Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort – Tioman Island

Situated on pretty beachfront grounds peppered with lush greenery and featuring an impressive backdrop of rugged mountains wreathed in green, the Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is composed of a collection of wooden villas. The structures feature peaked roofs and charming balconies or verandas, while the resort's public spaces occupy similar but larger buildings. Interiors are simply outfitted and have a breezy, casual, and functional feel. The large lobby is furnished with clunky wooden seating, while the hotel's restaurant is a sea of wooden tables paired with wicker seating. Walls of windows and doors overlook the sea outside, plus the outdoor terrace grants lovely views over the water. Overall, it's a solid option for families and couples seeking a beachy getaway immersed in nature -- though the travel to Tioman Island might be a hassle for some.

The hotel is situated in the southern part of Tioman Island, which is off the east coast of Malaysia. The island is covered in rain forests and features beautiful beaches and mountains; it's a great spot for hiking and rock climbing. It can be reached either by plane or by speedboat/ferry from Tanjung Gemok or Mersing to Genting Village; the resort offers a speedboat transfer from here (for a fee). Some find the journey a bit of a hassle, though others appreciate the scenic locale and added sense of adventure. The hotel occupies a beautiful beachfront location that's fairly secluded -- though there are a handful of properties dotted about the surrounding shore. 

The resort offers 54 guest villas with a choice of either beach or rain forest views. The spaces are pleasantly outfitted and feature hardwood floors and carved wood furnishings and wicker chairs that are paired with colorful textiles and accents, like pillows on top of white bed linens and paintings adorning the white walls. All villas have lovely furnished balconies, while some also add verandas. All units also have seating and desks, as well as flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and electronic safes. Bathrooms are small but clean, and equipped with rainfall showers. Toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers are provided.

One of the highlights here is the resort's beautiful stretch of pristine beach. There's also an attractive outdoor infinity pool that's surrounded by a wooden sundeck lined with umbrella-shaded loungers. It overlooks the sea and is scenically set against a mountain backdrop. The only dining option is the beachside Pawana restaurant, which serves local and international fare and offers both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. Free breakfast is served every morning. There's also a bar on-site with live music.

The on-site spa has four treatment rooms and a plunge pool, plus it offers a varied menu of massages. A number of activities are organized daily, such as movie nights, sports/games competitions, painting classes, and kids' activities like storytelling and cooking classes. Various tours, excursions, and water sports are available as well, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips around the island. A changing calendar of events schedules pizza making and move nights. Other amenities include computers with internet in the lobby for guest use and a souvenir shop. Though the hotel advertises free Wi-Fi, many guests complain of a poor connection.