The iconic soaring twin Petronas Towers stand sentinel over Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, nestled in among skyscrapers (which look small by comparison) and fascinating Colonial-era buildings. It’s an alluring and vibrant South-East Asian city, quite different to the country’s dreamy coastal resorts and places of spiritual contemplation. Colourful with amazing food and warm people, Malaysia makes for a wonderfully cheery hot weather holiday, with lashings of Far Eastern culture – whether you choose to remain in the centre of the city or retreat to the stunning shoreline. If you can, do try to do both while you’re here.
Kuala Lumpur
Shangri La KL
Set in the very heart of the city, the Shangri La Kuala Lumpur provides guests with a luxurious retreat. The hotels’ décor boasts tones of gold, black and silver and every surface is polished so that it gleams. The main lobby is extremely impressive as it is set with a wide staircase and plenty of nooks where guests can unwind. There are 662 rooms in the hotel that fall into ten different types of rooms and suites for guests to choose from, ranging from the deluxe to the extremely spacious royal suite that offers stunning panoramic city views. The hotel is especially celebrated for its huge outdoor swimming pool, which boasts views of the Menara Tower, while guests are also treated to a modern spa. Lovers of fine dining are sure to be in their element as there are eight different excellent restaurants to choose from on the site including the Lemon Garden, which features a huge buffet including an impressive seafood section.
Four Seasons
Comprising of 65 storeys and providing guests with views of the Petronas Towers, the Four Seasons perfectly combines style with convenience. The crisp white furnishings of each of the 209 guest rooms are teamed with light blue walls and textured wallpaper to provide a very light and airy look that creates the illusion of extra space. Guests can take in views of the city from the infinity pool that is set on the seventh floor, while this floor also boasts a large and fully loaded gym and spa. Lovers of authentic Cantonese cuisine will want to make sure that they reserve a table at the hotel’s celebrated Yun House restaurant, while a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes are served in the Curate restaurant.
W Kuala Lumpur
Offering guests easy access to KLCC Park and Suria KLCC shopping mall, w Kuala Lumpur boasts a fun and friendly use of colours and style to make guests from all walks of life feel right at home. From bamboo chandeliers to warm LED lighting, the hotel has plenty of character while also offering pure luxury in terms of the spacious guest rooms and sumptuous furnishings. Each room features a well stocked mini bar and a LED lighted cabinet containing tea and coffee-making facilities and wine glasses, while the en suite bathrooms come with large bathtubs and powerful showers. Whether guests are travelling for business or pleasure they are sure to love unwinding in the on site spa, which comes complete with a sauna, while the swimming pool boasts uninterrupted views of the iconic Petronas Towers and sipping a cocktail beside the pool is the perfect way to get the evening started before indulging in a meal in one of the on site restaurants.
Banyan Tree
Set at on the top seven floors of a towering skyscraper, the Banyan Tree is a sleek and modern space that can be found in the very centre of the Malaysian capital. Clean lines and bright surfaces are enlivened with plenty of splashes of colour to appeal to those who are young at heart. There are just 55 rooms for guests to choose from, which helps to add to the feeling of opulence, and being attached to Pavilion mall you are two minutes from shopping heaven!
Mandarin Oriental
Fully embracing the luxury and style of the Colonial era, the Mandarin Oriental is set in the shadow of the Petronas Towers and is sure to dazzle with its stunning marble floored lobby. Guests should make sure they secure one of the spacious rooms that overlook the Petronas Towers so that they can recline in their goose down bed and gaze out at the city. The rooftop swimming pool is lined with palm trees to create a real city oasis, while those who want to get back into the swing of things will love the indoor golf centre.
St Regis KL
Conveniently located right next to KL Central train station, St Regis KL reflects the luxury and style of the 20th-century New York Art Deco theme. This includes wide spaces set with gleaming marble, lavish chandeliers and subtle yet evocative murals. Guests are treated to a personal 24 hour butler service and impressive picture windows that provide plenty of light as well as unblocked views of the city centre’s iconic attractions. Guests who book one of the couple’s suites will also be treated to their very own hot tub and sauna for optimum luxury.
