Casa del Mar, Langkawi

On the beachfront in the heart of Pantai Cenang sits the Mediterranean-style, two-story, terra-cotta roof tiled Casa del Mar, Spanish for "home by the sea." An arched wooden doorway leads to the charming lobby, which has a warm and inviting ambience, enhanced by its pitched wooden ceilings and ceramic-tile floors. The grounds have a Mediterranean vibe, with pathways that cut through tropical landscaping and suites with Spanish-style balconies and intricate ironwork on patio gates. At the back of the property, guests have direct access to a beautiful stretch of sand. The homey, intimate atmosphere and central location attract mostly couples and solo travelers.

The hotel is on the popular Jalan Pantai Cenang, which is lined with restaurants -- Indian, Italian, Malaysian, Mexican venues -- shops, and bars. The area bustles with activities and entertainment. Within a five-minute walk of the hotel is the Underwater World Langkawi, and a few feet from the pool are the sandy shores of Pantai Cenang, which can get crowded. Other attractions are farther, and require driving. The 99 East Golf Club is a 15-minute drive, and the Langkawi Cable Car is a 25-minute drive. Duty-free shopping and the Dataran Lang in Kuah town are within a 30-minute car trip, while Kilim Geoforest Park, on the northeast side of the island, is a 40-minute drive away. Casa del Mar is close to Langkawi International Airport, which is about a 10-minute drive.

The Casa del Mar has 34 spacious, pleasantly decorated suite rooms with views of the pool or sea from their furnished patios -- some of which have hammocks. Rooms have four-poster canopy beds, wooden floors, colorful furnishings, and separate living rooms. Bathrooms have double wooden vanities, separate showers and tubs, and hairdryers. Junior and Deluxe Suites, which fit up to three people and allow children, are on the second floor. Junior Suites have two balconies. Studio Suites, for two people, are on the bottom floor. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, air-conditioning, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes and slippers, and safes. A free DVD library is in the lobby. Free fruit and bottled water, and towels folded like swans, are nice touches.

From the hotel there’s direct access to the sandy shores of Pantai Cenang, where the hotel can arrange romantic picnics under canopies and candlelit dinners for two. The La Sal Restaurant -- with Mediterranean and barbecue seafood -- has a Spanish-style indoor dining room and tiki bar by the pool, which has a nearby hot tub, and is shaded by trees. Satkara Spa offers massages and facial treatments, and the space was refurbished in 2017. A small gym with a few cardio and weight machines, and a shower that’s available for guests who check out late. A common-area lounge with sofas has a projector screen and coffee and tea available. The library lounge has a PC computer and printer. Catamarans and kayaks are available for rent. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.