The Datai Hotel
What's so special
Langkawi, an archipelago of islands off the coast of Malaysia, has become increasingly popular with long-haul holiday-makers due to its year-round good weather and fabulous beaches. That's good news for the islands' tourist industry, but it does mean that some parts are getting overcrowded and built-up. So avoid the new resorts and go for experience at the Datai. It opened 20 years ago and has one of the best locations on the island, along with a private beach.
How they rate it
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"If Nobel gave prizes for tranquillity, as opposed to peace, the Datai would have won a handful," says Peter Hughes in The Daily Telegraph. "The idea was simple: build an expansive lodge in the jungle and give guests very little to do and lots of staff to help them do it." Try to stay in one of the beach villas, which are enclosed in walled gardens with swimming pools and have "state of the art" technology in the bedrooms and living rooms.
The menu
There are three restaurants serving Thai, Indian/Malaysian, international and European bistro food.
The cost
Prices from £382 for a double room. Visit www.thedatai-langkawi.com or call 00 60 4 9500 500.
Four Seasons Resort
What's so special
The arrival of a luxury chain as highly regarded as the Four Seasons has significantly bolstered Langkawi's reputation as an alternative to Bali, with direct overnight flights also now available from London Heathrow. The hotel itself lives up to what you'd expect from the Four Seasons name, with luxury pavilions, infinity pools and a spa.
How they rate it
The beach villas are "palatial, with private plunge pools and a bathtub you could fit four in", says Cond Nast Traveller. But the highlight is the infinity pool. There are eight private areas for couples, each separated by stone walls that are high enough to deliver solitude, without obscuring the stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The reflecting' pool, overlooked by an inspiration' pavilion for yoga, tea and meditation, comes a close second. The spa offers both Thai and Malay massages, Ayurvedic treatments and private yoga classes. "The in-house naturalist, Idi, offers guided boat tours of the nearby mangrove."
The menu
There are two options for dining: fish restaurant Ikan-Ikan is housed in a traditional pavilion on the beach, while the Rhu bar, with its double daybeds, is a relaxing place to end an evening.
The cost
Pavilions from £450 a night. See www.fourseasons.com/langkawi or call 00 800 6488 6488.
The world's best roof-top bars
The bar at the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel (pictured) in Singapore "looks out to Singapore's skyscrapers and the strange manmade supertrees' of the Gardens by the Bay' park", says Laura Holt in The Independent. Sitting on the 57th floor, the Sands SkyPark has an infinity pool, "a team of mixologists rustling up everything from milkshakes to margaritas" and there's Asian-inspired all-day dining to soak up the booze. Cocktails cost from S$22 (£11).
Petrolheads will love the view from the rooftop bar at Yas Viceroyin Abu Dhabi. It looks down on "the Emirati capital's Formula One circuit, with an undulating LED-lit canopy that reflects the hairpin twists and turns of the track". There are two bars to choose from: Longitude, "an informal poolside pitstop that serves snacks, drinks and light lunches"; and Latitude, where sundowners are served to the sound of a "chilled soundtrack". Cocktails cost from AED48 (£8).
The Sky Lounge at Delano "looks out past the bushy palms and ancient walls that encircle Marrakech's medina". A circular infinity pool "skims the circumference of the roof", along with "Balinese daybeds and a Japanese-inspired Namazake restaurant". At night head here to "see the Red City illuminated with a chilli mojito in hand". Cocktails start from MAD140 (£11).
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