Getting there
Situated 30 kilometers off the north-western coast of mainland Malaysia, this island, renowned as The Jewel of Kedah, is a mere 60-minute flight away from Kuala Lumpur, the capital.
Air Asia operates multiple flights daily between the capital and the island, offering nearly hourly flights. By securing your tickets well in advance, you can secure fares as low as 35$ per way.
With a newly developed terminal that adheres to international standards, the airport ensures swift and efficient arrival procedures. Our passage through the airport took just 20 minutes.
The setting
Staying true to the brand’s heritage, the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi stands as a haven of luxury, providing breathtaking vistas of the island’s coastline and mountains. Nestled amidst the winding pathways of this clifftop retreat, the resort invites you to immerse yourself in an authentic Langkawian encounter that deeply resonates with local culture, environmental exploration, and the warm Malaysian ethos.
Commanding views of the Andaman Sea and enveloped by a 10-million-year-old rainforest, this oceanfront haven artfully combines nature’s beauty, cultural richness, and opulent living in a single splendid tapestry. The backdrop of 42 hectares of meticulously landscaped lush tropical gardens offers panoramic views of the azure Andaman Sea, culminating in a breathtaking setting at this extraordinary resort.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As you disembark from the luxurious transport that brings you from the airport, a single gong stroke resonates on the steps of the hotel’s reception area – an authentic Asian tradition symbolizing a warm welcome to esteemed guests.
At this property, there are no extensive check-in counters or queues. While you recline on comfortable sofas and invigorate yourself with chilled towels and a refreshing homemade fruit blend, the front-desk personnel manage all check-in procedures on your behalf.
Following an essential orientation briefing about the resort’s layout using the location map, you’re ready to begin your experience. During the buggy ride to our accommodation, facilitated by the 24-hour service, we enjoyed an orientation of the grounds, leading us to our quarters.
"Accommodation and amenities align with the high-end expectations, while the food and beverage outlets uphold the highest standards.”
THE ROOMS
Presenting a range of 2 room categories and 8 villa categories, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi spans sizes from 75/85sqm for the smallest unit to an impressive 650sqm for the 3-bedroom Villa Mutiara.
Honoring the surrounding nature, each sumptuous suite and lavish villa boasts its own unique allure – an invitation to uncover the mysteries of the rainforest, unwind while attuned to the tranquil ocean’s infinite blue, or disappear into seclusion on your private beach.
During our stay, we opted for one of The Ritz Carlton Langkawi’s Rainforest Junior Suites, providing an expansive 100sqm of luxurious living space. This suite, the largest within its category, features a spacious bedroom, a dedicated living area, a cozy dining alcove, and an expansive outdoor terrace offering a vantage point for observing agile monkeys leaping from one tree to another. However, be cautious of food remnants or open balcony windows, as the monkeys can be mischievous, especially when enticed by the prospect of a free meal!
Bathrooms grant the option of a central bathtub or a rainforest shower, enhanced by upscale amenities. Notably, the digitally controlled Japanese toilet seats introduce an extra touch that delivers a unique and memorable experience!
Leisure & Well-being
For those without a private pool in their accommodations, the resort offers two swimming pools, situated at the far ends of the hotel in the east and west. The larger of the two pools is exclusively for adults, while the second pool is accessible to families and adults alike.
Both pools provide stunning opportunities for sunset photography and are accompanied by a nearby bar attached to a dining venue.
If you’re inclined towards a workout during your stay, the fitness center awaits, furnished with modern equipment catering to cardio and weight training, along with a dedicated yoga area.
Families can avail the kids’ club, where a range of games and activities is organized throughout the day.
The resort’s private white sandy beach is a highlight. Ample sun loungers and sunshades are available, and the on-site water sports center, located on the beach, offers complimentary activities to hotel residents. Here, you can borrow paddle boats or single/double canoes to explore the scenic surroundings of the hotel while enjoying panoramic seaside views of the hillside property.
Floating gracefully above the sea and linked by overwater walkways, the five cocoon-shaped spa pavilions echo the intricate Malay Bubus – traditional fish traps employed for centuries by local fishermen.
Whether opting for an exquisite treatment from The Ritz-Carlton’s global spa collection or engaging in a ritual inspired by indigenous healing and beauty customs, each spa experience endeavors to restore harmony within your body, mind, and spirit.
