There’s no better time than the present to explore what Malaysia has to offer. With Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) in effect, Malaysians (myself included) are taking the opportunity to visit all the amazing spots in the country. For some, it’s checking out new locations and for the rest, it’s revisiting places they haven’t been to in awhile.
Malaysia has some of the best islands (and beaches) in the world and they include the beautiful and serene Langkawi Island. My visit to the island for The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa—which recently reopened—was my first in about 10 years. Known as one of Langkawi’s most popular and revered hotels, The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa is only about 30 minutes from the airport.
I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at The Westin Langkawi. I had the opportunity to experience everything the resort has to offer, from The Heavenly Spa to its F&B offerings (including a unique food and wine pairing dinner featuring Katnook Estate).
The Resort
Design-wise, The Westin Langkawi is combination of traditional and contemporary; mixing its surrounding nature with modern aesthetics. With a private beach nestled by the Andaman Sea, it really is as idyllic as it gets. Its seclusion from the rest of the island also means you get all the privacy, tranquility, and peace you need—for a rejuvenating holiday.
The space is massive so you’ll never run out of areas to visit. The Westin Langkawi comprises of about 211 rooms and the villas here are fitted with private pools. It’s definitely ideal whether you’re on a solo trip, with a partner, or with the family. The resort has everything for everyone. With that, let’s take a look at the facilities.
The Facilities
One of the best things about The Westin Langkawi is that you don’t really have to leave the resort, if you don’t feel like going out. There are a plethora of activities you can do here—from The Heavenly Spa by Westin and WestinWorkout Fitness Studio to tennis and the pools (there are four in total).
While I’m not usually a fan of spa sessions (for many reasons), I have to say that my experience here was one of the best I’ve ever had. The menu of treatments at The Heavenly Spa by Westin include a range of options derived from Malay, Ayurveda, Turkish, Swedish, and Indonesian modalities. The spa also has a private pool for adults that you can relax in after or before your session.
Although walkable from the main building, the spa’s secluded location means you’ll be able to enjoy the treatments in silence for a truly calming experience. Take note that with RMCO, spa treatments can only last a maximum of an hour.
In addition to the private pool at the spa, the resort also has the beautiful Infinity Pool (adjoined with an outdoor whirlpool), the Ocean Rock Pool, and The Kid’s Pool. Of course, you can also sit and unwind on the serene beach. Having not seen the ocean (and a beach) in so many months, I made use of all the time I had at the resort to immerse myself. It was truly one of the most blissful experiences of my life.
The Float, one of The Westin Langkawi’s most iconic locations, is unavailable at the moment—but definitely deserves a mention. It is also arguably the resort’s most photographed spot. Just picture yourself on a private romantic dinner for two while surrounded by gentle breeze and the Andaman Sea. Perfect, isn’t it?
The Food
When I said you don’t have to leave the resort, I really meant it. The Westin Langkawi has a myriad of F&B options, including Seasonal Tastes for breakfast, Breeze Lounge for a tipple or two with a million dollar view, Splash for a snack by the pool, and Tide for the best steak and seafood.
During my stay at The Westin Langkawi, I had the opportunity to check out a special wine pairing dinner at Tide with a seven-course menu curated by Executive Chef Herwig Knapen and Chef de Cuisine Jiro. The Secret To Wine and Food Pairing is a collaboration with Katnook Estate and involves a curated wine list by Derek Charles Gomez. This unique dinner is the first of many to come and there will be one more by the end of 2020.
The dinner at Tide began with T’lur Caviar and Irish Premium Oysters—both paired with 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (Katnook Founder’s Block). It’s amazing to see restaurants and hotels supporting local businesses by utilising ingredients that can be sourced from within Malaysia, such as caviar from Tanjung Malim. After all, according to both Chef Herwig and Chef Jiro, the focus in the New Normal is on quality products while supporting the community.
Another dish that I really enjoyed is the Foie Gras Trio—combined with 2016 Chardonnay (Katnook Founder’s Block)—that consists of the Foie Gras creme brûlée, bourbon foie gras terrine, and pan seared foie gras with balsamic glaze. It took Chef Herwig eight tries to perfect the Foie Gras creme brûlée and it really shows! You get a mild sweetness that doesn’t overpower the natural creaminess of the foie gras.
Also on the menu are Boston Lobster Thermidor with aged American cheddar and butter poached asparagus as well as Australian Wagyu Tomahawk with truffle mash and grilled broccolini— paired with Cabernet Sauvignon (Katnook Odyssey) and Shiraz (Katnook Prodigy). By now, I was already stuffed but the show (and digestive system) must go on.
Although I’m a tad perplexed by the interesting choice of pairing red wine with lobster, the dish is still massively palatable and ambrosial. The dinner concluded with Valrhona Chocolate Delight (with fresh berries and bourbon caramel). If you’re a fan of chocolate like I am, you’d probably want another portion of this.
The Room
I stayed at the Premium Room with Garden View. The room came with the signature Heavenly Bed for one of the best sleep you’ll ever have. Comfortable and soothing, laying on the bed is the perfect way end the day.
The room also came with a balcony that overlooks the Andaman Sea and the pools. Make sure to close your doors unless you’re a fan of visitors in the form of adorable but mischievous monkeys.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Langkawi, consider The Westing Langkawi Resort and Spa. I had an amazing time here and I would definitely return as soon as I can. Its close proximity to The St. Regis Langkawi also means you get the best of two icons in the realm of hospitality. I’m also looking forward to what the culinary team is planning for the next gastronomic occasion. Have you been to The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa? If not, now’s the time to visit.
The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa
Address: Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, Kedah, Langkawi, Malaysia
Contact: 04 960 8888
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