Pangkor Laut Resort

Malaysia’s beaches are stunning — think soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery right to the shoreline. The resorts here have something for everyone: family-friendly spots with pools and activities, quiet villas for couples, and full-service properties with spas and restaurants. Many offer private stretches of sand or easy access to watersports and island hopping, while others are perfect for simply kicking back with a drink in hand. Each place has its own vibe, whether it’s a modern beachfront hotel or a tucked-away jungle retreat, making it easy to find the perfect base for your beach escape.

For a romantic escape

Japamala Resort

  • Japamala Resort is a stilted retreat on white sand, framed by jungle and clear waters on Tioman Island. Zen-style villas have private balconies and pools. Dine at Italian, pan-Asian, or grill restaurants, relax in the spa, trek through tropical forests, or kayak along the coast. Intimate, quiet, and perfect for a romantic escape.
  • Tanjong Jara Resort offers bright, elegant suites with ocean views, private beaches, and lagoon pools. Enjoy Malaysian cuisine, spa treatments, or a guided walk through the herb garden. Dive nearby waters, hit the tennis courts, or relax on the beach. A refined spot near Dungun for couples seeking both activity and relaxation.
  • Gaya Island Resort is set among mangroves and rainforest on the north coast of Borneo, with a private beach and a range of water activities. Canopied suites offer ocean views, plus you can expect an expansive spa and various dining options. Guided nature walks and fishing trips add adventure. A tropical hideaway for couples who want privacy, natural beauty, and a mix of relaxation and exploration.
  • Pangkor Laut Resort boasts chic villas on one of the world’s best beaches, surrounded by jungle on Pangkor Island. The Spa Village offers holistic treatments, jungle treks reveal hidden bays, and fishing trips explore local waters. Comfortable, modern rooms with pools make it ideal for couples seeking both privacy and scenic surroundings.
  • At One & Only Desaru Coast modern suites and villas are set along 128 acres of coastline and jungle. Couples can sail, kayak, dive or relax at the spa. Plus there's fine dining and cooking classes, while forest walks offer wildlife spotting. A stylish retreat that balances adventure, nature, and quiet moments together.

For pure luxury

The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa

  • Set on pristine sands with endless Andaman Sea views on Langkawi, The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa offers spacious villas, multiple infinity pools, vibrant kids’ activities, themed dinners, and a spa with specialist treatments. A lively yet luxurious island escape, perfect for families and beach lovers.
  • Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a private beach paradise with open-plan pavilions, villas with pools, and lush grounds. Guest experiences include watersports, boat trips, award-winning spa rituals, cooking classes, and guided wildlife excursions. A spectacular retreat where natural beauty meets refined luxury.
  • Tucked between rainforest and beach on Langkawi, The Datai boasts contemporary villas, private pools, multiple restaurants, and a four-villa spa. Guests can hike trails, spot exotic birds, or retreat to secluded hideaways. An elegant, serene sanctuary for nature lovers and luxury seekers alike.

For a family-friendly stay

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

  • Nestled between rainforest and sea on the north coast of Borneo, Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa offers adventurous jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, and horse rides for kids. Families can enjoy spacious suites, a lively kids club, water sports, and multiple pools, while adults relax at the spa or tee off on the 18-hole Dalit Bay Golf course.
  • The Danna (on Langkawi) is a grand beachfront retreat with villas and suites overlooking the ocean. Families can dive into pools, enjoy water sports, or let kids have fun in the games room and kids club. Multiple dining options and a serene spa make it perfect for balancing family fun with quiet relaxation.
  • Set in an ancient rainforest, The Ritz Carlton Langkawi boasts villas with private pools and immersive Ritz Kids activities. Families can get stuck into art classes, tennis, and water sports, while adults savour the overwater spa or cooking classes. Stunning sea views ensure every moment is memorable for all ages.
  • Beachfront villas and residences create a relaxed family playground at Anantara Desaru Coast. Kids will enjoy the clubs and private pools, while the whole family can cruise mangroves, spot fireflies, or stroll along golden sands. Infinity pools and spacious dining options make this an ideal base for easygoing coastal adventures.

Still not sure?

12 Best Beach Resorts in Malaysia

The Datai

Langkawi (Teluk Datai)

A super sleek hotel just set back from the beach and surrounded by rainforest. This ultimate zen spot has luxury rooms, suites & villas, in a contemporary earthy style, all the mod cons, private pools & balconies. A four-villa spa, excellent Asian restaurants, and multiple pools. Barefoot luxury.

