As we have spent the past several months exploring Southeast Asia, we kept hearing people mention how beautiful it was in Langkawi, Malaysia. If at all possible, we were going to try to make it to this island to test it out on our own. After spending over a month in Southern Thailand it was time to make our move to Malaysia.
I originally planned to take the ferry from Phuket, Thailand to Langkawi, Malaysia. After some thought, I realized the family just wasn’t going to be up for a full day on the ferry and we found extremely inexpensive flights from Krabi to Penang. A new plan was hatched based on the deals we found. I know you are wondering, “So how did you get to Langkawi?”
During our 2+ weeks in Penang, we were presented with the opportunity to check out Langkawi! It’s as if the universe presented this opportunity to us. The world works in mysterious ways.
Naturally Langkawi invited us to come experience a week on the many islands of Langkawi, 99 in total. In return we will share our honest review of accommodation, activities and dining with you. Well of course we jumped at the chance and we thank them so much for this opportunity. So be on the look out for a few posts from us.
Upon arrival we were whisked away to our first resort. It was just a 15-minute drive from the airport and right on the beach, so that was exciting. It was the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa. We were greeted as we stepped out of the car and were quickly checked into our rooms.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa – Rooms
We had 2 spacious connecting rooms, each with a private deck, right on the beach. The kids had a room with 2 twin beds and chairs. We had a room with a king bed and couch. The rooms were beautiful, but of course we were all instantly drawn to the deck and the beach views.
The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa – Amenities & Grounds
This resort was just the perfect size; it was full of either single or double story bungalow style rooms. It felt like a peaceful Malay village along the beach. Our room was on the bottom level of a 2 story building and we never knew we had neighbors, as it was always so quiet. Yet, we could see their belongings on the balcony, so we knew someone was there.
We were located in building 7 and out front of our place was an outdoor fitness area. Just a few buildings away was a full gym, the water sports area as well as a game room and kids club. The far end of the resort is where I found the Pelangi Spa for a massage, as well as the cascade pool, with swim-up bar.
In the center of the resort was the dining area, and lobby with live music in the evenings and the main pool and bar area. Of course there was a kids’ water play section as well. But what we loved the most was the beautiful beaches, which stretched the full length of the resort. No matter where your room was located, you had quick and easy access to the beach.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa – Beaches and Pools
The pools are wonderful and very clean as well, this is where we liked to spend our time at the main pool with sails for some shade. We do love the sun, but have our limits as well. The kids of course had a blast on the kiddie slides and the big water dump play area. I did find it a bit difficult to find easy entry and exit points in the main pool. There were 3 ladders for the pool, but no walk in steps or sloped entry. The kids didn’t mind, as they love to just jump into the pool. For me, I like to ease in rather than jump.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa – Dining
We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast buffet each morning at the Spice Market Restaurant, and the food was plentiful. There were so many options, it was almost overwhelming. We also enjoyed the dinner buffet one evening and were very pleased with the selections of food and desserts. The service was always great and it is all centrally located within the resort. We didn’t want to eat all of our meals at the resort, as it was located right on the main street for Cenang Beach. Along this beach are so many local and international food options as well, so we opted to explore a couple of nights for meals.
Pampering at the Pelangi Spa
Upon check in, the hotel manager was kind enough to inform me that they wanted to provide “mom” me a spa treatment! Of course, I wasn’t about to turn this down. Our schedule was very busy, but we did manage to find a block of time for me to enjoy a massage. The spa was lovely and I opted for the Indonesian massage. They first washed my feet and then we walked into my private room. There I received 60 minutes of massage attention. I did notice there wasn’t any music or ambient noise during the massage, so I found that a bit odd. I did love looking down through the head rest as the floating orchids. I guess I am someone who needs to focus on something, and that is usually music. All I know is that I walked out of there happy and relaxed. II think I could have a massage every day!
Overall, we really enjoyed our time at the resort and it felt like home. A very nice home, but comfortable and not overwhelming. The staff throughout the property was very helpful and pleasant as well. We loved hanging out on the hammocks along the beach and enjoying the beautiful sea views. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch a sunset, as we were out to dinner each night.
For us, this is an ideal location and property. It was very kid friendly and close to shops and other restaurants. When you have kids, you need ready access to snacks and cold drinks. We were thankful there was a fridge in the room, so we could stock up on our favorites from 7-Eleven.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Contact Info
- Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi
- Email general inquiries: pelangi@meritushotels.com
- Phone: (60-4) 952 8888
- Address: Pantai Cenang 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman Malaysia
- Location on map
Disclosure: Our accommodation was provided by Naturally Langkawi and Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, all opinions are our own.
We would highly recommend this property for families, couples and singles. The location, property and staff really make this special. Have you stayed at this property or a Meritus property before? Share your stories here.