Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

This sprawling resort is divided into two sections, each with its own lobby, pools, and reception areas. Both open-air public spaces feature soaring, timbered ceilings and marble floors partially covered by tropical patterned rugs. Asian contemporary decor includes a mix of low-slung wooden furniture, traditional wall hangings, and modern sculptures. In the lobby of the posh Ocean Wing, the Coast restaurant features a cheeky, sea-inspired design, with sculptural pendant lights resembling huge jellyfish. At the Tepi Laut Makan restaurant in the family-friendly Garden Wing, guests can dine in a rustic recreation of an Asian street market. Outdoor seating fills shaded terraces, pool decks, and at the beachside tiki hut. Gravel pathways meander past mid-rise guest room buildings toward the sandy beach.

The resort occupies 400 acres in Sabah, a Malaysian state on the northwest corner of Borneo. Wide, sandy Pantai Dalit Beach and the South China Sea curve along the property's western edge, while the Tambalang and Mengkabong Rivers border either side. The capital city of Kota Kinabalu, known for its Old World markets and outdoor street fare, is within a 40-minute drive. It's about a 50-minute drive to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Parking is free at the resort. 

Rooms in the Ocean and Garden Wings are housed in six-story buildings with exterior hallways. All are generously sized and feature contemporary decor blended with traditional Asian fabrics and scrollwork accents in a muted palette of brown, taupe, and rust. Flat-panel TVs are mounted on teak walls that harmonize with handsome teak built-in armoires and wet bars with marble tops. 

Ground-level rooms in the Garden Wing feature private furnished lanais with garden access. Rooms on higher floors open to private balconies with garden or ocean views. Spacious modern bathrooms have wall-mounted marble-clad sinks, upscale toiletries, and tubs or glass-enclosed rain showers.

All of the slightly more upscale Ocean Wing rooms face the sea and come with private outdoor bathtubs and two-person daybeds on large terraces. Additional perks include free minibars, exclusive pool and hot tub access, and dedicated concierge services. 

It's no surprise that this large, secluded resort offers loads of activities to keep its captive audience entertained. Its reputation as a family-oriented destination is well-deserved, thanks to an array of programs aimed at occupying kids from toddlers to teens. There's a playground, petting zoo, splash pool, and pony rides for little ones. Older kids can try their hand at archery, a zip line, or water sports from Jet Skiing to windsurfing (for an additional fee). There are also fun programs at the resort's 64-acre nature preserve (where the orangutans usually steal the show) plus tours of Mt. Kinabalu, mangrove river cruises, and nature treks.

Guests can tee off with views of Mount Kinabalu at Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, then cool off with a dip in one of two enormous pools or under a shade tree on the sandy beach. There's also a modern gym and a spa featuring treatments using local botanical products

Dining options include Malaysian specialties served in an outdoor street market setting, a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, plus Northern Indian cuisine and a seafood restaurant. Guests can grab Western-style snacks at the all-day Coffee Terrace, and cocktails poolside, on the beach or at the stylish lobby bar. Room service is available. Breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, but past guests have complained about high prices for food and beverages.

Extensive event facilities and meeting space include a grand ballroom plus eight other function rooms. An internet cafe handles email and printing services, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is free at the resort.