  • Back to Nature - A beautiful escape for eco-minded travellers, with 750 hectares of rainforest - brimming with birdlife - and gorgeous beaches
  • Trekking - Hike the Rimba Trail or take a guided walk with one of the resort's naturalists, beginning at the beachside Nature Centre
  • Honeymoons - Hide away in an enchanting private villa, enjoy sumptuous spa treatments and delectable cuisine
  • Birdwatching - Look out for some of the rainforest's 200 bird species, using the guide provided in your room
from $626 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Japamala Resort

Tioman Island (Kampung Nipah)

A dream honeymoon destination: a gorgeous stilted paradise on white sands surrounded by lush jungle & clear ocean waters. Zen suites under wooden domes have all the mod cons, pools & private balconies. Three excellent restaurants - Italian, pan-Asian & grill - and a soothing spa. Barefoot luxury.

  • Honeymoons - With just 13 villas tucked in the jungle & delicious private dining experiences, this is a wonderful seaside honeymoon choice
  • Trekking - Hike to Genting Village with an expert guide, spotting endemic birdlife, monkeys and monitor lizards in the verdant jungle
  • Kayaking - Hop into the hotel kayaks to explore the crystal clear waters which lap at Tioman's coastline
  • Beach Life
from $160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Langkawi

A beach paradise for couples or families. Stunningly natural but luxurious beach pavilions and villas with large open-plan spaces, private pools, and all the mod cons. Geo-thermal spa, excellent Malay fish restaurant, beautiful pool and grounds, and a private beach. A hotel with the wow factor!

  • Beach Life - Kick back on the sand, try watersports, enjoy boat trips and fishing excursions on the Andaman Sea - visible from your suite!
  • Spa breaks - Try the the Geo Spa’s award-winning couple’s ritual, Raja and Ratu, and balancing treatments in blissful surroundings
  • Cooking classes - Delve into Malay cuisine at the Lesung Batu Cooking School, preceded by a trip to the wet market with a chef
  • Wildlife Area - Take a boat safari into the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park with an expert naturalist to spot flora and fauna
from $466 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Tanjong Jara Resort

Dungun (Off Jalan Dungun)

A fabulous tropical hideaway of the utmost luxury. Opulent, cream-coloured rooms & suites have lots of natural light, balconies, & all the mod cons. Fantastic selection of Malaysian cuisine, a soothing spa, private beach, tennis courts & lagoon-style swimming pools. Utterly romantic.

  • Honeymoons - Escape to a beautiful ocean-view suite for a very special honeymoon with spa treatments & private dining
  • Diving - Dive at some of the 20 sites around Tenggol Island, part of the Terengganu Marine Park
  • Great walks - Tour the Malay herb garden and spot birds with an expert guide on a Jara Hill walk
  • Beach Life - An opulent beach resort on Malaysia's remote eastern coast
from $191 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Gaya Island Resort

Borneo (Pulau Gaya)

Fantastic canopied rooms & suites set amongst mangroves and rainforest, facing a private beach & pontoon with water sports. Expect a luxurious Village Spa, fresh seafood restaurant and chic suites with all the mod cons. A romantic beach paradise for honeymooners, or active family holiday favourite.

  • Honeymoons - Hide away in a canopied suite with dazzling rainforest and ocean views, enjoy private dining and soothing spa treatments
  • Great walks - Guided nature walks with the resident naturalist offer a fascinating insight into the island's mixed dipterocarp forest
  • Fishing - Charter a boat for day-long fishing excursions with the resort's expert anglers in the clear ocean waters
  • Beach Life - A gorgeous beach resort on tropical Gaya Island, perfect for watersports or hiking
from $200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Pangkor Laut Resort

Pangkor

A beach paradise on one the best beaches in the world. Surrounded by wildlife, white sand, crystal waters, and jungle. Contemporary chic villas with all the mod cons, enormous pools, an excellent spa and fantastic restaurants serving seafood. Your archetypal honeymoon destination.

  • Spa breaks - The award-winning Spa Village offers holistic treatments from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Bali & Malaysia in a superb setting
  • Trekking - Guided jungle treks with the resort's resident naturalist lead to beautiful Emerald Bay
  • Fishing - Explore the Straits of Malacca during a day's fishing trip on a 12-foot motorised boat
  • Honeymoons - A luxurious honeymoon hotel, with fabuous food, a superb spa and a beautiful beach
from $207 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa

Langkawi

A stunning beach resort with fantastic views over the Andaman sea. Beautiful rooms & suites are decorated in creams with slanting oak roofs. Fantastic Malaysian cuisine, multiple infinity pools, dining terraces and a spa that provides specialist treatments. A highly luxurious island paradise!

