Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa

The housekeeping team deserves credit. A housekeeper accidentally took my daughter's pillow, and although it was an honest mistake, we had to fly home that same day. They apologized a lot, kept me updated after we returned, found the pillow, and sent it back. My daughter was so happy. The kids had a great time, and the children's pool area at Pelangi is a real plus for a family trip, since not many Langkawi resorts have one. Our room was clean and in good shape, clearly renovated since my last visit. Food was good, room service fairly quick, and the staff were friendly and attentive. The location is convenient too. Along the main Cenang road there are places for food, a pharmacy, and pretty much everything else. We enjoyed our stay.

What stood out most at Pelangi was the staff. Everyone felt warm and genuine, and I could really feel the Malaysian hospitality. The resort itself has a relaxed tropical feel, with lots of space, low-rise kampung-style buildings, a lovely beach, and beautiful sunsets. I'd happily come back. My room was spacious, modern, and comfortable, with Malaysian details, a fantastic super king bed, and a terrace overlooking the ocean. The welcome was warm too. While I waited for the room, I was taken to the Club Lounge, where tea and coffee were available all day. The late afternoon cocktails and canapés were a nice extra. Breakfast at Spice Market had a broad Asian selection and a noodle station, with indoor and outdoor tables among bright pink bougainvillaea. I liked Pelangi Grill best, right beside the beach with ocean views, and even Prosecco in the morning. Dinner there while watching the sunset came with some of the best Langkawi sunset views I've seen, and the food was great. The pool is huge, with room to spread out, shaded daybeds, and a thoughtfully designed kids' area. I also tried the spa and enjoyed it. Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi sits on a beautiful stretch of beachfront on Cenang, and I had an amazing stay.

We chose a resort because we didn't have the energy to tour around or make decisions about meals. After our adult son died over the summer, we badly needed to get away for Christmas, and from London we wondered how far we could go. Langkawi turned out to be the right choice. We're halfway through our stay and already know we'll return. It's been a beautiful place and a huge comfort during the worst six months we've ever faced. Bliss. The grounds are enormous, so we could always find a seat or lounger by the pool or beach. The spacious rooms sit in small chalet clusters, which means you're not surrounded by other guests. Even at the busiest breakfast time, the two roomy restaurants didn't feel cramped and the food wasn't running out. Everyone has been so friendly. Marissa welcomed us with a smile and showed us the facilities and how to get to them from our lake view room. We booked late, so the beach view rooms were already taken, maybe next time. We had a 60-minute aromatherapy massage at the spa and practically melted afterward. I don't know how we'd have walked back after 90 minutes, but a buggy could have taken us to the door if needed. There are also plenty of good places nearby for lunch or dinner if we don't want to eat at the resort every night.

Our stay was pleasant, and I would recommend the resort to people visiting Langkawi. The white, soft sand beach is lovely, with several bars along it, and the location is right on what I think is the island's most beautiful beach, about a 10-minute drive from the airport. The impressive reception hall and the two pools, restaurants, bars, and kids' playground all fit what you'd expect from a five-star resort. Breakfast is split between Asian food in one restaurant and Western food in another, though you can visit both and mix things. I did expect more bathroom toiletries for a five-star property, such as a sewing kit, cotton pads, and shoe polish kit. Service needs improvement. Our group was meant to check in at 3 pm, but some rooms weren't ready until 4. Worse, one woman in our group got stuck outside on her balcony when the door shut behind her. She had her phone and called reception repeatedly, but nobody came for over an hour. Her husband eventually opened the door. That's unacceptable in any accommodation, especially a five-star one.