Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia

Named after the Malay words for ‘reddish brown eagle’, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s northwest coast.

Just minutes by boat from the world-renowned mangroves of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi combines artful design and all-pervading serenity with a wholesome connection with nature.

Design

Every inch of the traditional Malaysian residence – or Rumah Melayu – is constructed with the beauty of the surrounding environment in mind. Imposing rooftops, breezy verandahs, spacious interiors and plentiful windows all take advantage of gentle tropical breezes and beautiful natural vistas.

These influences pervade at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, accented by details that hint at the Arabic, Asian and Indian cultures of Malaysia’s melting pot.

The Resort’s artful design begins with the imposing, five-metre high red laterite walls of the entrance, coloured by iron oxides in the crystalline rock. From here, the design elements only grow in splendour, from jagged limestone walls to the stunning ‘Ilham’ or ‘inspiration pavilion’ that ‘floats’ in a vast lotus pond flanked by a pathway of reclaimed railway sleepers.

Meandering sleeper pathways link the Resort’s public areas and guestrooms, which range from sprawling beach villas and family beach houses to two-storey Melaleucas of four units each.

Neutral tones, simple lines and wide plank floors create a complementary backdrop for the geometric Arabic patterns, handmade batiks and bold local artworks that decorate each interior.

Floor to ceiling windows fill each room with views of tropical foliage, reflecting ponds and the sparkling Andaman Sea, imparting a sense of complete immersion in nature.

Accommodations

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi‘s lush garden and beachfront settings incorporate 91 beautiful accommodations including Melaleuca Pavilions, Beach Villas, Family Beach Houses and suites that meld Malay, Arabic and Asian design.

Bathrooms are a real highlight of each accommodation, with features that range from soaring arches and raised terrazzo baths to outdoor soaking tubs in their own garden enclave.

Standard conveniences include wireless high-speed Internet, satellite TV, DVD / CD player with iPod docking station and tea / coffee maker.

Even if all the accommodations are top-notch, we fell in love with the two-bedroom villas. This 590 m² villa feature a beautiful 72ft private lap pool with wrap-around pool deck that spills onto lush tropical gardens.

Space is the order of the day in the stylish interiors, from the lounge with 42-inch flat screen TV to a dining room that seats six. Sleeping quarters feature large walk-in closets and marble-floored bathrooms, each with terrazzo soaking tubs for four.

But our heart-stopper is definitively the Royal Villa. This 1400 m² space is a three-villa residence secluded at the end of the Resort’s 1.5 km beach, flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs.

A large outdoor pool, spa treatment room, huge open-plan lounge, dining area, expansive patio and daybed, maid’s quarters and kitchen make it an impressive hideaway for large families or private gatherings.

Unique artwork, rare Malay artifacts, rich tropical woods and gorgeous fabrics create an air of easy, residential elegance.

If you manage to leave your accommodation, immerse yourself in the Spa, relax over a meal of Malay specialties, and explore the UNESCO-protected mangroves with our naturalist.

By choosing Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, you will treat yourself to the best of Malaysia.