Berjaya Redang

An hour away from Kuala Lumpur by plane, there is an idyllic place that you can only find in Malaysia: Redang.

With excellent visibility, spectacular and easily accessible coral reefs, lush surrounding rainforest, Redang, off the east coast of Malaysia is hailed as a scuba diving and snorkelling paradise and a very popular weekend destination. Hence PZ and I considered as our duty to experience the best Redang can offer: Berjaya Redang.

This unique resort is located on one of the best beaches of Malaysia (I have now a doctorate degree in the matter ;-)), with powdery, soft, white sand; palm trees; and crystal clear turquoise water.  Tastefully furnished chalets and suites with stunning views such as gardens, hills or spectacular ocean, we stayed in the Ocean Front Suite – 15 steps away from the beach.

After only two nights, it was very hard to leave this heaven of tranquility and nature paradise. Imagine: Our day starts at 8.30 am with me going scuba diving in one of the richest sites for marine life and corals in the world with a brilliant array of reef fishes, crustaceans and sea turtles. Meanwhile, PZ would enjoy  a rejuvenating experience at The Ayura Spa and snorkelling.

The rest of the day would be dedicated  to reading (and a bit of working) under the sun on the secluded beach where water sports activities such as banana boat rides, canoeing, snorkelling, island hopping, sunset cruises and even fish feeding at the Marine Park are available. To recover from our intense day we would then enjoy a peaceful evening in one of the two restaurants: the Palms restaurant or the Beach restaurant.

On our last night, we had an amazing surprise: a romantic dinner organized for us, in the middle of the sea, on a pontoon under a starry night sky. (thanks Robin for this unique experience!) This will stay as a very special memory that we won’t forget and that will become for sure the signature of the resort. A must do!!

If you have two days or two weeks to relax, dream, dive and pamper yourself, Berjaya Redang is the place to go. Thanks again to Karen and the very friendly staff, we will be back (every weekend!).

Frog.

COCOA ISLAND, Maldives

Pure paradise continued when we took a short boat ride (10 mins) to visit a breathtakingly beautiful, holistic wellbeing retreat in the Maldives’ South Male Atoll, Cocoa Island. Part of the COMO Hotels and Resorts Group (The Halkin, The Metropolitan, Parrot Cay, Uma, and Como Shambhala Estate, Bali), Christina Ong does it again with her sense of cool chic style and minimalist zen design.

Cocoa Island, Maldives

This is truly the place for romantic lovebirds and honeymooners. We snorkelled, ate delicious food, and admired the reef activity right outside the villas. There is the fantastic spa Como Shambhala and yoga every morning free of charge. On this tiny island, even at full capacity when we visited, we hardly bumped into a soul. So if you’re looking for that magical getaway, then look no further at Cocoa Island.

Jump straight into the reef and ocean from your bedroom

Suites and villas shaped like the Maldivian Dhoni boats

Dhoni Suite

Dhoni Loft suite

Dhoni Loft suite mezzanine level

Private Villa terrace

Snorkelling by your room

Como Shambhala Spa

Cocoa’s pool right on the beachfront

I’ve tested the beach beds and they are divine!

Romantic dinner a deux on the beach

So the next time you’re wondering where to go for honeymoon, or romantic break or just to chill by the beach and spa, you know where it’s at!

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.