LUXURY

in handmade batiks of muted earth tones
and bold, local works of art. The size of
most suites, the hamam inspired, domed
The resort’s generous proportions and
numerous activities on offer also make
it an ideal choice for families, with an
flavours of Southern Italy, to my favourite
Ikan Ikan situated in a Malay-style home
and serving an eclectic mix of Malaysian
For some pampering the Spa provides a
very special sanctuary to escape the world
for a few hours. Reminiscent of a peaceful
Four Seasons Langkawi
at a glance
roof bathroom was a definite highlight.
More like a private enclave in an exclusive
impressive kids club, tennis, biking, golf,
kayaking, sailing, state of the art gym…
specialities. The baked prawns with
ginger, galangal and chilli masala and Ikan
Asian Village, its six thatched roof
pavilions are surrounded by lotus ponds,
Category: Island Resort
spa, each features skylights that flood the
and of course the pools. Staying at a resort
Jenahak Asam Katok, a crisp fried red
perched beneath a dramatic limestone
Villa reviewed: Beachfront Villa
Spread out over a forty-eight acre site, the
resort layout is reminiscent of a traditional
Malay village, in this case a sprawling village
that is made up of sixty-eight traditionally
styled, two-storey pavilions comprised of
four units each and our home, one of the
twenty exclusive beachfront villas. Overheight
ceilings and walls of glass create
a sense of space. Wood floors and the
simple lines of the large and airy rooms
space with light; double basins of roughhewn
marble and a bathtub built into a
large terrazzo, flanked by Thai style day
beds. The massive master bedroom takes
pride of place at the front of the villa,
where a wall of glass slides right back
creating the ultimate indoor/ outdoor flow
to a covered outdoor lounge area and a
private plunge pool set into the sand. The
close up, beachfront view looked more
with this pedigree, expectations were of
something grand and Four Seasons didn’t
disappoint. Our kids lived in the beautifully
designed multi-tier, infinity pool that
meanders its way along the beachfront.
Parents can enjoy some alone time in the
secluded adults only area, which contains
an additional infinity pool complete with
ultra private walled cabanas – very chic
and available to hire by the hour.
snapper with tamarind honey sauce were
certainly a feast for the taste buds. While
the restaurants feature a distinctly Asian
feel, the ambiance of Rhu Bar is more
Moorish. Intricately carved screens create
an intimate feel, while Turkish water
pipes, hanging Mogul Indian swings
and a magenta pool table combine in an
interesting mix… that really works. All
in all, the ideal location for a pre-dinner
cliff at the heart of the resort. Treatments
are inspired by the country’s rich cultural
diversity, with Malaysian and Indonesian
massages, Ayurvedic treatments from
India and ancient Chinese rituals.
Overall service levels are typical of
any Four Seasons property, attentive,
uncompromising yet delivered in a very
warm and welcoming manner. Coupled
with an enviable location and quality of
create an ideal backdrop for the more
like a carefully photoshopped image, and
Three oceanfront restaurants deliver
cocktail, whilst letting the kids play on the
the design and build make this a stand
intricate accents, such as mottled cast
probably the best view I’ve had whilst
on their promise of exceptional cuisine,
wide beach frontage watching the sun
out luxury island resort. It was an absolute
iron light fixtures, throw pillows covered
lying in bed!
ranging from the elegant Serai, with
setting over the Andaman.
pleasure to visit with kids in tow.
What’s great? The luxurious beachfront
pool villas that are just steps from the sand
and the main resort pool.
What’s not so great? Overall, very little
to fault. The air-conditioning was a tad
temperamental at times.
Editor’s tip: If the budget allows, upgrade
to a beachfront villa — excellent value..
The standard hotel suites are very nicely
appointed but set back a little way from
the beach.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/Langkawi
Rate: From NZ$782; AU$620 per room per
night. Upgrade to a Beachfront Villa from
NZ$2340; AU$1900 per night.
Reservations: For more information
or enquiries please call United Travel
on 0800 730 001.
Location
Villa size
Villa interior
Overall service level
Food & beverage
Villa pool
Stuff for kids
Business needs
Recreational facilities
Value for money
Lovers of Four Seasons
properties will not be
91% disappointed by the
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