Pangkor Laut Resort

Paradise at home

Published in The Peak, November 2012 (Click on images to read the article).

Pangkor Laut Resort

We recently had a wonderful weekend getaway to YTL’s Pangkor Laut Resort located on the West Coast of Malaysia. With a seriously impressive list of awards and accolades to its name such as Best Spa Resort (Winner) CNNGo! 2011; Best Luxury Destination Spa  World Luxury Hotel Awards, 2011; Best Hotel voted by SLH Club Members Small Luxury Hotels of The World, 2009 – it’s no surprise to you that we often recommend this hotel to our friends overseas.

Pangkor Laut Resort is located on the privately owned island of Pangkor Laut off the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it is a tropical isle with rocky outcrops and white sandy beaches fringed by a beautiful rain forest. We recommend the Spa Villa with your private water chalet and balcony. We spotted all sorts of wildlife from giant monitor lizards to hornbills on the resort. Great dining facilities and our faves were Fisherman’s Cove and Uncle Lim’s Kitchen for dinner and lunch at Royal bay Beach Club. Of course we also visited the Spa Village which is world renowned doing their signature Bath House ritual.  See why we loved it so much! It’s the ideal romantic retreat.

The Peak: Jetsetter (Feb 2011)

Published in The Peak Malaysia, February 2011:

click on this link to read the article: The Peak Feb 2011

Best Private Island Resorts

Not exactly Robinson Crusoe. More like Lord of the Manor. Ever fantasized to be on a fabulous secluded private island resort where the staff and facilities are for you and yours alone? I have hunted for the Top 10 Best Private Island Resorts in the world and what can I say, but baby can you buy me an island please?

1. Parrot cay – turks and caicos

A gorgeous private island resort of 100 acres owned by COMO Hotels and Resort (of The Halkin and Metropolitan fame) in the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos. You’ll spot Demi Moore and other celebrities here.

2. necker island – british virgin islands

Richard Branson’s private playground in the divine Caribbean islands of BVI, this 74 acred resort is simply stellar.

3. cocoa island – maldives

A favorite of mine that we’ve visited – this is the pure honeymoon paradise spot to be whisked away to. Also part of COMO Hotels and Resorts, Cocoa Island is breathtakingly beautiful.

4. Cousine island – seychelles

An amazing luxury private island resort in the Seychelles (only 6 hours from Paris), and you’ll find yourself in the ultimate getaway vacation staring at the azure Indian Ocean.

4. musha cay – bahamas

An exclusive private island resort in the Caribbean with 500 acres for you to frolick around, Musha Cay is all about luxury with exquisite accommodations that can host 24 guests.

6. pangkor laut resort – malaysia

Not to be outdone by the Caribbean islands, but we too have our secluded and exclusive private island resorts in Malaysia. At the top of this is YTL Hotels and Resorts’ amazing Pangkor Laut Resort (one of ORIGINALO’s partners) in west Malaysia. Pavarotti called it ‘paradise’.

7. bunga raya island resort – malaysia

Ok so maybe I’m biased for Malaysia, but Bunga Raya Island Resort – one of ORIGINALO’s partners – is a beautiful secluded private island resort in Sabah East Malaysia – known to have some of the most amazing dive spots in the world.

8. cayo espanto – belize

Located just off San Pedro, Belize – Cayo Espanto is a luxurious world-class private island resort. Secluded, ultra-cool – this is the ultimate retreat.

9. wadigi island – fiji

Wadigi Island in Fiji is a deluxe private island available for exclusive charter combining luxury accommodation and gourmet cuisine. This has to be the most sublime escape.

10. le taha’a – french polynesia

If someone were to ask me where should we stay in Tahiti, then look no further than the ultimate exclusive secluded private island resort of Le Taha’a, member of Relais & Chateaux. I don’t think you need a honeymoon as an excuse to come here either!

So the next time you really want seclusion and privacy, plus you’ve got the moolah to match, then head to one of these fabulous destinations. (Better still, own your private island…!)

PZ.


Best Beaches in Malaysia

It’s la rentrée in France, the big return to the office after the long summer break. Depressed, as the grey Autumn weather falls, the last thing we want to do is think about work.  So what could be better than plan for your next vacation – Christmas! So here to help out my friends (many of you keep asking) are some tantalizing, exotic beach destinations in Malaysia for you to dream.  Just check Monsoon season as West Coast Malaysia is best November – February whilst East Coast Malaysia is best April – September.

Perhentian Islands

North East Terengganu of East Coast Malaysia is sublime. Pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters that would make Leo (di Caprio) rethink twice of filming The Beach in Thailand. Seriously unrivalled diving in the region, the two islands are dotted with rustic beach huts and has become the number one destination for beach lovers and backpackers around the world. The location is so amazing you’ll forgive for the lack of luxury hotels. Just suck it up and dive into paradise.


Redang Island

Another diving hot spot in Terengganu, that’s not far from Perhentian. One of the largest and most beautiful of the east coast islands, Redang is also the most developed. Redang Archipelago is made of 9 islands that together constitute a protected marine park. With crystal clear waters and some of Malaysia’s best coral reefs, the island offers excellent diving and snorkelling.


Langkawi Island

Made up of 99 islands, Langkawi (duty free island) has now been given geopark status by UNESCO. Langkawi is the easiest to access of all the islands (40 mins direct flights from KL) with gorgeous sandy beaches. Boasting some of the most luxurious hotels, such as Four Seasons, The Datai, Westin, The Andaman, Casa del Mar etc you’ll be spoilt for choice!


Pangkor Laut Island

It’s not the main Pangkor island I’d recommend but Pangkor Laut Resort – a top notch 5star luxury hotel alone on an island. Voted as best romantic hotel, best spa, best hotel in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Resort is the ideal romantic getaway. Book for the Spa Village Villa, on stilts in the middle of the ocean and you’ll forget easily the real world. Heaven.


Tioman Islands

The largest of Malaysia’s east coast islands, Tioman is famed for its soft, sandy beaches, warm waters and coral reef. Most of the resorts are strung out on isolated bays along the western coast. Diving and snorkelling is excellent but also jungle hiking and sunbathing. Best luxury hotel is Japamala resort – to simply die for!


Rawa Island

Not far from Tioman, the privately owned island of Rawa is surrounded by sugary sands and transparent waters. There’s only one place to stay on the island but worth if you’re looking for the charming rustic feel.


Sipadan Island

Leaving the best til last, rated among the wold’s top 5 dive sites, Sipadan is fringed with white, sandy beaches. Surrounding the island is stunning coral reef teeming with over 3000 species of marine life and sightings of sharks, barracudas, turtles and manta rays are also common. Located in Sabah, Borneo in Malaysia – this is a true paradise delight.


Malaysia – truly Asia! See you soon folks.

PZ.