You’ll find rainforest retreat Ambong Ambong stretching its way up an unassuming hill in South Langkawi. Although it’s just five minutes from the beaches, this two-site, all-spectacular resort feels a world away from those tourist magnets.
Ambong Pool Villas is the family-friendly option. Each villa is its own sanctuary, with a private pool, fenced-off garden and bamboo-roofed, open-air kitchen. Pick of the bunch is the Sawak villa, where you can lounge in bed looking out at sea eagles circling over the island-dotted Strait of Malacca, before plunging directly into the pool from the room to the amusement of the monkeys that live in the neighbouring trees.
It would be tempting to never leave, but if anything is going to lure you from your haven then it is breakfast at the Rimba restaurant, where platters of tropical fruit and what may very well be the island’s best roti canai await.
Sister resort Ambong Rainforest Retreat is adults-only and features 11 suites, studios and cottages. The open design welcomes nature in and the open-air pool, vegan cafe, luxurious spa and regular yoga sessions are made all the more special by the sounds of the surrounding jungle.
Experiences on offer include island-hopping cruises which will drop you off on your own private stretch of sand for the morning, trips into the dense mangrove forests in the north of the island and an excellent cooking class conducted on the resort’s own organic farm. The latter is particularly memorable. Chef Amin conjures up wonderful Malaysian dishes with ingredients you can pick yourselves from the farm (or if you fancy fishing, pluck from the on-site lake).
With low-key luxury throughout, both hotels maintain a relaxed vibe that is addictive – you’ll struggle to tear yourself away come the end of your stay.