Penang
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
The E&O as it’s fondly known was first established in 1885 and remains the only hotel in the city to occupy prime sea frontage. A new wing, the Victory Annexe was opened in 2013, adding a sixth-floor infinity pool, an art gallery and a Thai spa. While the Heritage Wing is an ode to a bygone era, with antique furnishings. The decor at the Eastern & Oriental is, in the main, classic and polished, with muted earthy tones, marble and dark wood. Planters Lounge serves drinks and snacks with a view, while the 1885 restaurant offers European style fine menus and a buffet or a la carte can be enjoyed at Sarkies.
Macalister Mansion
This century-old mansion was the first member of Design Hotels in Malaysia. Each of its eight unique suites has specially commissioned artwork, different architectural features and mod cons like minibars and Nespresso machines. Blanc, serving French – Asian fusion cuisine is considered to be one of the finest contemporary dining establishments in the city, while The Cellar, is a sophisticated haunt, specialising in whisky and cheese. Guests can stay active in the small gym, or with laps in the shimmering green pool.
The Prestige Hotel Penang
Thoroughly modern glitz and quirky features await at the light, bright,162 bedroom Prestige. Look out for showers encased in golden cages, floating beds and tropical accents in among the almost exclusively ivory colour scheme. Ministry of Design – also responsible for Macalister Mansion’s decor – have created the interiors here. A sleek, glass-walled saltwater infinity pool looks out onto the harbourfront from its elevated fourth-floor position – a great spot to recline on a lounger, drink in hand and watch the port comings and goings. A pastel-hued Glasshouse restaurant is a place to eat and drink at The Prestige, or you can order food to your room.
Langkawi
The St. Regis Langkawi
This 5-star luxury hotel is found on the southern tip of the Jewel of Kedah and is the true picture of seaside paradise. With the gorgeous flora and fauna of the rainforest on one side and the sparkling blue of the Andaman Sea on other side, this resort is one of a kind. Your sophisticated beachfront holiday is complete in any of the hotel’s 85 suites, but you can experience the island in a unique way by booking one of the four over-water villas. Premier butler service, six restaurants, an oasis like spa, and chauffeured limousine service make this opulent hotel a great choice in Langkawi.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi
For a tropical stay that combines the luxury you crave with the ethnicity of the area, the Meritus Pelangi resort certainly delivers. Nestled along the shores of Cenang Beach, the resort boasts a full kilometre of white sandy beach. A variety of suites and rooms each offer plush bedding, opulent amenities, and views of the lush scenery out every window. Premier dining abounds throughout the resort and you can also take advantage of an exclusive spa menu, two beautiful pools, and plenty of recreational opportunities, including biking and squash.
The Danna Langkawi
This delight of Mediterranean architecture is located at Telega Harbour Park, giving you gorgeous access to the rainforest and the ocean in one place. The Danna has been awarded the Best Hotel in Langkawi for four years running and you can see the dedication to an opulent tropical getaway in the attention to details. That includes well outfitted suites, villas, and rooms that are comfortable and luxurious, as well as a 3-tiered infinity pool and spa. Four full service restaurants offer the utmost in fine dining, but there’s also 24-hour room service available.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
The Four Seasons brand has long been associated with luxurious holidays and the location in Langkawi doesn’t disappoint. From the dramatic limestone cliffs and rainforest views that surround the resort to the lush stretch of white sandy beaches meeting crystal blue waters, you’ll want for nothing here. There are quiet romantic villas and pavilions for couples as well as family friendly facilities for all ages. In addition to exploring the beautiful scenery, this resort also boasts in-room plunge pools, an exclusive spa, and a Malaysian restaurant to delight your taste buds. Make sure to take some time to relax in the cocktail bar as you take in everything Langkawi has to offer.
The Andaman, Langkawi
Nestled between the rainforest and the tranquillity of Datai Bay, the Andaman has 178 luxurious rooms and suites, each outfitted in a contemporary Malaysian style. That means plush bedding, top of the line amenities, and lush views of both the rain forest and the water. The resort offers premier diving opportunities in the 8,000-year old coral reef that fringes the shores. The spa offers a one of a kind menu and the nature walks organised by the resort enables you to take in everything the area has to offer. Premier dining and a lovely bar round out all the perks you can take advantage of at The Andaman.