  • Beach Life - A beautiful seaside resort with water sports, a pristine private beach and stunning ocean views
  • Families - Families will love the kids' programme, spacious villas and abundance of activities
  • Hotel Entertainment - Live music evenings and themed dinners are a highlight for guests of all ages
  • Tennis Court - Play a family game of tennis on one of the resort's courts
from $163 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Danna

Langkawi (Pantai Kok)

A grand beachfront hotel in Telaga Harbour Park, The Danna has opulent rooms, suites & 1- or 2-bedroom villas with ocean views. Kick back at the soothing spa or infinity pool whilst little ones hit the kids club & games room. Five-star luxury with smart restaurants and an atmospheric cigar lounge.

  • Active Holiday - Ideal for an active trip as a couple or with the whole family; the hotel has multiple pools, water sports & a games room
  • Families - Two-bedroom villas with private pools are ideal for families; little ones will also adore the kids club
  • Restaurant - Four dining options, including Italian Terrace and opulent Planter's
  • Swimming Pool - Infinity pool, kids' pool and private villa pools
from $320 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Ritz Carlton Langkawi

Langkawi (Teluk Nibong)

An exceptional seaside resort set in a 10-million-year-old rainforest. Swish suites and multi-room villas feature Malaysian accents, floor-to-ceiling windows & natural materials. Expect vast sea views, Langkawi's only overwater spa & four delectable dining options. For families, couples or business.

  • Families - Two- or three-bedroom villas with private pools are ideal for families, who will adore the Ritz Kids programme & activities
  • Active Holiday - With a tennis court, spa, water sports, art classes & a games room, this is a top pick for an active couple or family trip
  • Cooking classes - Learn to cook fragrant curries or to create top-notch cocktails with a private cooking or mixology class
  • Kids Club - Ritz Kids offers a great programme for children, including highlights such as the Langkawi treasure hunt
from $385 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Borneo (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)

A luxurious beach resort close to Kota Kinabalu, with sleek rooms & suites, an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools & 6 dining options. Little ones will love the kids club, water sports & horse riding, while grown-ups can unwind at the spa. Hike & spot wildlife in the Rasa Ria Reserve. Indulgent.

  • Great walks - Take adventurous jungle hikes with knowledgeable rangers in the Rasa Ria Reserve, where you'll spot birds & wildlife
  • Beach Life - A beautiful beach resort, with two miles of golden sands on the edge of the rainforest & watersports facilities
  • Families - A fabulous choice for a fun-filled family holiday, with big suites, a kids club & activities galore
  • Golf - Play a round at the resort's 18-hole golf course, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club
from $147 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

One & Only Desaru Coast

Malaysia (Desaru Coast)

A sumptuous beach resort with sleek suites & villas designed by architect Kerry Hill to merge with the lush jungle on 128 acres of coastal land. Beautiful for honeymooners or families, who can sail, kayak, dive, play tennis, unwind at the spa and drink and dine in style. Wonderfully luxurious.

  • Cooking classes - Join the chefs in the Herb Garden & learn how to make your own tropical jam, fiery chili sambal or flavourful Malaysian curries
  • Honeymoons - Kick back in a gorgeous private villa, enjoy rejuvenating massages and feast at Hoshi and Amabara: very romantic
  • Wildlife Area - Enjoy nature walks, monkey-spotting & bird-watching in the Panti Forest Reserve with resident naturalist Wan
  • Families - A fabulous family choice, with myriad activities, a great kids' club and chic, multi-room villas
from $640 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Anantara Desaru Coast

Malaysia (Desaru)

A beachfront resort on Desaru Coast offering villas, residences, and family-friendly rooms. Interiors are contemporary with natural tones and subtle local touches. Facilities include an infinity pool, spa, kids club, and several dining options. A well-equipped base for a relaxed coastal stay.

  • Families - Spacious residences with private pools, kids' clubs, and family dining make this a dream base for fun-filled family escapes
  • Other Activities - Embark on a serene mangrove cruise along Sungai Lebam, where fireflies light up the night in a mesmerising natural display
  • Great walks - Stroll along Desaru Beach's golden sands, unwind under casuarina trees, and enjoy the gentle waves of the South China Sea
  • Beach Life - Step from your villa onto golden sands, then unwind in the beachfront infinity pool with sweeping South China Sea views
from $303 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Amelia Shirley

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.