For many, a winter holiday means frost, snow and skiing. But a new travel trend is moving towards self-imposed isolation on a scenic island far from the crowds of the world’s major cities. Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia is exactly what the world-famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti once called paradise on earth.
For most people, a winter holiday is an opportunity to leave the stresses of everyday life behind – at least for a while. To discover new experiences and recharge. An obvious choice might be a proper skiing holiday in the Alps. But not everyone finds pleasure in après-ski at a crowded Austrian beer hall.
That is why many are swapping frost and cold for sunshine, warmth – and time away from too much commotion. A holiday centred around well-being, a swim in the sea or a beautiful infinity pool. A holiday filled with exceptional culinary experiences and, above all, peace and quiet without the stresses and strains of everyday life. And certainly far away from the crowds of the big cities.
One such place to seek self-imposed exile from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is Pangkor Laut Island. A small island covering just under 1.5 square kilometres, where it is possible, for a while, to shut out the pressures of the outside world. Completely. Here, you will find all the facilities expected of a luxury resort: tennis courts, a wellness centre, swimming pools, meditation rooms – and, of course, extraordinarily beautiful natural surroundings and jungle right outside your door.
The late tenor Luciano Pavarotti described this place in a single word: paradise. And perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the island, he established an event called Opera in Paradise in 1994. This year, the celebrated and acclaimed baritone Sam Young is the headline performer at a concert with the two-million-year-old rainforest as its backdrop.
For most people, a winter holiday is an opportunity to leave the stresses of everyday life behind – at least for a while. To discover new experiences and recharge. An obvious choice might be a proper skiing holiday in the Alps. But not everyone finds pleasure in après-ski at a crowded Austrian beer hall.
That is why many are swapping frost and cold for sunshine, warmth – and time away from too much commotion. A holiday centred around well-being, a swim in the sea or a beautiful infinity pool. A holiday filled with exceptional culinary experiences and, above all, peace and quiet without the stresses and strains of everyday life. And certainly far away from the crowds of the big cities.
One such place to seek self-imposed exile from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is Pangkor Laut Island. A small island covering just under 1.5 square kilometres, where it is possible, for a while, to shut out the pressures of the outside world. Completely. Here, you will find all the facilities expected of a luxury resort: tennis courts, a wellness centre, swimming pools, meditation rooms – and, of course, extraordinarily beautiful natural surroundings and jungle right outside your door.
The late tenor Luciano Pavarotti described this place in a single word: paradise. And perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the island, he established an event called Opera in Paradise in 1994. This year, the celebrated and acclaimed baritone Sam Young is the headline performer at a concert with the two-million-year-old rainforest as its backdrop.
All Inclusive on a New Level
There are plenty of opportunities here for an exceptional holiday experience. Among the main attractions are a collection of individual villas – or private estates, as they are known here. Some are nestled in the hills, while others sit directly on the beach. They are perfectly sized for two couples or a family.
“The beach villa has a professional kitchen where a private chef creates exactly the dishes you want. And if he cannot source the ingredients today, well, then it will be tomorrow,” explains Christian Riiber from XO Traveller, continuing:
“Everything is included in the price. And if you ask the chef for a light meal or a sandwich on the beach, you might suddenly find a table set up right by the water, complete with a white tablecloth and candlelit candelabras.”
The journey from the mainland to Pangkor Laut is an experience in itself. Guests travel aboard a 50-foot yacht, with the beautiful voyage naturally accompanied by a glass of champagne.
It is hardly surprising that the resort attracts celebrities from around the world. Actors such as Joan Collins and Mel Gibson have visited. After all, this is also a place that offers discretion and service at the highest level.
One of Asia’s Finest Beaches
Although the island itself is relatively small, there is no shortage of natural experiences. “Here, you can go trekking through the rainforest with a guide. And at Emerald Bay, you will find one of Asia’s finest white sandy beaches. It faces west, offering perfect sunsets across the blue-green waters of the Strait of Malacca. Guests staying in the beach villas can get even closer to the experience via a long jetty equipped with a pavilion, where they can enjoy a drink or have dinner served,” explains Christian Riiber.
One of the resort’s more distinctive features is that this is not a traditional hotel development dominated by concrete and large expanses of glass. Instead, there are several options to choose from: sea villas on stilts, ideal for a romantic honeymoon, private villas with their own pools, and tropical villas tucked among the tall trees on the hillsides.
“A stay at Pangkor Laut Resort is a unique experience. Five-star luxury at its very best. Many guests stay for three to five days and combine their visit with a stay in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, or in Singapore,” concludes Christian Riiber.
