Named after
the Malay words for ‘reddish brown eagle’, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99
islands in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s northwest coast.
Just
minutes by boat from the world-renowned mangroves of the Kilim Karst Geoforest
Park, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi combines artful design and all-pervading
serenity with a wholesome connection with nature.
Design
Every inch
of the traditional Malaysian residence – or Rumah Melayu – is constructed with
the beauty of the surrounding environment in mind. Imposing rooftops, breezy
verandahs, spacious interiors and plentiful windows all take advantage of
gentle tropical breezes and beautiful natural vistas.
These
influences pervade at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, accented by details that
hint at the Arabic, Asian and Indian cultures of Malaysia’s melting pot.
The
Resort’s artful design begins with the imposing, five-metre high red laterite
walls of the entrance, coloured by iron oxides in the crystalline rock. From
here, the design elements only grow in splendour, from jagged limestone walls
to the stunning ‘Ilham’ or ‘inspiration pavilion’ that ‘floats’ in a vast lotus
pond flanked by a pathway of reclaimed railway sleepers.
Meandering
sleeper pathways link the Resort’s public areas and guestrooms, which range
from sprawling beach villas and family beach houses to two-storey Melaleucas of
four units each.
Neutral
tones, simple lines and wide plank floors create a complementary backdrop for
the geometric Arabic patterns, handmade batiks and bold local artworks that
decorate each interior.
Floor to
ceiling windows fill each room with views of tropical foliage, reflecting ponds
and the sparkling Andaman Sea, imparting a sense of complete immersion in
nature.
Accommodations
Four
Seasons Resort Langkawi‘s lush garden and beachfront settings incorporate 91
beautiful accommodations including Melaleuca Pavilions, Beach Villas, Family
Beach Houses and suites that meld Malay, Arabic and Asian design.
Bathrooms
are a real highlight of each accommodation, with features that range from
soaring arches and raised terrazzo baths to outdoor soaking tubs in their own
garden enclave.
Standard
conveniences include wireless high-speed Internet, satellite TV, DVD / CD
player with iPod docking station and tea / coffee maker.
Even if all
the accommodations are top-notch, we fell in love with the two-bedroom villas.
This 590 m² villa feature a beautiful 72ft private lap pool with wrap-around
pool deck that spills onto lush tropical gardens.
Space is
the order of the day in the stylish interiors, from the lounge with 42-inch
flat screen TV to a dining room that seats six. Sleeping quarters feature large
walk-in closets and marble-floored bathrooms, each with terrazzo soaking tubs
for four.
But our
heart-stopper is definitively the Royal Villa. This 1400 m² space is a
three-villa residence secluded at the end of the Resort’s 1.5 km beach, flanked
by dramatic limestone cliffs.
A large
outdoor pool, spa treatment room, huge open-plan lounge, dining area, expansive
patio and daybed, maid’s quarters and kitchen make it an impressive hideaway
for large families or private gatherings.
Unique
artwork, rare Malay artifacts, rich tropical woods and gorgeous fabrics create
an air of easy, residential elegance.
If you
manage to leave your accommodation, immerse yourself in the Spa, relax over a
meal of Malay specialties, and explore the UNESCO-protected mangroves with our
naturalist.
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