Located in the jungle, a short walk from the beach, Ambong Ambong is an upscale and intimate property with only 11 units (ranging from Studios to multi-storied cottages). All rooms feature bright, airy decor and come with private balconies and kitchenettes or kitchens. Facilities include a beautiful pool area surrounded by tropical greenery, a cozy bar that serves drinks (but not food), a business corner with a computer and a printer, free Wi-Fi, and a privately operated spa and Japanese restaurant. While it's a great choice for quiet-minded couples with cash to spare, kids under 12 aren't allowed. Travelers with children looking for a similar alternative may want to consider the charming eight-room Temple Tree at Bon Ton instead.
The 34-room Casa del Mar is an upscale Spanish-style property on Pantai Cenang beach -- near shops, restaurants, and bars -- offering its guests beachfront picnics and romantic candle-lit dinners. The restaurant and bar serve Mediterranean fare by the beach, outdoor pool, or hot tub. Spa pampering and water sports rentals are available on-site, and the gym offers a shower for guests checking out late. Pleasantly furnished suites include four-poster canopy beds, and some balconies offer sea views. While Casa del Mar is centrally located, the area gets crowded and busy, and travelers seeking a get-away-from-it-all retreat might prefer the Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort.
This eight-villa Bon Ton Resort is a rustic-chic boutique in a quiet setting a 20-minute walk from the beach. The stand-alone villas are 100 years old and have the appearance of a traditional attap house, but with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and stylish furnishings. The four-pearl hotel is also an animal lover’s dream, as there are resident dogs and cats and a portion of proceeds go to an on-site animal shelter. Quality features include a small pool, whirlpool, and Sunset Deck for cocktails, along with a renowned restaurant serving fusion fare and free breakfast delivered to rooms the night before. The grounds are tropical and secluded, but the beach is a 20-minute walk and there are no spa, gym, or kids' activities. Travelers may prefer the beachfront Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi, which has more amenities.