The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort Langkawi

The Andaman – A Luxury Collection Resort – Langkawi

Monica Tindall

• Sadly The Andaman burnt down last year. They are currently in the process of rebuilding.

Set on one of the prettiest bays in Malaysia, The Andaman Langkawi celebrates the natural earth and its bounty. A 10 000-year old rainforest and 8000-year old tropical reef form the natural walls of the resort. Some scientists say this area is where life of some species first began, and the stunning Datai Bay is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the world. Due respect for these precious ecosystems are pledged at The Andaman, and a visit here rewards guests with close encounters of the natural kind.

An abundance of plant and animal life reside in the surrounding habitats. Both the shy dusky leaf monkey and audacious macaque share the grounds alongside monitor lizards, an incredible amount of birds including hornbills, eagles and bluebirds, flying snakes, frogs, insects and butterflies. If you’re patient, you might even be fortunate enough to see the rare colugo (flying lemur).

Diversity of plants is not something to be taken lightly either. A profusion of species thrives in the area. Expect to gaze in wonder at the soaring hardwood trees fighting for light in the rainforest canopy, and regard with awe the sturdy ginger flower both beautiful in colour and in taste.

Management at The Andaman recognizes the privilege of occupying the same turf as an extraordinary amount of flora, fauna and marine life. As such, operations reflect this sense of care both behind the scenes and in what is clearly visible to guests.

Rooms – The Andaman  – A Luxury Collection Resort – Langkawi

Post-pandemic, about half of the rooms and suites are operational, and either captures the lushness of the rainforest or the serene panorama of the Datai Bay. Tree Top, Pool Access, Garden Terrace and Seaview rooms offer just as their names suggest: views of the rainforest canopy; direct dipping from a private pool deck; lounging in an intimate garden, which is an extension of the room; and vistas of the Andaman Sea.

We’re grateful for an Executive Pool Suite giving us access to our own private pool for a splash. Even though the common facility is enormous and sparsely occupied, we appreciate the choice. It’s located towards the end of the wing giving us ocean views and a pathway directly from our room to the beach. We love it, and will definitely ask for this room again on our next visit.

Dark wood floors and furniture are contrasted with white walls and bedding in all rooms. Upholstery and curtains are in neutral tones, and artworks connect interiors to the exterior with their natural materials.

300-thread-count linens and heavenly pillow-top mattresses encourage sweet dreams, as do the blackout curtains and individual air conditioning controls. Soaking up the fresh air, the salty sea and a dose of the sun’s rays, further set the conditions for a peaceful slumber more-so encouraged by the sounds of the sea. Again, appreciative of the suite, we enjoy distinct sleeping and living areas allowing the night owl and morning bird to carry out our routines without disturbing the other.

Full amenities include a 32 – 46” LCD flat-screen TV; DVD player; mini-bar; tea and coffee making facilities including an espresso machine; safe; ceiling fan; umbrella; hair-dryer; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Our suite has the bonus of a wine fridge – perfectly matching our style.

Bathrooms are arranged with a separate tub, rain shower, plush slippers, and eucalyptus-scented bath products. Tiling with a dominance of white keeps the space light and bright. Pendant lights drop from the ceiling, and a magnifying lens ensures make-up and hair are in place.

While the rooms are contemporary and comfortable, it’s the great outdoors in which we spend most of our time.

Activities and Facilities

Made from coral sand, the delicately pale beach at The Andaman is softer than silica sand and cooler to walk on under the hot tropical sun. National Geographic listed it in their Top 10 Best Beaches in the World in 2015. It’s edged with aquamarine shallows and shaded by tropical trees. Further out small islands of the archipelago dot the horizon forming a protective border, keeping the sea relatively calm. Contemplating the beautiful scenery causes breathing to become less hurried and more profound.

The pool mimics natural lines with its free-form, tree-lined setting and proximity to the beach. One end features an enormous yellow slide, which elicits squeals of joy from delighted children. The other sports sun lounges and umbrellas all serviced by the adjoining beach bar.

V Fitness centre goes beyond the regular offerings of cardio and strength machines. The latest in technology is introduced with Vibrational Therapy, Kinesis Training and the latest Functional Electromyostimulation – FEMS – used by top athletes around the world (an additional cost). Personal trainers are on hand for those who’d like some extra guidance to maximize workouts.

A wealth of activities is designed for both adults and children to appreciate the natural commodities of the area. The Young Explorers Club is led by trained supervisors. It engages youngsters in a variety of pursuits revolving around nature and exploration – no electronic devices (awesome!). For the big kids, nature walks, cruises, cooking classes, water sports, and golf at the magnificent Els Club Teluk Datai can all be arranged by the resort.

Conservation of the coral reef is a primary focus at The Andaman with numerous activities surrounding this natural resource. Claiming to be one of the first in South East Asia is the establishment of the Coral Nursery, where rescued damaged coral is rehabilitated. Coral clearing, reef walking, beach walks, guided snorkelling and various education programs give guests an insight into the delicate balance needed for our ocean ecosystems to survive.

V Botanical Spa

You can’t leave The Andaman without a visit to V Botanical Spa. Setting the bar high, they claim dibs on being the first spa to offer 100% certified organic food-grade products in South East Asia. A harmonious relationship with the surrounding habitat continues in location. Set atop the hillside, the space is open and airy. Encompassed by the lush rainforest and melodies of the sea, it’s easy to feel at peace with nature in this relaxing sanctuary. We tried several treatments – read our recommendations via this link.

Food and Beverage

Again Mother Nature is honoured in the set-up of food and beverage outlets at The Andaman Langkawi. Whether they are open-aired, or air-conditioned, all show the interrelatedness of humans and the earth. Nestled amongst trees, on the shore itself or high above looking down, each location brings us a sense of gratitude and wonderment at the grace of our surrounds. Many ingredients are sourced locally with a focus on organic and sustainable produce. The hotel works in collaboration with local fisherman only accepting species that are the correct size (i.e. old enough to have reproduced) and nothing that is overfished.

Currently, The Restaurant and Tepan Laut are open as the resort welcomes guests back to the property. As numbers return, more outlets will be opening. For now, you can get great beachside meals at Tepan Laut during the day, and local food accompanied by fabulous sunsets in the evenings. The beach bar next door has one-for-one happy hours from 5 pm – 7 pm just before the suns’ goodbye light show begins. The Restaurant has an international mix of Asian and Western cuisine as well as an especially curated healthy menu designed with the principals of V Integrated Wellness in mind.

The Andaman Langkawi Review

The Andaman Langkawi has brought us peace and reawakening. The stunning environment has revived us, but so too has the care given by staff in making our stay a memorable one. Located in one of the prettiest settings in Malaysia, I highly recommend a visit.

Reasons to visit The Andaman Langkawi: stunning location between the rainforest and the sea; healthy cuisine options; an abundance of outdoor activities; dreamy beds; plentiful wildlife.

The Andaman – A Luxury Collection Resort Langkawi
Jalan Teluk Datai
Langkawi, 07000 Malaysia
+6 04 959 1088
[email protected]
www.marriott.com

Check out more things to do, food and beverage, and luxury accommodation on the island of Langkawi here, and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet travel happenings around Malaysia here and here.