(Langkawi October 2027) More than usual, the fresh air of  Langkawi was very welcome. Coming out from the haze in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur - created by brush fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia - it was a balm to the soul.  Pristine nature is what Langkawi is all about. It was the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Southeast Asia and is known for its geological heritage and exotic landscapes. Many visitors come for the fresh air, for the beaches, for the oxygen producing rainforest. 

While nature takes centre stage there is a move to add more reasons to go to the island located off the northwest coast of Malaysia. This trip was hosted by Marriott International that wants to take advantage of the the experiences surrounding an event. Any event. Weddings, gastronomy or Geoparks for example. The International hotel chain is working with Malaysia’s convention bureaus to present the country as a connected, multi-destination proposition for regional MICE planners. 

The Marriott launched Destination Convention Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau. The new platform brings together Malaysia’s convention infrastructure, hospitality capabilities and destination experiences, giving organisers a broader view of what the country can offer across different locations and event formats.

Organisers are looking beyond venue capacity and accessibility to consider how destinations can support personalisation, sustainability, wellness, technology and locally relevant delegate experiences. For Malaysia, this is an opportunity to position its vast array of facilities, attractions, amenities within the country as a competitive advantage.

I was here to write about the experience with Kanchan a journalist from India. At the airport we were met by a driver from St. Regis Langkawi, our luggage placed in the back of the minivan. We wound through the ever-changing landscape heading southeast to where two luxury resorts look over the tranquil waters of the Strait of Malacca.   

We were warmly greeted in the lobby while our large bags were delivered to our rooms. St Regis has 85 luxury suites (sea-view, rainforest-view, and private-pool) and four overwater villas, including the resort's signature Sunset Overwater Villas and Royal Villa, the spacious rooms are comfortable. The adjacent Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa offers 221 rooms, suites, and villas, including private pool villas. With four outdoor pools, a private beach, fitness center and the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ it is very much for families and couples.

Walking to my room I passed through lounges and on the terrace took in the gorgeous view to the sea. I turned and turned until I came to a room with a number that matched that of my key. I unlocked my bag and was somewhat bemused that the lock was bent to the extreme. My first thought was, ‘how did they do that?’ Having little time to get down for lunch (the Batik Air flight was late) I quickly unzipped it and flipped up the side. I did a quick wash and changed to shorts and t-shirt before rushing back to the lobby where carts were waiting to transfer us to the Westin.

The path took us along the shore, the short beach of the St Regis that ended in large boulders and then the beach for the Westin began. I eyed the beach to see if it would be suitable for jogging on. Wherever I go I look for a place to run.

Cuisine

Later I would have a discussion with Vijay Kumar, General Manager of the Westin, about which is best for good health, exercise or diet. Mr Kumar feels that a nutritious diet is far more important than exercise. I agreed that nutrition is essential but not to the extent that the GM, who has eliminated sugar from his diet, does. Dinner at a waterfront location in Langkawi is a singular pleasure as you enjoy the company, the food and the setting sun.

Quality food is the soul of the resort. In partnership with Malaysia agritech innovator BoomGrow they provide fresh greens to the restaurants, cafes and bars at both resorts. Through their ‘indoor vertical farming’ the company grows pesticide-free 28 different plants in controlled environments using hydroponics, IoT sensors, data analytics and modular "Machine Farm" systems. Though we didn’t go in we visited the greenhouse where the leafy greens are grown year-round.

Lunch was at the appropriately named Breeze Lounge where we watched squalls dash across the Strait washing out one of our planned activities for the day. Executive Chef Saiful Sharipp was at the grill preparing a variety of seafood that was served with sauces and salads. After such a sumptuous meal the only water activity I would’ve been capable of would be drinking a glass of it.

Before we had dinner with GM Kumar at Tide, the resort's signature beachfront steakhouse and seafood restaurant on beach level, we had an hour spa session at Heavenly Spa by Westin™. It was everything you would expect from a first-class international spa. The ladies know their art and all of our group left feeling light, refreshed and ready for the evening.  

Back in my room I changed into less casual clothes for the evening. Heading down I checked my WhatsApp Group chat and found this message: “Megat here from The St. Regis Langkawi. I’m reaching out on behalf of Rubaani and Joyce. Just a quick note to let you know that we’ll be gathering at the hotel lobby at 6:25 PM today for our signature Champagne Sabering Ritual, which we’d love for you to join us for.” I was more than happy to.

These three people helped me throughout my stay, ensuring I got to where I needed to be. Joyce Wong Country Director Sales & Distribution Malaysia,  had come up from Kuala Lumpur after helping to organize The Marriott and Malaysia Convention Bureaus teaming up to promote their destinations (https://asianjourneys.com.sg/12-Oct-2026/marriott-malaysia-convention-bureaus-team-promote-destinations).

The buffet breakfast at the St Regis included food for every palate. Having enjoyed an omelette exactly how I like it – along with a strong latte – I was ready for a tour of the LICC. Known as a premier waterfront events venue it adjoins The Westin Langkawi. Offering a grand ballroom and flexible meeting spaces, it hosts international conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and gala dinners.

The centre was a buzz with representatives from around Asia who were there to discuss GeoParks. Malaysia should be proud as it introduced a new GeoPark. The Sarawak Delta UNESCO Global Geopark is Sarawak's newest UNESCO-recognised destination, encompassing Kuching, Bau, Padawan and Siburan. Celebrated for its ancient geological formations, limestone caves, mangrove forests and diverse cultural heritage, the geopark showcases the natural and human history that shaped the cradle of Borneo. Despite visiting Sarawak many times, I hadn’t heard of it as it only became official in April 2026. Malaysia’s third Geopark is Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark.

My flight was late in the afternoon, but my enjoyment of the St Regis Langkawi was not yet over.  At The St. Regis bar, a local interpretation of the Bloody Mary, called the Lang Mary, was presented. It is a St. Regis tradition for each property to create its own version of the famous cocktail, and Langkawi's version in addition to vodka, incorporates local ingredients such as pandan, lemongrass-infused vodka, and tamarind. The bartender, Aan Handoko, told us that the Bloody Mary was invented in 1934 in New York. Here, the Lang, is from Langkawi. 

Lunch was a perfect cap to the St Regis experience as we had salads from the greenhouse in the Gourmand Deli.

While it was a perfect ending to my stay, my journey back home was full of glitches. Returning to my room to pack up I discovered that not only had my suitcase lock been bent but the zipper totally ruined. I had no way of closing it. Struggling with it I got it to the lobby where the staff tried to find a solution. I tried several ways to fix the problem, but none of them worked. My best option was to buy a new suitcase. So, with one eye on the clock for my flight departure time, the driver took me to a store on the way where I bought a new suite case. I transferred everything from the old to the new and hoped I would still be within my weight allowance. I was.

My wait became extended. When I boarded my AirAsia flight we didn’t immediately take off. The delay became so long that I was wondering if I would make my connection to Singapore in Kuala Lumpur. It didn’t matter. This plane wasn’t going. All the passengers deplaned and returned to the terminal. Fretting and sweating and wondering if I would get home that day, I was lucky to be put on the next flight.

My initial itinerary had me landing in Singapore at 8:00pm but it was closer to 11:00 when we touched down. By the time I got home it was almost midnight and Farah was asleep. 

St Regis Langkawi

Jalan Pantai Beringin

Langkawi, Malaysia, 07000

www.marriott.com

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, 

07000 Kuah, 

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia  

Toll Free: +1-80-080-6554

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa | Wellness Hotel

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