Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is about modern, multicultural Malaysia, symbolised best by the iconic Petronas Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Penang is delightful, delicious food.  While Langkawi is the leisure and relaxation that we all need in this increasingly busy world.

Langkawi is located north west of peninsula Malaysia and is home to some of the most luxurious beach resorts in Asia.  The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is one of Langkawi’s highest rated resorts, Traveller’s Choice 2012 Winner for relaxation and spa on Tripadvisor.  The resort is located right on the beach in Pantai Cenang.  It’s going through a refurbishment that will effectively make the Meritus Pelangi the most modern resort in Langkawi.  Spice Market restaurant and Meritus Club Lounge refurbishments have been completed and the next phase, a new Gym that will offer panoramic views of the beach and 104 guest rooms, is scheduled to be completed mid July.

After the most professionally rewarding but stressful 12 months, noodlies, Sydney food and travel blog is looking forward to some much need rest and relaxation.  We are met at the airport and whisked away in the hotel car to the resort which is barely 10 minutes away.  The check in happens while we’re seated at loby sofa and are sipping our cold drinks.  It’s done within minutes and we’re taken to our chalet.  The chalet is right on the beach with doors that open out to a private verandah with an uninterrupted beach view (see above).

Stroll out from the verandah straight onto the beach and there are beach chairs under the thoughtful shade of coconut trees.  There’s no better office than the beach ahead and clear blue skies above.  Our routine for the three days at the Meritus Pelangi is simple; a hearty buffet breakfast at Spice Market then back to our chalet or the beach to read, check emails or update noodlies blog.  We stroll into town for lunch and cool down with a swim at the pool.

After a hour or so in the pool, we head to the Meritus Club Lounge for cocktails and canapes.  The Club Lounge is completely refurbished, comfortable and inviting with warm strong tones from the exposed wood decor.

Meritus Club Lounge is available to guests staying in a Suite or Meritus Club Room.  It’s open for complimentary breakfast, all day refreshments, cocktails and canapes between 5pm – 7pm daily.  There’s two PCs for checking emails or free wifi if guests prefer to use their own device.

The snacks between 5pm – 7pm are some of the most generous and delicious I’ve experienced at any hotel.  There’s always a selection of at least three hot food like grilled beef or seafood vol au vent, sandwiches for those wanting something more substantial, seafood for that exotic taste, fruit for the health conscious and tarts for those who want to indulge.

And of course, we wash down our snacks with several cocktails, my two favourites are mai tai and margarita, hic!

While the Meritus Club Lounge is wonderful, it’s actually the friendly staff that make the real difference.  They are there when we need them and discretely not there at other times. Our plates are always promptly cleared and when one cocktail is gobbled down, a staff member appears to ask if we want another one. It helps that the Club Lounge isn’t too crowded and feels pretty exclusive.  These days, many hotel club lounges are packed, especially during cocktail hour which reduces a guest’s experience considerably.

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi, Malaysia
Ph: (60-4) 952 8888

Noodlies, Sydney food and travel blog and friend were guests of the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi.

Noodlies Malaysian posts were done with my super light, compact but powerful Lenovo X220 laptop – I call it “Junior” we’re inseparable these days, with thanks to Lenovo Australia and New Zealand.