The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced the official debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi.

Set in a tranquil private bay and surrounded by an ancient jungle, the resort blends beautifully with its natural surroundings, sheltered by the trees on a beach lapped by the Andaman Sea. Designed to reflect traditional local villages – which are known as Kampongs – The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has taken influences from local culture to create an opulent retreat with an authentic touch.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Ritz-Carlton brand to Langkawi, which marks our first resort destination in Malaysia, and the second property in the country after The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,” said Hervé Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “With spectacular coastal views, lush rainforests and a blend of Asian cultures, Langkawi is a naturally beautiful destination with a fascinating story. The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is giving guests the opportunity to experience the wonders of this unique island for themselves.”

Designed by Philippe Villeroux of Kuala Lumpur-based Tropical Area Architects, the resort has been created to fully immerse travellers in the island’s natural ecosystem. Spacious interiors in the 70 guest rooms, 15 suites and 29 villas are framed by delicate references to Malay architecture, which can be seen in the intricately-designed features, large windows and gabled roofs. The Guest Rooms’ vertical lines allow for full integration into the surrounding jungle trees, and elegant overwater villas offer panoramic views of the ocean and magnificent Langkawi sunsets. Multi-generational families can holiday together in the resort’s Villa Mutiara, which accommodates six to eight people and houses two pools, plus access to a private beach.

The resort is home to four distinct dining venues, each overlooking the glistening Andaman Sea for striking views from sunrise to sunset. From the blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine in Langkawi Kitchen, to western favourites in the Beach Grill and Chinese seafood in Hai Yan, all culinary tastes are catered for.

Guests will be able to soak up the island’s rich culture and beauty from their first moment at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. The Walkway of Wishes offers a warm welcome; a water fountain inspired by the island’s mystical granter of wishes, Tasik Dayang Bunting ‘The Lake of Pregnant Maiden’. Those arriving will be invited to write their wishes on a flat stone, which is then placed into the water for the wish to come true, as the first of many special memories to be created during their stay.

During the ‘golden hours’ of dawn and sunset, guests can watch a contemporary remake of an ancient tarian payang on the beach, a traditional gesture of thanks and respect for the rich bounty of the sea and land. Guided jungle walks will reveal the myths and creatures of the surrounding rainforest, while learning the graceful Silat moves of ancient Malay warriors will help them tap into the magic of Langkawi legends. Travellers looking for a taste of the vibrant blend of local cultures will relish in the local night markets, sampling traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian delicacies and crafts.

The resort has also curated locally-inspired activities as part of Ritz Kids programme, tailored for children to learn new skills, make new friends, and take part in a wide range of activities all under expert supervision. Families can get creative by painting the wings of a mystical Malay kite, take part in the Langkawi Treasure Hunt to become pirates and find the hidden chest on the beach, or embark on the Nature Discovery tour to collect nature’s treasure and create a special photo frame to take home.

Additionally, the onsite facilities allow health and fitness fanatics to enjoy a range of active pursuits, from a spot of tennis on the outdoor court, to a workout in the fully-equipped gym and a swim in the infinity pool. Yogis will love the Fitness Centre’s indoor and outdoor yoga decks with 180-degree views of the rainforest, with classes led by the qualified in-house instructors. Those looking to explore the area can try deep sea fishing or a sailing adventure through the archipelago of islands, and the on-site private cove gives direct access to the island’s famed diving sites.

For those seeking relaxation and holistic harmony, the spa rituals on offer at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi will restore equilibrium within body, mind and soul. Experiences range from the exquisite treatments of The Ritz-Carlton’s global spa collection, to rituals inspired by the indigenous healing and beauty ceremonies practised for thousands of years by local shamans and midwives. The spa is home to five cocoon-shaped spa pavilions which float above the sea, and have been designed to resemble Malay Bubus - intricately woven fish traps used for centuries by local fishermen. Connected by over-water walkways, each pavilion is surrounded by a circular platform with breathtaking ocean views. - TradeArabia News Service