Get ready to taste heaven, or at least something very close to it. This jewel in the Ritz-Carlton’s empire has everything you could possibly want from a luxury hotel. As soon as you walk through its grand doors, you are automatically enveloped in a world of impeccable service. The food is flawless, the grounds feel like a never-ending haven, and the staff are so attentive it’s like they can read your mind. Whether you’re here to unwind or explore the onsite jungle, the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi delivers an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Why stay at the Ritz-Carlton?
The real question is: why wouldn’t you? This place has everything you could possibly dream of and then some. Fancy your own bout of White Lotus drama? You’re in the right place. Surrounded by untamed jungle filled with animals and obscure plants, the hotel feels like part of another, wilder world. The only real downside is the price (it’s definitely on the steep side, with rooms starting at £333 a night), but if you’ve got the cash to splash, or it’s a particularly special occasion, why not treat yourself to the full-blown experience?
What are the rooms like at the Ritz-Carlton?
This isn’t your standard place to rest your head: the rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi are a dream. Expansive, decadently decorated, and dripping with tropical charm, each one features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the outside rainforest like a living painting. Kinglike beds (the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in), elegant wood finishes, and private balconies make it feel like your own slice of paradise. As for the bathrooms? The huge soaking tubs are perfect for dissolving any travel fatigue. Honestly, even leaving the room was a difficult task.
What are the best things to eat at the Ritz-Carlton?
Food is taken seriously at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. At breakfast in the wood-adorned Langkawi Kitchen, traditional Malaysian curries are presented next to Arabic salads and dips, delicate dim sum, and all the makings of a British fry-up. The à la carte menu’s speciality lobster omelette, is so indulgent it’ll send your tastebuds into a tailspin. There’s so much on offer that one morning’s feast could easily fuel you for the rest of the day, if not your entire stay. Try to leave a little room for more food, though, because there is plenty you’ll want to try. Poolside, trays of juicy watermelon and ice lollies appear like magic. For dinner at The Beach Grill, you can select your own fish from the day’s catch, and it’s grilled to perfection infront of your eyes. With waves lapping just metres away and lanterns glowing overhead, the whole experience feels effortlessly cinematic.
What are the best things to drink?
The Horizon Bar is undoubtedly the best place on-site to relax. You can watch the sunset, swim in the infinity pool that spills into the ocean, or spot red-backed sea eagles gliding overhead. But best of all are the drinks. International mixologist Nico de Soto has created a bespoke cocktail menu that bursts with creativity. Every drink is a flavour revelation, but my personal favourite is the ‘Pandan Celebrations’: a homage to one of Malaysia’s best-loved herbs, rich in botanical depth with a zesty lime kick. If you prefer a bold twist on a classic, opt for the Gedembai Negroni. Infused with local jackfruit, signature coffee beans, and a hint of Thai chilli, it blends the familiar with the unexpected.
What is the service like at the Ritz-Carlton?
If there’s one thing the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi does exceptionally well—and by now, you might have realised there are many—it is making guests feel like royalty. The kind that don’t lift a finger, are constantly supplied with gloriously tasty snacks, and definitely don’t walk around the site (obviously, there are golf buggies to whisk you wherever you need to go). From the moment you arrive, you’re handed cold towels and local tea to get you in the mood to relax. All you have to do is surrender to the hotel’s ultimate indulgence—and the incredibly attentive staff will do the rest. If I had one criticism, it’s that at times, the service felt so diligent it bordered on over-attentive.
What are the facilities like at the Ritz-Carlton?
The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi doesn’t hold back when it comes to facilities. You’ve got two stunning pools to lounge by, guest-only beaches with bars, and a well-equipped gym on site. Need some downtime? The spa offers indulgent treatments and boasts Langkawi’s only Hammam (a traditional skin-cleansing ritual). Step inside the fishing-net-shaped building and you’ll be greeted by gentle music and soothing scents that instantly melt any stress away. There are guides on hand to lead you through the rainforest and educate you on its wildlife, as well as daily activities like kayaking. For kids, there’s a whole building dedicated to fun and games, complete with colouring books and scavenger hunt routes.
What’s the area like around the Ritz-Carlton?
Set on a private stretch of Langkawi’s coastline, the hotel blends all the five-star indulgence imaginable with untamed natural beauty. A 10-million-year-old rainforest wraps itself around the resort, making it feel thrillingly alive. Ten minutes by Grab (Malaysia’s answer to Uber, and around £5 a ride) lands you in Pantai Cenang: a lively beach town where fire shows light up the sand every evening and there’s a mass of beach bars, too. Langkawi’s famed SkyCab cable car is also nearby and well worth a visit for sweeping views of the island. Bonus? The entire island is duty-free, so cocktails cost next to nothing and can be constantly flowing.
Why should you book a stay at the Ritz-Carlton?
If you’re travelling to Langkawi and want a stay defined by exceptional service and elegance, the Ritz-Carlton is definitely a worthwhile indulgence. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want proof this kind of paradise actually exists.