Tanjung Rhu Resort

...holidays have packages to the Tanjung Rhu Resort. No idea of the cost.

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If you’re looking for a perfect retreat from the world, where you can chill out and unwind totally, then look no further. The Tanjung Rhu Resort on the Malaysian island of Langkawi has it all. At a price.

We first came across the privately owned Tanjung Rhu resort when we were ...
...the Andaman Datai and the Tanjung Rhu Resort.

The privately owned Tanjung Rhu Resort is situated on the northern tip of Langkawi, well away from tourist hotspots, in the middle of an extensive nature reserve. In fact, approaching the resort itself you can be forgiven for wondering where on earth such a gem is hidden! The Resort will provide transport from the airport, which is 30 minutes away, by shuttle bus or limousine, or you can ... more

27/08/02 - The hotel is carrying out some renovation works to frayed decking by the Rhu restaurant and parts of the Sunset Pool. These should be completed by Sept 2002 but work will be in progress between the hours of 10am and 6pm. The hotel assures guests that there should be no disturbance to their stay.

NEWSFLASH : I've just discovered that Sovereign Worldwide holidays have packages to the Tanjung Rhu Resort. No idea of the cost.

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If you’re looking for a perfect retreat from the world, where you can chill out and unwind totally, then look no further. The Tanjung Rhu Resort on the Malaysian island of Langkawi has it all. At a price.

We first came across the privately owned Tanjung Rhu resort when we were looking for just such a holiday. Friends recommended it and the website made the resort look idyllic. We booked in for 10 days. Luckily we were able to negotiate an ‘all-inclusive’ package which included all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, mini bar items, room service and ‘picnics’ for day trips. We liked the look of the 80 sq metre Bayu Suite, with a sea view. All that remained was to book flights from Kertih, on the East coast of Malaysia, to Langkawi International Airport.

The island of Langkawi was actively developed as a tourist destination by the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohammad. He had worked in Langkawi as a young doctor and, along with Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, recognised it’s potential. The island is roughly the same size as Singapore but is still relatively rural and undeveloped. It is situated off the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia, close to the border with Thailand. There are a number of first class hotels available on the island, including the Datai Langkawi, the Andaman Datai and the Tanjung Rhu Resort.

The privately owned Tanjung Rhu Resort is situated on the northern tip of Langkawi, well away from tourist hotspots, in the middle of an extensive nature reserve. In fact, approaching the resort itself you can be forgiven for wondering where on earth such a gem is hidden! The Resort will provide transport from the airport, which is 30 minutes away, by shuttle bus or limousine, or you can take a local taxi.

Having disembarked from the taxi and entered the reception area, you at last begin to gain a sense of the philosophy behind the resort. Man in harmony with nature. The reception is a large, cool, airy space with large benches and sofas intermingled with rectangular pools and the sound of flowing water. Service is efficient and courteous. There is greenery everywhere.

Altogether there are about 136 rooms at the Tanjung Rhu, arranged around a central koi lake and swimming lagoon. In the mornings and evenings the staff provide a bowl of koi food, which guests can use to feed the fish, which is a nice touch. The resort is low rise, no higher than 4 storeys and upper floors are accessible by stairs or a lift. You don’t seem to notice the other guests as the facilities are quite spread out and it’s pleasant to wander in between, through landscaped gardens and along the beach.

Our room was on the ground floor facing the beach. The porter opened the door and we couldn’t believe our eyes! This was definitely the best accommodation we had ever experienced. The door opened onto a large lounge area, with dark wood furniture and large white sofa. It was cool, having adjustable air conditioning but with patio doors at one end and a balcony/terrace at the other. In the middle was the bathroom area – marble clad with a huge bath, separate shower cubicle with power shower, 2 basins, wc and baskets of toiletries. There were louvred doors above the bath which you could open up and watch the sun set over the Andaman sea. The bed was made up in crisp white cotton and there was yet another seating area next to the balcony doors. Lots and lots of space! The room was very well equipped with TV, CD and video player, data port, mini bar and telephones. You could borrow books, CD’s or videos from the hotel Reading Room. We were very pleased with our choice of room, the hotel staff had even attached netting to the balcony railings to keep our 14 month old from falling the 12 inches into the shrubbery.

