.
Follow a windy, hilly drive through almost impossibly thick jungle to arrive at what might be Langkawi’s most secluded resort. The main structure seemingly melts into the hillside, spilling down to a private, cove-based, white-sand beach. Accommodation here ranges from spacious rooms in the main structure to beach-side, pool-equipped villas, with nature and isolation as the common thread.
Langkawi’s Telaga Harbour has an almost Monte Carlo-like atmosphere, making the imposing, European-influenced Danna an appropriate accommodation. The hotel’s 135 rooms look over the harbour, while a clutch of private villas edge the beach. With an emphasis on service and a location only a brief drive from some of the island’s premier sights, the Danna hits that sweet spot between relaxation and adventure.
Langkawi’s Pantai Chenang is the island’s backpacker magnet, and this hostel provides a budget crash pad that’s better than most. With dorms and communal areas shaped from bamboo and wooden pallets, the vibe here is DIY, casual and cheery. The hostel’s location on a back street provides a village feel while being only a brief walk to what is arguably Langkawi’s premier beach.
We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK"
