Unique Sleeps: Pangkor Laut Resort

Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia.

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I haven’t really done the “holiday” thing much. So when I head to somewhere that has accolades and pretty pictures on its website – I expect a lot. And when it comes to choosing a honeymoon hotel, brides have high expectations.

Malaysia’s Pankgkor Laut delivered.

It wasn’t the overwater bungalow that did it, the tropical cocktails or the emerald green water; it wasn’t even the spa with the incredible massages and bathhouse rituals.

It was the unexpected romantic surprises – the little things that took this resort from losing us in the crowd of 280 guests the island can accommodate, to feeling as if we had the island to ourselves.

A three-hour drive to the marina and we’re welcomed with sweet hibiscus and raspberry iced tea, completing check in before a ten-minute speed boat ride to the island of Pangkor Laut. A team of uniformed staff welcomes the boatloads of guests – each couple and family met by name and whisked to rooms as if we’ve arrived at Hogwarts and been assigned via the sorting hat.

Our room, and my recommendation for honeymooners, is one of the Spa Villas. Located at the far end of the resort (a ten minute walk, shuttle buses provided to help you get around), the spa villas are adjacent to the Spa Village. This section of the resort is inaccessible to anyone but spa villa guests and spa village clients. With an oversized infinity pool and the private beach, there’s all the peace and quiet you’ll need for your romantic escapade.

Our Malaysian hut-style villa sits over the emerald green water, with its own deck and loungers. Inside is a king sized bed, writing desk, bathroom, mini bar and the piece de resistance – an enormous waterfall bath (complete with flower petals, candles, bath salts and of course, towel swans) that opens up on three sides to overlook the incredible views of the bay.