A trip to Malaysia without a detour to the picturesque island of Langkawi would be a travesty – especially when there is a resort as impressive as The St. Regis Langkawi now present. Nestled in a very private bay that affords gorgeous views of the surrounding island landscape, the imposing St. Regis Langkawi is a very new arrival to the island at only just over a year old.
Despite being located next door to it’s longstanding SPG stablemate The Westin, The St. Regis Langkawi makes you feel like there are no inhabitants for miles. The refined Hamptons-esque aesthetic that’s been popping up at new St. Regis locations around the world is showcased strongly here, while still retaining a look that has its roots in local culture and heritage.
There’s a room concept for every different type of guest and preference, with rooms across all categories impressively appointed. Even the Premier Rainforest entry level room is impressively spacious, boasting great indoor and outdoor space. There are balconies a plenty here no matter which category you pick – you’re guaranteed to always be able to make the most of the warm Malaysian climate.
We selected to review the St. Regis Langawi Pool Suite and were certainly not disappointed by the pool itself – it’s enormous and much larger than the usual private pool offering. You’ll have alfresco lounging options galore with an outdoor covered patio featuring a lounge and dining chairs, two sun loungers and a sizable (and shaded) elevated day bed.
The pool also features built-in seating for two with massage jets. Each pool has gauze curtains that can be drawn and various levels of plant cover on the canopy giving some privacy, but bear in mind that rooms above the pool suites do look down on them so it can’t be guaranteed to be 100% private. If privacy is your number one requirement, I’d recommend the villas next door at The Westin which are all stand-alone and separated (these can also have additional privacy measures added if one wishes).
The interior of the suite features a lounge with chaise, two televisions, separate bedroom with the signature St. Regis Bed (medium firm, if you’re curious), a desk and mini bar. Speaking of the mini bar, the prices are quite reasonable by international standards, with bottles of wine available from 155 MYR. The interior feels a little on the compact side compared to most St. Regis Suites, but let’s face it – when the pool is that amazing, it’s unlikely you’ll be spending much time inside.
If you do manage to muster up the effort to explore past the verdant garden of your suite, you’ll find the main garden, pool and beach area just beyond your suite’s antique garden gates with plenty of cabanas, hammocks and loungers to laze on.
The cuisine at The St. Regis Langkawi also holds up its end of the luxury bargain. From the moment you are welcomed in traditional St. Regis style with the evening Champagne sabrage ceremony until you (sadly) leave, you’ll be dining and imbibing in style.
Breakfast at L’Orangerie is not to be missed, with a la carte options such as Lobster Omelette on offer in addition to an extensive sweet and savory spread. Free flowing fine French bubbles and of course signature St. Regis Bloody Marys are on offer to wash it all down – the perfect way to start a day in paradise.
Lunch dining venues are limited to the pool bar, Gourmand Deli and in-room dining (that’s if you can manage it after all that indulging at breakfast), while for dinner you have the choice of L’Orangerie or the overwater Kayu Puti (and in room, of course). Whilst options are a tad limited and I would like another venue at least (The usual St. Regis Bar/Decanter only opens for private functions in Langkawi), this is a boutique property with only around 72 rooms, and the food served up is excellent. Don’t miss L’Orangerie’s Wagyu Beef Rendang for a dish that is truly local and possibly the most luxe version around.
Kayu Puti, the St. Regis Langkawi’s overwater dining venue, is truly spectacular. I can’t emphasize enough how stunning the decor is, and rather unusually, the food lives up to the impressive surroundings. Don’t miss the degustation, and I implore you to go for the wine pairing option – resident sommelier Jan served up one of the best wine pairing experiences I’ve had. Even global gastronomes will be impressed at what’s being plated up at Kayu Puti – it would be right at home on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Ensure you arrive early for dinner to enjoy sunset watching on Kayu Puti’s expansive terrace with a bottle of the hotel’s bubbly-in-residence, Taittinger, or try one of their sharing cocktails for two – my favorite is The Sunset, every bit as pretty as the colorful evening sky on show.
L’Orangerie offers themed dinners throughout the week such as Catch of the Day, where you select your own fresh seafood and pay by the gram, to the Night Market where you feast from stalls set up on the elevated terrace. Arabic nights see grills firing up delicacies by the seaside accompanied by shisha, and if that cuisine tickles your fancy, you’re in luck – GCC visitors are extremely well looked after with a wide range of excellent Middle Eastern mezze, grills and more.
For the ultimate in romantic dining experiences, why not enlist the St. Regis Langkawi experts to create a destination dinner for you? There are a range of special locations to choose from including beachfront and the beautiful iron pavilion that we were lucky enough to experience. The imposing structure is guaranteed to impress – this is a dining experience you’ll remember for a long time. Our attendant, Alex, was always there anticipating every need, and our menu of Larb Gai, Tom Kha Gai, Lobster, Beef and Desserts matched with wines from The St. Regis’ excellent cellar made for a delightful evening watching the night cast its shadow over the picturesque beach.
If you want to get out of the hotel (but seriously, why would you), click here to read TheLuxeologist Guide to Langkawi for some activity ideas.
Lovers of luxury and fans of the St. Regis brand will love this boutique Langkawi addition to its portfolio. Take some time, switch off from the world…and don’t forget to check out the spa.
Style: Hamptons-esque Island Opulence
Would I return? Absolutely.
Suitable for: Couples, families
Room Type Reviewed: St. Regis Pool Suite
Room Size: 70-90sqm, King size bed (twin available on request)
Room Amenities: Large pool, balcony/patio, large elevated day bed, sun loungers, Remedé toiletries, bath, robes, slippers, Nespresso machine, two 49 inch televisions, international power points, Bose sound system, bottled water, air conditioning, fridge.
On request services: Butler service including packing and unpacking service, two items of pressing per day per guest, airport transfers.
Hotel Facilities: Fitness centre, Champagne sabrage welcome ceremony, private beach, pool, relaxation pavilions, daily activities for adults and kids, beach hammocks, spa facilities, buggy pick up, free parking.