WAKING UP AT THE 5 STAR ANDAMAN RESORT IN LANGKAWI (Review)

Here’s an upscale beach resort, The Andaman Langkawi, nestled between Datai bay and ancient rainforest, that offers so much more than just the endless turquoise waters and glorious sunshine Langkawi is known for.

It was November 2018 when I visited The Andaman resort, initially for my friend’s beach wedding. I recall sitting at Tepian Laut restaurant for lunch- an hour prior to my MC duties, looking out on the white sandy private beach and waves rolling ever so quietly to the shore with my tandoori chicken on the table, and thought, this is the epitome of paradise.

Arriving at The Andaman Langkawi

Let’s start from the beginning. First of all, this was not a complimentary stay, I loved staying here and paid for it. .

The resort is approximately an hour away from the city centre by car. If you look at the map, it’s on the top left-hand corner of the island.

You are treated like a queen and king as you arrived, all smiles from the staff and 3 gongs announcing your arrival! Never experienced a gong before.

A high columned wooden pathway which leads you to an open-air grand lobby lounge, which has wooden ceiling beams and massive white pillars. They have the epitome of bringing the outdoor inside, you can enjoy a cup of herbal tea with a view of the tropical landscape and swimming pools. The grounds of the resort is incredibly vast, a big swimming pool lagoon with slide caters to both adults and children, cabanas dotted around, and there’s a herb garden too.

The one big thing I have to point out. It’s very safe here. I get angsty leaving my belongings i.e phone on the beach while swimming but here, there is a huge sense of security and it’s perfectly safe. Plus, the staff are incredibly friendly and all nonjudgemental – everyone is treated equally.

Location

Located on the northwest tip of the island, the resort is in a remote area with the bay on the side and tucked in the middle of a rainforest. There is a golf course, The Els Club Teluk Datai which is nearby to the hotel. Most of the Langkawi attractions are around 20 to 30-minute drive and it includes the Langkawi bridge, Kilim Geoforest Park, and Underwater World. Langkawi International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the resort. The hotel can order a taxi for you to head to the airport or use the Grab car app.

The resort provides shuttles to Kuah town and Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) if not mistaken, it departs in the morning and returns late afternoon. They are free but do check with the reception desk with the days and times, and availability.

The Room

Our room was on the fourth floor. As you enter with your key card, the bathroom on your right and a little corridor leading you to a room complete with a SUPER KING sized bed! Think every hotel should have a super king size bed, I rolled 3 times to reach the other side!

There’s a working desk, with a phone, USB charging for both iPhone and Android, notepads as well. A lounge area with comfy sofa, table, and magazines. Plus a huge TV with cable, and lots of storage space including a refrigerator stocked up. Free WIFI in your room and everywhere in the resort including the beach (it works great).

Bottled water is provided for free and replenished every day.

Other room amenities include laundry service (chargeable), ironing board in the room, safe, slippers, robes, Nespresso machine, and a kettle.

Warning – Always lock the windows and balcony door when you leave the room or in the bathroom. Why?

Monkeys!

They are cheeky and very clever. Monkeys here know how to open the room door, find the fridge and raid it! The staff will warn you about it but you’ll not really believe it. I do because the best man forgot to lock his balcony door and came back to a room he thought was raided by robbers!

And this is not a bad thing, afterall, we are staying at the monkeys natural home, and what a story to tell after!

The Environment and Coral Reef Nursery

One of the complementary activities in the resort is The Coral Reef Nursery. The resort is leading a conservation effort with marine biologists to revive the reef after the 2004 Tsunami where it destroyed the surrounding coral reef, and this was music to my ears.

Guests can go on guided snorkeling around the nursery and learn about the different types of corals, fishes and the impact it has on the ocean. This is definitely one of the must-do activities here.

Wildlife

This resort is a nature’s paradise. It’s common to see monkeys, hornbills flying around, flying foxes during the evenings and the infamous monitor lizard, who I was told is called Jeff!

You can find him strolling around the grounds near the pool and beach area, and sometimes swim with him. Keep in mind, he is still very much a wild animal and don’t approach him especially from behind as thats when he feels threatened.

Don’t forget, Langkawi is home to the big flying five – flying snakes, flying squirrels, flying foxes, flying dragons and flying lemurs – see if you can see them.

Wildlife Activities:

Day wildlife walking tour – Book a day in advance for this, and join a group with a wildlife guide and walk around the surrounding rainforest. The guide will show you the different animals and birds in the rainforest and the resort plus the fascinating flora as well.

Night wildlife walking tour – A guided walking tour at sunset around the resort and rainforest (bring a torch) it’s very dark in the rainforest. Very fascinating walk to do, you see the animals that are active during the night time and you can see the flying monkey here too!

Dining at The Andaman Langkawi

The Andaman is quite remote, there are no street food stalls outside, but no fear – there are several delicious restaurants here. Jala serves seafood, Dine overlooking the beach at Tepian Laut serving traditional Malaysian food, and there’s a Japanese restaurant serving teppanyaki, sushi, and delicious ramen. Plus a beach bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Everyday, the resort will host either a beach barbeque lunch or dinner

Breakfast

Breakfast is by the far one of the best things to do in this resort. Why? Because they have a proper spread of food. From traditional Malaysian cuisine including make your own Laksa, Nasi Lemak, all the Indian curries and condiment and noodles to a continental breakfast and fresh waffles and pancakes. All the local fruits you can think of, plus fresh juices and lemon water and healthy fresh drinks available as well.

They cater to vegetarian, I was told vegan options are available too. You can easily sit here for 2 hours and just enjoy. 2 Seating areas, one outside on the veranda overlooking the pool lagoon, and to get this, you have to come bit earlier or wait for a bit. The other option is to sit inside in the buffet area under the AC which is a great option too.

Activities and other amenities

Their spa is just incredible, V integrated Wellness, you take a golf cart to a mini hill, and imagine having a massage in an open-air lounge and overlooking the bay!

For the children, there are educational excursions at the Young Explorers club and kids pool with a slide.

There’s also a 24-hour business centre with PC and plug points for laptops and printers. WIFI is free throughout the entire resort and beach.

Plus a gym with cardio machines, weights, personal training and it’s 24 hours too.

And hire a snorkel (free for an hour) and snorkel around the bay, see the corals in their natural environment. OR hire a canoe or paddle boat and head over to a tiny island nearby.

The Andaman Langkawi Price

Check the rates regularly. The weekend of my friend’s wedding coincided with the Ironman tournament hence the price was high – over £300 a night. The day after on Monday, it went down to £160 a night. One website included breakfast but most does not. So if you find a deal with breakfast – get it, the breakfast is just divine – otherwise, it costs £10 pounds. Please note, prices may change due to availability and popularity.

Address: Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Phone: +60 4-959 1088

Courtney xx

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