Description: In December 2007 we travelled to the north western shore of Peninsular Malaysia, to an ancient group of islands collectively known as Pulau Langkawi, or, Langkawi, to enjoy a warm, relaxing Christmas holiday. And relax we did, spending at least 6 hours a day sitting by the pool soaking up the sun, food and drink.
We stayed at the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, a charming resort with both hotel style rooms and private chalets designed in traditional Malaysian architecture. The resort is located along an idyllic stretch of small private beaches, only 15mins from the airport and is set amidst 15ha of lush tropical forest; complete with monkeys, flying shrew and very loud beetles which let fly each sunrise and sunset with a rather loud and annoying song...ahhh nature at it's best. The sprawling gardens which are perfectly manicured contain a dazzling array of tropical plants.
The chalets all seem to afford some level of ocean view through full length French windows, which open out onto a private balcony complete with a 2 person couch, table and 4 chairs; perfect for a quiet sunset drink with that special person...or a group of friendly monkeys.
The rooms are very well appointed offering the understated luxury and comfort we have come to expect from a Sheraton property. From the Sweet Sleeper bed, to the unbelievable large bathroom, to the spacious sitting area, nothing has been overlooked. The bathroom opens out over the sitting area offering the option of a quiet bath or one with conversation. The separate shower is larger than some hotel bathrooms and, complementing the natural surrounding, is serviced by a solar hot water system.
There are some subtle touches at the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort which add to the overall enjoyment of your stay;
Shuttle Bus - there is a non-stop shuttle bus service which circles the grounds for those times when you don't want to walk. Our path to the pool and restaurants was mostly downhill, which is great until you want to come home...that's when the bus service came in handy.
Boardwalk - the timber boardwalk along the waters edge makes the walk to breakfast an absolute pleasure and provides the setting for a romantic evening stroll.
Free Postcard - every hotel offers a free postcard, but the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort will even post it for you...free. We always send a postcard home so it's nice to get it for free.
Restaurants - every restaurant has their menu and pricing displayed outside the front door all day, so you can make your dinner decision early.
Check-in - relaxing on a comfortable sofa with a fresh glass of Lime juice as you go through the check-in procedure makes a pleasant change.
The pool area isn't large by resort standards however it compliments the 3 beaches quite nicely. The infinity edge, swim up bar, BBQ Area and poolside dining made our day by the pool more than tolerable. If soaking up the rays on the beach is more your style then the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has you covered. Close to the pool are 2 small beaches which are serviced by the pool staff, Further toward the western end of the resort is a beautiful long white beach, whose quiet tranquil - lack of children - appeal more than makes up for the BYO food and drink; although room service will deliver to anywhere on the resort grounds.
I must say that the hotel which finds a way to stop people reserving seats by the pool early in the morning, only to go out sightseeing all day will have my undying loyalty. This seemed to happen a lot during out stay.
There are the usual non powered water sports on offer, some free, most not;
Free - table tennis, beach volleyball, swimming
Chargeable - Surfcat RM70, Kayak RM30, Windsurfer RM50
For more pictures and information on Langkawi please visit my website
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