A rainforest resort honouring Malaysian traditions, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi

The Ritz-Carlton taps into the experiential travel market with its latest opening – a rainforest resort honouring Malaysian traditions. Words: Catherine Martin | Photography: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. 

Nestled in a centuries-old rainforest overlooking a sandy cove in the Andaman Sea, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi has re-set the bar for idyllic island escapes since its arrival late last year. After years of domination by Four Seasons and The Datai (currently closed for refurbishment), newcomers such as St. Regis (opened in 2016) and The Ritz-Carlton have sought to shake up the Malaysian archipelago’s luxury sector. Located just 30km off the mainland, the tropical island – known as the jewel of Kedah – has long been a draw for both beach bums and adventure-seekers thanks to its white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of dense jungle teeming with wildlife. For its first resort destination in Malaysia, The Ritz-Carlton has found its own slice of paradise, fronting a private bay that’s within easy reach of the airport and various leisure attractions. Developed in harmony with the surrounding landscape, the resort is designed by Tropical Area, taking cues from traditional Malay architecture as well as Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences, signifying the region’s diverse ethnic and cultural make up. Much like the nearby villages, known locally as kampongs, buildings use a simple timberframe structure and sit on stilts above ground; pitched roofs with deep overhangs to provide shade from the mid-day sun, while high ceilings aid ventilation.

Each building has been designed to harmonise with the rainforest, with nature often taking priority over man. The walkway to Langkawi Kitchen – one of four restaurants – for example, twists and turns through the forest to avoid the larger trunks, ensuring no trees were harmed in the making of this resort. In fact, two thirds of the site has been left untouched, with each building positioned to minimise its impact on the ecosystem. With long-tailed macaques, dusky leaf monkeys and over 200 species of bird life in the vicinity, respect for this natural habitat was of utmost importance to both owner and operator. The layout of the resort is also guided by nature, with the larger structures – housing the lobby and entry-level guestrooms – invisible from the water’s edge so as not to detract from the setting. In total, 114 accommodations span the site, including rainforest suites and beach and oceanfront villas. All offer uninterrupted views from the balcony or terrace, with the suites benefitting from private pools, sundecks and outdoor living spaces topped with lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and Jonathan Charles.

Guestrooms and suites are largely open-plan with every perch offering vistas of the sea, rainforest or mountains. The surrounding jungle creates natural screening between the villas for a sense of seclusion and privacy, and makes its way inside in the form of an enclosed garden in the beach villas, further blurring the line between indoors and out. Even the bathrooms have direct sightlines to the jungle, allowing for an immersive bathing experience from the comfort of Claybrook’s statement tubs. Interiors are contemporary, with Malaysian accents seen in the soft furnishings and accessories. Elaborate wood carvings, locallymade fruit bowls and decorative sambal pots feature alongside pottery from Gaya Ceramic, handmade in Bali using earth from Langkawi. Artwork is by renowned Malaysian artist Tham Siew Inn, his watercolours depicting scenes of local life.

The majority of furniture is by Jonathan Charles, a British-born, Vietnam-based designer who works with artisans to produce finely crafted pieces. Armchairs, sofas, foot stools and ottomans feature throughout the guestrooms and public spaces, alongside consoles, stools, side tables and oak-framed mirrors, all finished in materials selected to represent the location as well as withstand the island elements.

The authentic touches continue in the F&B venues, where vibrant batik pieces crafted using age-old techniques decorate the spaces, along with environmentally-friendly textiles woven from pandanus trees in another display of artisanal craftsmanship. The four restaurants, designed by Strickland, cater to all manner of tastes serving up Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine as well as western favourites. The adults-only Horizon perches above natural rock formations and is the ideal setting for sundowners, while Langkawi Kitchen, with four live cooking stations, is modelled on the traditional longhouses of Borneo, its long, narrow footprint allowing for a higher proportion of window seats. Completing the line-up, Hai Yen – a Mandarin phrase meaning banquet by the sea – is an authentic Chinese restaurant on the water’s edge illuminated with 500 lanterns, while the alfresco Beach Grill, constructed from natural stone and wood, sits at the far end of the site for uninterrupted views of the Andaman.

The resort also has a sizeable kids club – housed in two giant ‘toadstools’ – as well as a programme of events curated to foster a connection between the guest and their surroundings. Batik painting, traditional folk dancing and rainforest treks are amongst the experiences on offer, along with the more conventional leisure facilities such as a fully-equipped gym, tennis court, infinity pool, and outdoor yoga studio. It is the Ritz-Carlton’s spa however, that’s the real crowd-pleaser thanks to its Instagrammable form. Home to five cocoon-shaped pavilions that appear to float above the sea, the spa is designed to resemble Malay Bubus – the intricately woven fish traps that have been used by local fishermen for centuries. Connected by over-water walkways, each pavilion is surrounded by a circular platform with panoramic ocean views.

In line with the rest of the resort, treatments have been inspired by the indigenous healing and beauty ceremonies practiced by local shamans on the island. It is this connection to the locale that will undoubtedly create the authentic guest experience that so many travellers crave, and ultimately set the resort apart.

sources: Sleeper, 01-02, 2018

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