Langkawi Love Affair

Malaysia as a whole has plenty to offer visitors but the fascinating legends surrounding the picturesque island of Langkawi gives it a distinct mystical magic. Langkawi is packed with an abundance of natural beauty wherever you gaze, from lush green rainforest to its many colourful blooms. There’s also lots of wildlife including some very cheeky monkeys. These are worth watching out for, as given even the slightest opportunity they’ll ransack your hotel room and raid your fruit bowl!

Heavenly Hotels
In such a glorious setting the simplest abode would surely suffice but no, on Langkawi you have the option of some first class accommodation where your every whim is catered for. One of the best spots has to be the idyllic Datai Bay, a large sheltered stretch of fine white sand, situated on the northwest tip of the island. Claiming this premier position you’ll find two of Langkawi’s finest hotels: The Datai and The Andaman. Both have faultless reputations for offering true five-star luxury and share magnificent views out over the warm inviting waters of the Andaman Sea.

The Datai is the height of glamour on a small intimate scale, with great attention to detail. Honeymooners are particularly well suited to their stylish detached pool villas, tucked away in the jungle for all the privacy you could desire.

The somewhat larger neighbouring Andaman hotel boasts an impressive lobby that will leave you stunned by its airy elegance. During the day activity is centred around the lagoon style swimming pool, whilst more adventurous guests can swap their leisurely poolside seats and participate in one of the organised nature trails or jungle treks.

After such activity you’ll be more than ready to sample the Andaman’s fine cuisine at the Gulai House. This romantic restaurant is reached by wandering along a path carved out of the rainforest to a secluded clearing. There you can dine on traditional Malay cuisine such as delicious crab soup, followed by the likes of freshly caught local fish flavoured with mango, coconut, turmeric and chilli, or Tandoori prawns; all exquisitely presented for maximum appeal.

Perfect Pampering
As if all that wasn’t enough expert pampering is also on the menu at The Andaman’s Jamu Nature Spa. Set high on the hillside its breathtaking views will transport you to a state of relaxation before your treatment even begins! Ideal for couples is the Intimate Nature treatment where you can both enjoy two hours of pure bliss. The session includes being gently exfoliated, massaged and then left to relax in an aromatic bath. Alternatively try the Javanese Lulur, which involves a fragrant body scrub made from flowers and spices, mixed with rice to exfoliate and soften the skin.

Home From Home
Another equally splendid place to stay but with a more relaxed vibe, is the lesser-known Bon Ton resort. Made up of just five antique Malay houses in a glorious setting, Bon Ton has a real home from home feel about it. Though beautifully decorated, the owner has purposely refrained from including modern amenities such as televisions and DVD players, leaving just the beauty of the dark wood and crisp white linen sheets to seduce you every night. Even if you don’t stay get the chance to stay there a trip out for a special lunch or dinner will leaving a lasting impression.

Out And About
In a location as beautiful as this it’s tempting to just laze around on the beach all day but Langkawi has a few surprises that really should be seen. For example, a day’s island hopping is the ideal way to explore the area’s natural beauty. Take a high-speed boat ride through the dazzling turquoise waters, past striking emerald covered hills on a romantic voyage of discovery. You can choose to either join in a tour or charter your own vessel, taking in isolated coves, great diving sites and empty beaches on route. An absolute must though is a visit to the eerily still Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, fabled for its fertility powers, useful if you’re thinking of starting a family in the near future!

Back on dry land legends are plentiful too, including a site where rival families are believed to have been transformed into mountains after feuding at a wedding feast. There’s also the great love story of a Roman prince and his local Chinese princess, whose love blossomed despite being separated by a magical golden phoenix. Other highlights include the wonderful views from the Langkawi cable car ride and the de-stressing properties of the natural hot water springs at Ayer Hangat Village. Langkawi also has the benefit of being a duty-free island so you can expect to find some pretty good bargains, including the great fake designer handbags and shoes that this part of the world is so famous for. So however you look at it, Langkawi has tropical paradise written all over it.

FACT FILE
Flights: Malaysia Airlines operate twice weekly flights direct from Heathrow to Langkawi call 0870 607 9090 or check out www.malaysia-airlines.com
Flying Time: 12 hours
Currency:  Malaysian Ringgit
Climate: Warm and humid all year round with temperatures from 22-32 degrees
Time Difference: GMT+8

Tourism Malaysia: 020 7930 7932
www.malaysiatrulyasia.co.uk
Accommodation: The Andaman (www.theandaman.com), The Datai (www.thedatai.com) and Bon Ton (www.bontonresort.com)

6 February 2006