Tanjung Rhu Resort

The Tanjung Rhu Resort is a stand-out property for its sleek, contemporary design and stunning setting along a wide stretch of beach with views of the Andaman Sea. Since the hotel is well-removed from the town center and surrounded by lush grounds, most guests are seeking a quiet place to relax. There are still ample facilities to keep guests occupied, however, from the three impressive swimming pools and spa, to the water sports and dining venues. The contemporary design consists primarily of neutral tones, with lots of wood, open-air structures, and chic white-cushioned seating. There are numerous spots to lounge or walk among the lily ponds and palm trees. The resort is undergoing renovations to some areas -- certain room categories, the kids' club, and Rhu Restaurant -- but they're scheduled to be finished in 2017 and guests report that it doesn't disturb their stay.

The resort is located on the northern tip of Langkawi, facing the Andaman Sea and surrounded by Casuarina trees. The town center of Kuah is about a half-hour drive from the hotel, and shuttle service is available for a small fee. Given its secluded setting, some form of transportation is needed for doing any extensive exploring outside of the resort. Langkawi International Airport is a 30-minute drive away and the hotel offers transfers for a fee. Langkawi has UNESCO Global Geopark status, and there are beautiful untouched conservation areas for visitors to explore. JungleWalla Tours are a six-minute drive from the hotel and Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a 16-minute drive, while the hot springs of Air Hangat Village are a 23 minutes. Craft Cultural Complex, with traditional Malaysian handicrafts, is a 12-minute drive away.

The 136 rooms in Tanjung Rhu Resort are pristine and contemporary with subtle Asian influences. They're on the larger side, with the smallest rooms at approximately 500 square feet (46 square meters) and the largest at 1,000 square feet (93 square meters). Like the resort of the property, they have sleek, contemporary furnishings that include hardwood floors, dark-wood furniture, neutral-tone walls, and beige sofas with earth-tone throw pillows for a punch of color. Glass doors open to at least one furnished balcony, with either pool, sea, or tropical garden views.

All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen LCD TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, Blue Ray players, and safes. Welcome fruit baskets are a luxe touch. Spacious bathrooms have sizable showers, separate soaking tubs, and dual vanity sinks. Bathrobes, hairdryers, and an array of free toiletries that include bath salts are also provided. Note that in-room Wi-Fi is not available. 

The Tanjung Rhu Resort offers a range of features for guests staying on-site. The wide, white-sand beach is gorgeous, lined with loungers and umbrellas, and overlooking the sea with karsts. The three swimming pools are also attractive, all with shallow areas for kids. The large Sands and Sunset Pools both overlook the ocean and have adjacent bars, while the Lagoon Pool is in the middle of the resort. All have ample loungers and umbrellas. In addition to poolside dining, the hotel’s signature restaurant specializes in East-West fusion cuisine, and all rates include a well-reviewed buffet breakfast. Two other restaurants are available, and food across the board is excellent.

Relaxation continues with a full-service spa offering an outdoor whirlpool, sauna, and range of massage and beauty treatments. More active guests can take advantage of the modern gym, beach volleyball court, tennis courts, and water sports. The only area to connect to free Wi-Fi is in the Reading Room, where there are a selection of books and daily high tea in the afternoon. Babysitting services are available, as is a kids' club, though it's currently undergoing renovations.