The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi

This resort is nestled in an ancient rainforest along Datai Bay. The 2004 tsunami and overfishing have destroyed its coral reef, and with the help of biologists, the hotel is leading a conservation effort to restore the reef. Guests can participate by clearing dead coral and propagating new coral in a nursery pond, where they can snorkel. The resort is an oasis for nature lovers. Monkeys, hornbills, lizards, and flying foxes are common sights, especially on the educational nature walks. Signs on balconies remind guests to lock their doors to keep out mischievous monkeys. That eco-conscious focus blends into the hotel's design as well. A pitched wooden pathway leads from the outdoor parking lot to the grand lobby lounge, which has massive white pillars, lovely wooden ceiling beams, red-checkered floors, and black modern furniture. The open-air lobby melds with the tropical landscape and open hallways have rustic wooden railings. The lush grounds include an organic herb garden and wooden cabanas with lounge chairs. The resort draws couples and families with children.

The long road to the resort cuts through an ancient rain forest, and this hotel is isolated from almost everything surrounding it. Located on the northwest side of Langkawi, the property is on a beautiful beach in Datai Bay, an area that teems with monkeys and wildlife. The remote location offers few dining options other than the Andaman's own restaurants and those at the nearby Datai Langkawi resort. The Els Club Teluk Datai golf course is adjacent to the hotel, and a shuttle takes guests to Kuah town and to Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), which is about 45 minutes away. Otherwise, it's a 20- to 45-minute drive to the island's popular attractions, including the Langkawi Cable Car, Kilim Geoforest Park, Art in Paradise Langkawi, and Underwater World. Langkawi International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the resort.

Traditional Malayan style combines with modern interiors to create a warm and elegant atmosphere in the 178 rooms and suites, which feature wooden floors, neutral textiles, plenty of seating, and pops of red in accents like throw pillows. That being said, not all of the furniture is in the best shape, and we saw dings, scratches, and wear on wood throughout. Balconies or patios overlook the sea or forest, and some rooms have gardens. There are photo prints of sea shells hung on the walls, creating a beachside bungalow vibe. Higher-category rooms are available with a host of luxurious extras. Luxury Pool Access Rooms are beside two private pools. Studio Suites offer hot tubs on terraces. Executive Suites feature stylishly furnished living rooms. Executive Pool Suites have daybeds by their plunge pools. The Presidential Suite, with 1,840 square feet of space (171 square meters), has a kitchenette, free minibar, fitness equipment, and sauna. Modern bathrooms are luxurious, with mosaic tiling, vessel sinks, white quartz countertops, separate showers and bathtubs, or soaking tubs. All rooms come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, minibars with free bottled water, high-end coffeemakers, turndown service, bathrobes and slippers, and safes.

The powdery stretch of sand in front of the resort -- which National Geographic named the ninth best beach in the world in 2011 -- has lounge chairs shaded by trees and a water-sports rental shack. Tropical landscaping surrounds the adult lagoon pool, which features a yellow slide and a kids' pool. Educational excursions for children are available at the Young Explorers Club, and the hotel also offers day and night nature walks for all guests. The spa, V Integrated Wellness, features an open-air lounge with beautiful sea views, a hair salon, and a 24-hour modern gym with kinesis, personal training, weight, and cardio machines.

There are four restaurants and two bars on-site, including the Jentayu Lounge with a cigar humidor and Beach Bar. Seafood is served at the Jala restaurant, and the Japanese Restaurant has sushi. Overlooking the pool, the main restaurant serves buffet-style meals, and the beachfront Tepian Laut restaurant offers barbecue fare and lounge seating on the sand. Breakfast is not included in most room rates. 

Shuttles to Kuah town and Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon. They are free, but seats are limited and the destinations alternate every other day. Seven meeting rooms and a ballroom provide 5,727 square feet (532 square meters) of space and there is a stylish 24-hour business center with PC computers and coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and parking is also free.