Michael Edwards reviews the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and enjoys an indulgent stay.
Walk along the one kilometre of white sands at the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and it’s hard to tell when the resort runs out and lively Cenang begins.Smoothly merging into the bars, restaurants and shops of Cenang, the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort allows guests to dip in and out of Langkawi life as they choose.
The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa is located on the Langkawi archipelago’s largest island. Just one of 99 islands, some are submerged at high tide, sunbathing in the Straits of Malacca, off Malaysia’s west coast and just shy of the border with Thailand. There are also two man-made islands, one a water sports haven sitting just offshore from the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort.
Large enough to be an action-packed resort and also a restorative oasis of peace, guests can always find a peaceful haven even when the hotel is fully occupied. They can easily alternate between active adventure and sun-lounger recovery.
Ethnic charm is celebrated by the Meritus Pelangi’s architecture. Approaching the dark-wood reception from the sea, the stairs and veranda have the traditional appearance of a Malaysian Rumah Panggung house. These stage houses, with gabled roofs extended for ventilation and to keep out tropical torrents, were built on stilts for ventilation, as a precaution against floods and to keep out the snakes. Worry not, the resorts’ numerous gardeners would soon remove any snake that strayed into this landscaped paradise.
The hotel’s 355 rooms are spaciously spread over 15 hectares of tropical tranquillity – those closest to the beach offering idyllic sunset views from their verandas. Within those rooms, decor continues the traditional theme, dark wood furnishing contrasting with light bedding. But the efficient contemporary air-conditioning is an essential rather than a luxury in Langkawi’s hot and humid climate.
The Spice Market, the hotel’s vast Asian restaurant flowing to a shaded exterior seating area, also follows the principles of traditional airy construction. For over a millennium, Malaysia has sat on the Spice Route and the menu, which is available all day, features Asian cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Malay, Thai, and Nyonya dishes. There is so much variety that it is a place of 1,001 breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Alternatively, there’s Cba, a bar and restaurant sat by the beach, offering dining on the beach and the most photogenic of sunsets. No surprise then that the Meritus Pelangi hosts many weddings and welcomes even more honeymooners. Cba is a quiet alternative to The Spice Market for breakfast too, with a buffet aiming to satisfy more western tastes.
At the heart of Langkawi’s attractions, the Meritus Pelangi provides sea-view fitness suite, steam room, two lagoon-style pools, archery, mini-golf, tennis and a petting zoo for children. And beyond the resort, there’s another world of adventure.
It’s just a short stroll to Mega Watersports, hiring a jet ski for 30 minutes is thrilling. But taking a half-day 35km Island-hopping jet-ski-safari, skimming through a Halong Bay landscape, mooring up on Robinson Crusoe style island for a swim, is one of life’s unmissable experiences.
Equally, it’s only a short drive from the Meritus Pelangi to the Umgawa Legendary Adventures zipline which flies through the rainforest of the UNESCO recognised geo-park. Just as convenient are the glass-bottomed SkyBridge and points of departure for a Mangroves cruise or a sunset dinner cruise.
With so much on offer, at the resort and within a short drive, The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa often attracts guest for two well stays or sometimes even longer. There is such diversity of activities that it’s a favourite for multi-generational family holidays.
Tell Me More About The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort And Spa
The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, Pantai Cenang, 07000, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
T: 60 4-952 8888
Rooms from £110 per night
Click here for details of the zipline
More information on the Mangroves Cruise provided by Dev’s Adventure Tours
Visit The Oriental Village for details on the SkyBridge
Avante Yacht Charters provide the sunset dinner cruise.
Contact Mega Water Sports for the jet-ski safaris.
