Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi

Exposed ceiling beams and lovely wood carvings over the lobby reception desks convey a grand and warm vibe when guests first walk in the door of this large resort. On closer inspection, however, slightly dated furnishings and minor disrepair on the grounds stick out. Brick pathways lead through a sprawling 35-acre property with hedges sculpted into animals, a man-made lake, and 51 chalets with red-tile roofs and stunning dark wood verandas. Golf carts are available to take guests around the property that sits on Cenang Beach, a public beach with just a few chairs under trees but plenty of white sand. The resort’s beachfront location offers an idyllic, romantic setting, but the lagoon pools are surrounded by families and children, so there’s not much of a feeling of escape. Guests here are mostly couples, along with plenty of families, though groups of friends and solo travelers pass through as well.

The hotel is in a quieter part of Pantai Cenang, but there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. There's direct access from the property to the public beach, with water-sports rentals available on the sand. Underwater World Langkawi is within a 20-minute walk, or a five-minute drive. It’s about a 10-minute drive to the Langkawi International Airport. Travelers can get an aerial glimpse of Langkawi from the Cable Car, which is a 25-minute drive from the resort, as is Art in Paradise Langkawi. Kuah Jetty -- with the Dataran Lang (a famous local landmark) -- is a 20-minute car trip from the hotel. It’s a 30-minute drive to the scenic Temurun Waterfall.

Set on stilts, the traditional one- and two-story Malayan chalets at Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa are made of dark wood with lovely patios overlooking the gardens, pools, or sea. Some of the rooms and suites have wood accents and exposed ceiling beams, which gives them a warm ambience. Traditional interiors complement the modern furniture, carpeted or hardwood floors, tropical artwork, and earth-tone textiles. There are also contemporary touches, like slatted walls and bold photo prints above the beds. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free bottled water, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, irons, and bathrobes and slippers. Beachfront Family Rooms also have day beds and, like Pool Terrace Rooms, are situated by the pools. Lakefront Rooms overlook the man-made lake. Windows with blinds let light into the modern bathrooms, which have showers and bathtubs along with strikingly veined large marble vanities and sleek gray and stone tiling throughout. The airport is close by, so noise from low-flying planes can be an issue in guest rooms and throughout the property. We also noticed a bit of wear on some of the furniture. 

Providing both family-friendly and leisure activities, Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is on a public beach. It's a clean and sparkling stretch of white sand that's great for sunbathing or swimming, but there are very few lounge chairs. Water sports vendors also operate along the shore for guests looking for a more active way to cool off. The hotel has two lagoon pools. Man-made rock landscaping adorns the Horizon Pool and hot tub, and the Cascade Pool has a swim-up bar and kids' section. There’s also a themed kids' pool with slides and water fountains, a children’s playground, and an indoor playroom in the Kiki Klub.

Overlooking the beach is the stylish Cba restaurant, and there is a beach bar down on the sand. The Cascade Pool bar serves cocktails and sandwiches on the deck, and the main restaurant, Spice Market, serves Asian fare and has a poolside terrace. Breakfast is served here as well, though the buffet meal can be expensive compared to local venues and it's not included in many room rates. The open-air Pelangi Lounge also offers live music, and the exclusive Meritus Club is open to Club Room guests (free breakfasts and private dinners are some of the Club Room perks). 

Excursions can be booked through the tour desk, and there are ample activities at the leisure center, including a steam room, sauna, racquetball court, bicycle rentals, mini-golf course, soccer field, and two tennis courts. The modern gym has an array of cardio and weight machines along with sea views from its windows. Tucked away in the garden is the full-service spa. Conferences and weddings are often held on-site -- the ballroom can fit up to 700 people, and nine meeting rooms can accommodate up to 150 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort, and there is free parking as well.