Berjaya Langkawi Resort - Malaysia

A paved driveway cuts through the rain forest, leading to an outdoor parking lot at the entrance of the Berjaya Langkawi Resort -- Malaysia, a four-pearl property spread out over 70 acres that requires golf-cart transportation to get around. Charming shingle-roofed structures are set on stilts in the forest -- with monkeys frolicking in the trees -- or on the rocky shores of the beach. The dampness of the forest means some walkways and exteriors have noticeable mildew and minor renovations are needed. The spacious open-air lobby is constantly bustling with guests -- mostly European couples and travelers with children. Intricate carvings on the walls, lovely wooden ceiling beams, and a large central fountain add to the upscale look of the lobby. Restaurants and bars are mostly open-air spaces with lots of carved wood and gray stone tile, and otherwise fairly unremarkable decor that allows views of the jungle and sea to shine. 

This resort is on a private beach in the rainforest on the northwest coast of Langkawi, a 10-minute walk to the Cable Car and Oriental Village. Golf carts transport guests around the large property, which has its own helipad, and a shuttle goes to town and the market. Shopping is 10 minutes away on foot at Art in Paradise Langkawi, but overall this secluded location doesn’t offer much in the immediate area. There's a trail on the property that leads through the mangroves and an activity desk can arrange excursions. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a six-minute drive from the resort. Other attractions are 20 to 40 minutes by car, including the Langkawi Night Market, Kilim Geoforest Park, Underwater World, and Jalan Pantai Cenang, a strip lined with shops and restaurants. Getting to downtown Langkawi takes 40 minutes by car. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Langkawi International Airport.

There’s a warm atmosphere in the Berjaya Langkawi's Suites, Chalets, and Studios that are modern and minimalist with wooden-planked patios and intricately carved awnings. Tile or wooden floors, neutral textiles, and rattan furniture create a welcoming vibe -- and towels twisted into swan shapes are a fun touch. Studios have open layouts and Suites offer separate bedrooms. Buildings are either in the forest, where there are sometimes problems with dampness and rascally monkeys, or perched on stilts on the waterfront with sea views. Family Chalets are two connected rooms. The romantic Premier Suites offer flat-screen TVs next to soaking tubs, and whirlpool tubs on waterfront patios. Executive Suites, also on the water, have dining areas and kitchens (without stoves or ovens). The two-bedroom Presidential Suite sits over the water with a living room, kitchen, and two bathrooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, coffee/tea facilities, bottled water, umbrellas, bathrobes and slippers, ceiling fans, and free Wi-Fi. Neutral- and white-tiled bathrooms have wooden-framed mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, and glass-door showers or shower/tub combos.

This resort’s tropical setting and private beach, with plenty of lounge chairs, appeals to couples and families with children. The outdoor pool and kiddy pool are incorporated into the rainforest with palm trees, waterfalls, rock formations in the hot tub, and a swim-up bar. The Taaras Spa also offers outdoor pools, plus a sauna, steam room, nail salon, and modernly equipped gym. The property is a popular wedding venue, and offers a ballroom for up to 900 people, and eight meeting rooms. Guests can choose from five restaurants that serve Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese, and Japanese cuisines, and four on-site bars include a pool bar, beach bar, sports bar with live entertainment, and lobby lounge. Spread out over the property are two tennis courts, volleyball facilities, a water-sports shack, children’s playground, kids’ club, and PlayStation 3 room. Bike rentals are also available. Guests of all ages are drawn to the recreation room that has pool tables, ping-pong, coin-operated foosball, and darts. The hotel is removed from shops, but luckily there’s a mini-market in the lobby, where there’s also a business room with four computers and a printer, as well as a small library. An on-site clinic is also available.