Imagine lounging on a daybed with your partner, a private infinity pool at your feet merging with the turquoise Andaman Sea, when a cheeky monkey suddenly appears, eyeing up your birthday cake. This was the thrilling reality for one traveller at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia, a destination that proves paradise doesn't have to cost the earth.
A Villa Fit for Royalty (and Mischievous Monkeys)
The experience began in a spectacular beachfront villa. The accommodation boasted an enormous lounge, two king-sized bedrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, and four separate bathing areas, including an outdoor rainforest shower and a giant tub. The immediate challenge, however, was safeguarding a delicious red velvet cake from the inquisitive local wildlife, a charming reminder of the resort's setting within the UNESCO-listed Langkawi Geopark.
Built in 2005 along a 1.5-kilometre private beach, the resort is nestled among mangrove forests and winding rivers. It is a sanctuary for monkeys, squirrels, and tropical birds like hornbills. "It's the most beautiful place I've ever been to," the visitor noted, adding it is far more affordable than the Maldives, Seychelles, or Mauritius, yet often overlooked by luxury seekers.
Adventure, Opulence and Unwinding
The luxury extends far beyond the villa doors. Guests can embark on a four-hour boat safari through the mangroves with guides passionate about conservation, offering close encounters with Langkawi's unique fauna. For pure relaxation, a short stroll leads to an expansive adults-only pool with plentiful, secluded cabanas, making it unnecessary to reserve sunbeds.
With the vast resort grounds, chauffeured buggies or complimentary bicycles are essential. These transport guests to facilities like the spa, where treatments and unconventional classes like breathwork and sound healing with a resort shaman promise deep relaxation. Evenings can be spent on swings at the Rhu Bar, watching the sunset with a signature Getaran Jiwa cocktail in hand.
Culinary Delights and Surprising Value
The dining options are as varied as they are delectable. The resort houses Hava, an Indian fine-dining restaurant, and Ikan-Ikan, serving traditional Malaysian sharing dishes. One standout was the Nasi Goreng Udang Karang, which unexpectedly came with half a lobster. Even a rain-disrupted private beach dinner was salvaged by a personalised menu and dedicated service at the Serai restaurant.
Despite indulging in one of the resort's most expensive villas and extras like private meals and jet-skiing, the traveller emphasised the comparative value. A night in the Two-Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool costs £2,912, including breakfast. In contrast, similar villas in Four Seasons properties in Bali or Koh Samui cost significantly more for often less space.
The Urban Contrast: A Kuala Lumpur Stopover
On the return journey to the UK, a stop in Kuala Lumpur provided a striking urban contrast. Staying at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur offered breathtaking views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers from floor-to-ceiling windows and an infinity pool surrounded by skyscrapers. The city's futuristic feel extended to automated toilets and surprisingly affordable luxury, from a five-course fine dining meal for around £56 per person to incredibly cheap street food.
A visit to the colourful Batu Caves Hindu temple, just a 30-minute taxi ride away, delivered more monkey encounters. The trip concluded with a bargain shopping spree at the Pavillion mall, where a designer shoes and handbag deal cost just £82, a fitting end to a holiday that blended untouched natural beauty with ultra-modern city luxury, all for a fraction of the expected price.
TRAVEL FACTS: Rooms at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi start at £416 a night. Rooms at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur start at £191 a night. British Airways return flights from London Heathrow to Langkawi start at £737.