For those not inclined towards spa treatments or massages, relaxation can be sought in the spa’s wet area, which encompasses a sauna, steam room, and a spacious square Jacuzzi featuring 3 stations equipped with high-pressure massaging water jets.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Our Picks:
The Beach Grill
Incorporating design elements reminiscent of traditional Malaysian fish traps crafted from twigs, this beachfront locale showcases fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and international dishes.
The Beach Grill echoes Malaysia’s traditions while exuding cosmopolitan flair. Its design and menu pay homage to local heritage by accentuating freshly caught seafood. Notably, Beach Grill supports local fishermen and island fish farms by featuring their daily catches in its menu and even offering them at the restaurant’s fish market display.
Adjacent to the family-oriented swimming pool, the restaurant serves as an ideal spot to witness the sunset from its bar before indulging in dinner. The evening unveils a stunning view over the unobstructed horizon, with distant boats sailing across the Andaman Sea.
The Beach Grill’s concise menu simplifies the selection process, with offerings neatly fitting on a single large page – from appetizers to desserts. The menu maintains a well-balanced blend of seafood and meat options. During our visit, we savored a lobster tail salad as a starter, paired with a locally-inspired seafood soup recipe.
For the main course, we opted for a fusion of cultures, enjoying a succulent beef fillet prepared to perfection, alongside a paprika-infused Malay dish comprising stir-fried beef and vegetables, flavored with a piquant sauce – a perfect choice for those with a robust palate!
For dessert enthusiasts, the Beach Grill’s dessert menu promises delights like gourmet crème brûlée, indulgent chocolate cakes, and refreshing sorbets.
Langkawi Kitchen
Celebrating the diversity of local culinary traditions, this casual restaurant highlights Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, expertly prepared in open kitchens and live cooking stations.
Serving as the Ritz-Carlton’s all-day dining destination, Langkawi Kitchen treats hotel residents to a sumptuous daily breakfast. The offerings encompass both buffet and à la carte menus.
The breakfast buffet features an array of fresh pastries, bakery items, cheeses, dumplings, local delicacies, and a bountiful assortment of fresh juices and fruits. The à la carte breakfast menu showcases meticulously curated dishes, ranging from a delectable lobster omelette and avocado-laden asparagus toast to homemade waffles.
Guests have the choice of enjoying breakfast indoors, where the restaurant’s glass walls provide glimpses of the expansive rainforest, or al fresco on the restaurant’s terrace.
Arjwan
Arjwan is the Emirati restaurant of the hotel, named after a turquoise desert flower that was used by Bedouins for its therapeutic benefits.
Turquoise blue is also the dominant color of the restaurant, beautifully decorated in an Arabo-modern style. For our experience at Arjwan, we enjoyed our dinner comfortably seated on the sofas arranged in the alcoves carved into the restaurant’s walls.
Arjwan offers a mix of typical Emirati cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine, including some North African dishes such as tajine.
We trusted the restaurant’s chef, who prepared a menu for us consisting of hot and cold mezzes as an appetizer, followed by Mandi and Moroccan Tajine.
Mandi is a regional dish composed of roasted and smoked chicken or lamb and rice seasoned with various spices, usually enjoyed with a yogurt-based sauce and other accompaniments. We concluded our culinary journey at Arjwan with a selection of regional pastries.
FINAL VERDICT
Anticipate flawlessness at the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. Every aspect, from check-in to check-out, is orchestrated with precision and executed by the highly skilled and professional hotel staff.
Accommodation and amenities align with the high-end expectations, while the food and beverage outlets uphold the highest standards.
For those in pursuit of a luxurious escape to this island, rich in heritage and beauty, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi presents an ideal fusion of opulence and the island’s inherent allure.
Attractions and Activities in Langkawi
- Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge (5-minute drive)
- Crocodile Adventureland (10-minute drive)
- Seven Wells Waterfalls (10-minute drive)
- Akma Aalan Craft Complex (20-minute drive)
- Kuah Beach (20-minute drive)
- Langkawi Adventure & Xtreme Park (25-minute drive)
- Mangrove tour by boat or kayak at Kilim Geoforest Park (30-minute drive)
- Tanjung Rhu beach (30-minute drive)
- Langkawi Wildlife Park (30-minute drive)
- Langkawi night markets (inquire with the concierge for schedule and locations)
CONTACT INFO
For further details or to secure a reservation:
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi PO Box 199, Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibong Langkawi, KD, 07000, Malaysia
Phone: +604 952 4888
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/langkawi
