Bon Ton Resort

The Bon Ton Resort has just eight stand-alone wooden villas amid lush grounds that include a lotus lagoon, making it feel private and a bit like a residence. The hotel doubles as an animal sanctuary, so there will be cats and dogs roaming the grounds, which is just another way the place feels like home. Couples are attracted to the charm and romantic ambience of the place, plus the 100-year-old rooms are filled with rustic yet stylish furnishings. This chic design also carries over into the restaurant, bars, and common areas. Guests can expect lots of open-air, wood-beam structures, colorful rugs and throw pillows, hand-carved benches, and decorative sculptures and floor vases.  

Bon Ton Resort is located on the archipelago of Langkawi (which has UNESCO Global Geopark status because of its conservation areas) off the northwestern coast of the Malaysian mainland. The upscale hotel is built on the grounds of a 100-year-old coconut plantation and feels secluded and private, but is close enough to civilization that there are still things to do a short drive away. The hotel can arrange rental cars or call taxis for guests. Langkawi Gliders is a seven-minute drive and Mega Water Sports jet ski tours is a three-minute drive. The hotel faces a lagoon rather than a beach, but Cenang Beach is only a four-minute drive (20-minute walk) from the property. Langkawi International Airport is a nine-minute drive away. 

Bon Ton Resort is made up of eight 100-year-old villas in traditional attap-style huts, made of wood and bamboo, and facing the swimming pool and lotus lagoon. They are all individually decorated and although they appear rustic from the outside, there is nothing primitive about the interiors. Rooms are large and decorated with antiques, which include plenty of carved wooden furniture. There are colorful rugs and linens, tables and chairs, and comfortable beds with canopy mosquito netting. Villas have windows throughout and also include outdoor spaces with chairs and table for lounging. 

Villas have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, mini-fridges, large flatscreen TVs with CD/DVD players (no cable), and free Wi-Fi. They also come with coffee- and tea-making facilities, free bottled water, sarongs, slippers, and hairdryers, and even a kit to keep out mosquitoes. Bathrooms are large and all wooden, including the stand-alone tubs accompanied by bath salts, toiletries, and showers.

Bon Ton Resort has a few quality features, but there are no spa, gym, or activities for kids. It is an ideal spot for animal lovers to vacation since an animal sanctuary is on-site, and guests can interact with the rescued cats and dogs on the grounds. For leisure, there's a small outdoor pool with whirlpool, as well as adjacent loungers and umbrellas. Multiple dining options include the well-reviewed Nam Restaurant, which serves dishes that are a fusion of East and West, and the Asian bar and lounge Chin Chin, which offers a range of drinks including specialty liqueur-flavored coffees. The Sunset Deck opens in the evenings for tapas and cocktails. Breakfast is free but pretty spare, as trays of yogurt, fruit, toast, cake, milk, and juice are delivered to rooms the night before. A boutique gift shop provides excellent shopping for local gifts.