We decided to explore the resort complex. Just 15m from our front door there was the perfect spot for relaxing – a large saltwater swimming lagoon, complete with sandy shore, plentiful towels, sun loungers, strategically placed boulders and a small refreshment pavilion. The water and beach were well shaded by a veritable forest of palms and tropical plants so it was a favourite spot for children. The hotel has a further 60m freshwater pool called the Sunset pool, this has one of those illusory ‘drop-off’ features which makes you feel as if you can swim off into the ocean and follow the sun. Of course there is always the 2.5km of immaculate beachfront, which overlooks several small islands, the nearest of which is just about accessible at low tide via a sandspit.

For eating there are 4 or 5 alternatives. There is the Sands restaurant for that ubiquitous ‘all day’ dining experience. In practice I think most people used this for breakfast, you could find a plethora of dishes both Western and Asian available in the buffet. There is also an a la carte menu available during the day. Don’t expect to find pork here, though. Then there is the Saffron Mediterranean style bistro – they serve a variety of appetising pasta, pizza and salad dishes amongst other things. Not forgetting the Sunset Bar for ‘fast food’ whilst you’re by the pool or the Reading Room for an authentic High Tea. The best place to eat had to be the Rhu restaurant. Two floors of glass walled culinary heaven. You could sit inside in the cool airconditioning or catch the tropical evening breezes outside on the terrace facing the sea. The food and service were superb, by far the best quality food I’ve eaten anywhere (barring Raffles Hotel in Singapore). The waiters even went out of their way to ensure that our ‘little companion’ was comfortable, well fed and entertained throughout our own meal. That’s what I like about eating in Asia, the staff are so considerate towards children. In fact this dedication to service was a constant feature of our stay. One evening I discovered that I was just about out of nappies, I rang through to reception and one of the porters nipped out to a nearby kampong kedai (shop) and brought back a pack of Pampers baby dry!

There are two other eating options which you should try – 24 hr room service, served with all the flourish of a 5 star Rhu meal, great for a leisurely breakfast on your balcony or a late supper. Then there’s your very own barbecue on the beach – your own personal dining pavilion set up in a secluded part of the beach with everything you need for a romantic meal including a waiter to cater to your every whim.

So, you’re in paradise, but what is there to do all day long, apart from get a fabulous suntan?

Well, the hotel has all the usual watersports available plus a couple of others such as kayaking and some with tuition. There are tennis courts and a gym/sauna/health spa. My husband tried every conceivable treatment while we were there and recommends the aromatherapy massage! You can hire mountain bikes or play golf at the Datai Bay Golf Course. The hotel also organises an interesting range of trips including fishing, feeding sea eagles, mangrove experience with qualified botanist as your guide and snorkelling/diving excursions. Various grades of nature walks are available as well as cave exploration, mountain bike guided tours, luxury motor yacht cruises and an island hopping trip. You can explore the fascinating kampong night markets, go shopping in Kuah Town or rent a convertible and explore Langkawi on your own or settle for browsing the on site boutiques and wandering around the beautiful gardens. The hotel will provide a sumptuous picnic with cutlery and crockery just in case you happen to be out of the hotel at mealtimes.

We rented a car and opted for our own exploration. Driving is easy although it’s best to be aware of goats, chickens, buffalo and cows that tend to meander across and along the roads. We drove down to investigate the Datai Langkawi to see what we might be missing. This is arguably the ‘premier’ hotel on the island, but we found the atmosphere a bit ‘stuffy’ and formal. Plus the fact that there are lots and lots of steps, not good either for a young child or an expectant mum! Good boutiques though! We returned to the Tanjung Rhu feeling vindicated in our choice!

Ten days passed all too quickly and we were soon winging our way home. I still remember this holiday vividly even though it was more than a year ago now. If you are planning a honeymoon or special anniversary I would heartily recommend that you consider the Tanjung Rhu Resort. Although I have never seen it in a brochure, there is a comprehensive website and online bookings are possible. It always pays to negotiate when you are booking, for discounts or room upgrades. On the website you can find a range of packages which the hotel provide and the costs in Malaysian RM. There is a handy currency converter at the bottom of the page. The costs are per room and not per person, for two adults sharing a room, children under 12 are free. Here's the web address:-

www.tanjungrhu.com.my

This is certainly a luxury category resort and is priced accordingly, but believe me, you’ll get everything you expect for that price and probably more.
 

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