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Malaysia’s most lavish stays

International Traveller

Are you a lover of luxury? Look no further. Here we reveal the most indulgent hotels Malaysia has to offer.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Rich in history and timeless opulence, this art deco landmark was built in 1932 as the grandest hotel in Kuala Lumpur (and the first in Malaysia with modern sanitation!).

Today The Majestic is characterised by its towering white Roman columns and colonial feel – complete with pith-helmeted doormen at the porte cochère – while inside beams with a level of luxury far beyond hot showers.

Here guests can indulge in the cigar room and gentlemen’s club, private cinema, day spa and one of many high tea lounges, including the famed Orchid Conservatory (you’ll need to book three months in advance to get in).

Accommodation-wise, the historic ‘Majestic Wing’ now houses 47 indulgent suites with that unreplicable old-world elegance, heightened by plush lounges, claw-foot baths, king-size beds and a personal butler for those troublesome tasks like drawing a rose-petal-sprinkled bath.

Alternatively, the adjoining Tower Wing is an uber-contemporary addition, with 253 guestrooms complete with dark marble, polished chrome and four-poster beds.

Pangkor Laut Resort

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than Pangkor Laut, tucked away on a privately owned island just off the west coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca.

Surrounded by ancient rainforest, the resort’s enviable location also takes a front-row seat to the secluded white-sand beach and sapphire sea, where guests can lap up sunset cruises, snorkeling, wakeboarding and all manner of water activities.

While there are several noteworthy accommodation options here, you can’t go past the Signature Sea Villas.

Elevated on stilts above the water, the villas are linked to the rest of the resort via wooden walkways, and come with a private balcony as well as our favourite feature, a large bathtub that opens onto the sea.

Unsurprisingly, these iconic villas have been awarded a generous swag of accolades over the years, including Best Overseas Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveller UK in 2003 and Best Luxury Destination Spa at the 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

It seems we’re not the only ones to appreciate this little island gem.

Four Seasons Langkawi

Langkawi may be the party capital of Malaysia thanks to its duty-free shopping and subsequently considerably cheaper alcohol, but just outside the bustling centre is an entire archipelago of pristine rainforest and crystal-clear waters waiting to be explored.

In fact, Langkawi is one of only four inhabited islands in the 99-strong archipelago, justifying its official title of Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Langkawi Permata Kedah).

And the shiniest part of the jewel in terms of luxury stays is Four Seasons Langkawi. Set on absolute beachfront, each lavish pavilion and villa takes in either views of the surrounding tropical gardens or over the azure Andaman Sea.

Each with a uniquely Malay design blending tropical timbers and charming tributes to the natural surrounds, guests can also expect five-star contemporary comforts from plush king-size beds, full-marble bathrooms, private decks and plunge pools.

There’s even naturalists on staff to host guests on jungle treks and mangrove treks. Alternatively, the beach looks veeeeeery tempting.

Gaya Island Resort

This is where to really get away from it all. Hidden just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, you’ll find Gaya Island Resort in Malohom Bay, set amidst lush rainforest and blindingly beautiful beaches.

With no shortage of nature trails and impressive snorkelling and diving right on the doorstep, this is one idyllic stay for outdoor adventurers and luxury lovers alike.

Inside is equally as stunning; some 120 villas incorporate local Sabahan elements such as local timbers, as well as a variety of views over surrounding mangroves, the treetop canopy, rainforest or sea.

However the pièce de resistance is the two-storey Suria Suite. Sprawling across a whopping 188 square metres atop a hillside, it boasts uninterrupted views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu from its outdoor verandah, complete with daybeds and outdoor bath.

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Temple Tree

The lesser known of the bunch, this boutique beauty claims to be the best resort in all of Langkawi. Set in a former coconut plantation by a lagoon, Temple Tree is centrally located, being a 10-minute drive from the airport and even less to the main beach Pantai Cenang.

However it’s the unique accommodation here that sets this picturesque stay apart from others.

With eight heritage villas, each drawing inspiration from Chinese, Malay, Indian and European origins, these sensitively restored villas combine antique furnishings and contemporary touches, each with their own individual personality.

While some villas include a private bar room, others boast a projection room, a private library or timber bathtubs.

While the onsite restaurant in Straits Club is also worth a mention, it’s the two palm-fringed swimming pools that take out the title of most photogenic location in the resort.

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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.

    Malaysia's most lavish stays - International Traveller Magazine