With Malaysia’s top-tier beach resorts, it is possible to feel like you are a world away without having to navigate vast geographical inconveniences
Sometimes, the comfort you are desperately seeking is right in front of your eyes. Or more specifically, just across the border, where soft beaches, afternoon cocktails, and otherworldly pampering beckon.
If you wish to unplug quickly and without hassle, a short chauffeured ride (or flight) to neighbouring Malaysia is the answer. While there are plenty of options spanning foodie-haven Penang to charming Ipoh, I decided on stays at the country’s renowned beach resorts to see how far—and rapidly—a well-appointed property could teleport me from a state of anxiety to one of bliss.
First stop: Desaru. I had all but dismissed this coastal town, perhaps unimpressed by childhood memories of its crowded family hotels and general lack of things to do. While Desaru’s reputation for uneventfulness largely remains (although it hosted its first big-scale music festival featuring the likes of Macy Gray and Nile Rodgers recently in September), its allure as a luxury resort destination has been polished of late.
The opening of renowned properties five years ago, which included One & Only, The Westin, Hard Rock Hotel, and Anantara—all situated along Desaru Coast, a 4,000-acre of stretch of beachfront enclave facing the South China Sea—has given short-term vacationers who desire five-star trappings a healthy selection of options.
My getaway of choice was Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas. Arranging for a door-to-door pick up service, it took barely two hours to get from the lobby of my apartment to the resort’s front desk, kicking back on a sunbed upon arrival with a welcome drink in hand and the ocean stretching out in front of me.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas boasts 116 rooms, villas and residences cradling two pools, three restaurants (including the highly recommended grill-house, Sea.Fire.Salt.), and an observatory bar. The two-storey villa that I stayed in was spacious and indulgent, furnished with just the right touch of opulence while staying warm and laidback.
Indeed, the resort is an intimate tropical paradise unto itself. There really isn’t much to do but chill by the pool, indulge in the resort’s famous signature massages and unplug from work for the entire time. Which was really the point.
Next stop, Langkawi
Mere months later, I decided to indulge in my second ‘near-cation’ in Langkawi. The island is an hour-and-a-half’s plane ride from Singapore and, like Desaru, had been etched in my memory as a popular destination for family holidays back in the 1980s.
Acquaintances forewarned that the island isn’t as bustling as it was decades ago. The sleepy shopfronts and faded façades of empty boutique hotels around the city centre certainly attest to that. The bars along the island’s most famous strip, Pantai Cenang, appear well-trodden and lively—but too touristy and busy for my taste, as are its night markets and famed cable car ride, reputed to be the world’s steepest.
There are island-hopping expeditions, nature walks and waterfalls to discover for those inclined for the outdoors. But as it was in Desaru, I flew to Langkawi to do absolutely nothing, and hence checked myself into one of its best addresses to do so.
The St. Regis Langkawi, located near the south-eastern tip of the island, proved ideal for my needs. The property houses four private over-water villas and 85 luxuriously appointed rooms with a choice of sea or forest views. The suites are casually regal and, quite frankly, the best way to indulge in the hotel’s elegantly appointed comforts; generously sized to awe you with their expansive layout and views, while retaining an air of regal intimacy.
The idea was to enjoy as much of the property as I could without needing to step outside, except to check out local eateries. As it turned out, it was far from a tall order. St. Regis Langkawi’s world-renowned spa treatments, state-of-the-art gym, beachside diners and bars, as well as its gorgeous infinity pool are enough to occupy vacationers determined to get in hibernation mode.
Start the day right with its highly rated hotel breakfast. The spread was exceptional—especially the elevated local fare—and I found myself languidly sampling the dishes each morning until the meal service was up. Of the resort’s six restaurants and bars, Kayuputi, a fine dining spot that serves pan-island cuisine, comes highly recommended, even by locals.
My evenings were spent at the exquisite St. Regis Bar, gorgeously lit with impressive crystal chandeliers, and cushioned by the sounds of a very decent jazz duo. The cocktails were delicious and the staff friendly but unintrusive—perfect for as quiet a nightcap as one desires.
In Desaru and Langkawi, it feels as if I’ve discovered a travel hack; revisiting once-popular but overlooked destinations that are literally at our doorstep. At the right luxury resort—and with the right mindset to chill the heck out of a long weekend—what was once familiar can also feel rather new and reinvigorating.
