The Ritz Carlton Langkawi adds 2 prestigious regional awards

SURROUNDED by a 10-million-year-old rainforest, located next to the Andaman Sea at the most historical island in Malaysia and blessed with a wonderful sight of sunset, are among the reasons why guests chose The Ritz Carlton Langkawi as their preferred choice of accommodation. 

Since opening their doors in 2017, this beach resort has bagged at least five awards and they recently added two more awards to their collection namely “Best Beach or Upcountry Resorts” and “Best Hotel Pools” from the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 is an award organised by the Asian edition of American luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau. 

Sharing with The Malaysian Reserve (TMR), its GM Ellen Franke said the awards were definitely worth their hard work and it was amazing to be the hotel the guests voted for. 

“We are honoured to have won two prestigious awards, which are the Best Beach or Upcountry Resorts and Best Hotel Pools, and at the sametimetobeNo4onthelistof Best Hotel GMs and No 9 in the list for Best Hotel Spas in Malaysia.

“These awards are not just the effort of one person, but all of the ladies and gentlemen who make up The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, and really place the genuine care and comfort of our guests as our highest mission,” she told TMR. 

Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 features five awards up for grab for participating hotels and resorts in Malaysia, namely Best City Hotels, Best Beach or Upcountry Resorts, Best Hotel GMs, Best Hotel Pools and Best Hotel Spas.

Featuring the concept of a village compound at the resort, Franke said The Ritz Carlton Langkawi boasted 75 guest rooms, 15 suites and 30 villas ensuite with private pool.

“For guests who prefer more privacy, we have the two-bedroom Villa Kenari and the three-bedroom Villa Mutiara specially designated for them,” Franke said, adding that Villa Mutiara also comes with its own private beach.

She further mentioned that one of the most sought-after features at the resort would be the adults-only pool area, the Horizon Lounge & Bar, which is popular among both in-house and outside guests as an Instagram-able spot for its infinity pool and sunset view.

“Our overwater bar and lounge which literally sits on top of the Andaman Sea allow guests to virtually touch the sunset while they are at the poolside enjoying the beautiful craft cocktail by one of our talents or they can swim into the sunset.

“It is just one of the best experience our guests can have,” Franke said while mentioning that she always like to introduce the resort as their home away from home.

Apart from the awards from the Travel + Leisure, Franke highlighted that their spa services have won the Asean Spa Services Award by Asean Tourism Standard Awards in Yogyakarta this year. 

“The spa’s iconic ‘Bubu’ design — inspired by traditional Malay fishing nets — receives rave reviews from guests who come to experience signature treatments such as Mandi Bunga or enjoy Langkawi’s only hammam facility,” she said.

Asked if those awards have resulted in more guests for the establishment, Franke said so far, there have only been increase in engagement and interaction on their social media platforms but they were looking forward to have more travellers to reside at their resort in legendary island. 

Looking at the upcoming Aidilfitri Aidiladha by the end of June, Franke shared that the beach resort is ready to customise the culinary journey for their guests.

“We are anticipating a large number of Middle Eastern guests, who traditionally come to Malaysia to escape the heat in their own countries, and to experience Malaysia’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

“However, we find that most are seeking a new experience and culture that can be enjoyed at our resort,” she said.

Last year, TMR reported that Langkawi has recorded an encouraging number of tourists on the island. 

Langkawi Development Authority CEO Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib shared that more than 200,000 visitors have been recorded in Langkawi which was a huge increase from their early projections.

He said the highest numbers of travellers were recorded during the school holidays or long weekend with 172,623 visitors by that time.