Thoroughly exhausted from the day’s travels I settled into the private boat that would take me the short distance to my next adventure. With the cool, salt kissed wind hitting my face and the star filled night sky overhead, I tingled with excitement of what was to come.
Pangkor Laut Resort is a 300-acre privately owned island surrounded by white sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and the emerald green waters of the Straits of Malacca. It’s located 3 miles off the West Coast of Malaysia and is accessible by a short 10-minute boat ride from their very own marina on the mainland of Pangkor Laut.
Very little of the natural beauty of this island has been disturbed and sustainability is the main focus for the owners of this beautiful island. As such, visitors enjoy a unique untouched quality to their luxury experience.
After a warm greeting by the reception staff and a quick check-in, I was escorted to the over water villa I chose for this stay. I’m always amazed at how seamlessly the opulent luxury and warm home feeling is incorporated into the design of each of the YTL Hotels’ resorts. Every comfort is considered and I found myself wandering around the villa marveling at its beauty. Ultimately my weary bones called for sleep so I sunk into the inviting king sized bed, enveloped myself in the soft linens and quickly drifted off to sleep.
With the rising sun came the songs of nature. The melodies of birds and monkeys from the rain forest and the gentle crashing of waves on the nearby beach made for an amazing wake up call! I quickly dressed and eagerly set out to start my day exploring the gorgeous island.
First stop…breakfast! Seriously! Who knew there were so many breakfast options? From local selections to Western favorites the buffet at Feast Village offers guests unlimited choices. I stuffed myself silly.
In the evening the chefs present various dishes from around the world and, with access to a wine cellar, guests can pair the perfect choice with their meal.
There are several activities to choose from when visiting the resort and on my first full day I chose to take the Jungle Trekking tour with Aris, the resort Naturalist. Having worked on the island for 19 years Aris has the inside scoop on every animal, plant, and insect that inhabits the island. His quick wit and sense of humor makes for a unique inside glimpse of the wildlife that calls the island home. I recommend the free Jungle Trekking tour for all visitors.
The tour ends at the breathtaking Emerald Bay. A rocky outcropping and lush rain forest protects this untouched stretch of soft white sand beach. Declared one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, this unspoiled secluded inlet is the perfect place to bask in the sun.
Mere steps away is Chapman’s Bar where I enjoyed lunch. The restaurant presents a variety of dishes and tropical beverages, which are served during the day. The pleasant staff is also happy to bring you drinks at your beach chair as well, making it the perfect beach day experience.
I reluctantly dragged myself off the beach and set out for my next escapade. Of course, as you all know, I’m a spa junkie! There’s nothing like a day getting pampered by an expert masseur and the award winning Spa Village Pangkor is a sanctuary where spa lovers can indulge in treatments designed to send you into nirvana. The spa is surrounded by the splendor of the rain forest and each treatment pavilion is designed to elicit the utmost in relaxation and indulgence.
I spent four hours of pure bliss being pampered first with a signature pre-treatment ritual where I bathed like Malay royalty. Then came my treatment of choice – the Royal Secrets of Puteri Lindungan Bulan which included a traditional Malay massage, hair cream bath, facial and body scrub, fragrant milk bath, and scented body steaming. The whole affair was topped off with a delicious herbal tonic drink. I cascaded from one treatment to the other releasing stress and tension finally leaving me with a sense of well-being and peace. I literally floated out of the spa. Makes sure to check out the spa menu…it has every treatment imaginable!
I finished my day with a meal at the fine dining restaurant – Fisherman’s Cove. This signature restaurant serves western cuisine as well as fresh seafood and the most incredible desserts! It is a featured restaurant of the YTL Resorts and a must try when staying at Pangkor Laut.
The rest of my days were spent enjoying the beaches, strolling along the trails, having a few more spa treatments, enjoying more activities (definitely participate in The Chef’s Kitchen Experience) and eating the most amazing food. For more photos of my adventures click here.
Another highlight of my trip was having a meal at Uncle Lim’s, as authentic a Chinese restaurant as you’ll ever dine in. Its namesake is a gregarious 81 year old who holds the title of employee 001, the very first employee of the resort. He still shows up every day to make sure that each meal is the best. His passion for cooking is evident in each bite of his delightful creations.
All too soon my time at this remarkable resort came to an end. As I waited for the boat to take me back to reality, I took a last look around and reflected on my past few days. I realize that, when it comes to luxury resorts, there are so many to choose from. What makes Pangkor Laut Resort different? Why stay here over one of the other resorts that are just as beautiful? The answer is simple – the people.
From reception to activities, grounds keepers, to housekeeping, each person encountered during a stay is genuinely thrilled to help you have an incredible experience. The care and honest enthusiasm for their job is palpable.
A trip to any YTL Hotel Resorts brings with it, not just luxury accommodations, breathtaking scenery, and exceptional service, but a tranquil peace that leaves you with a sense of belonging. This is my fifth experience with the resort group and at the end of each one I leave feeling as if I’ve acquired an extended family.
The YTL Hotels Resort group has something that touches its guests and leaves them with a sense of peace and I can honestly recommend and guarantee a fantastic retreat at Pangkor Laut Resort.
For more information or to book a stay visit their website at:
http://www.pangkorlautresort.com
107
