Luxury

Review of The Four Seasons Langkawi - Malaysia

The island of Langkawi (officially Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah) is home to some of the most spectacular beaches where you are sure to be in awe as you gaze upon the soft, white, iridescent sand. We were lucky enough stay at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi on this beautiful island and even though we had experienced Four Seasons stays before we are always so pleasantly surprised as to how accommodating and incredible our stay always is. Surrounded by bold blue skies, lovely teal oceans and an abundance of Malay jungle, nature lovers are sure to feel as though they’ve gone to heaven at the Four Seasons. The property also boasts a 1.4 km long immaculate beach surrounded by beamingly green rainforests.

Watch the Sunset and enjoy a drink at Rhu Bar

Watch the Sunset and enjoy a drink at Rhu Bar

Langkawi was our first introduction to the country of Malaysia, drawing us in as it was very easy to travel to by plane from Australia and as we soon found out is honestly just as much of a paradise island as the Maldives or any other island you may have on your bucket list. We spent our time enjoying all the experiences the resort had to offer and sipping on cocktails made by their very own mixologist Surinder while watching the sunset on the striking beach at Rhu Bar.

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Even though we were in Langkawi during the so-called rainy season (between May and September), we can tell you that there was hardly any rain during our stay. On the days that it did rain it would happen very early in the morning and completely clear up in an hour or two with no signs of it ever having rained at all. We were told that this was quite common in Langkawi and that it very rarely rains for a whole day straight.   

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The Four Seasons gave us the pleasure of spending a few nights in two different rooms on their property which were both equally as exquisite as each other. Our first room was perched up on the second floor, the stairs and the façade of the room had a very rustic and bungalow-like feel which matched its surroundings fantastically. As we reached our room we saw that the walls were glass doors which looked out onto the impeccably trimmed green field which led to the adult quiet pool. The view of the greenery on this property was breathtaking as each hedge was trimmed and each flower pruned to perfection. The interior of the room was enormous with extremely high ceilings to match making you feel as though you were outside even though you weren’t. With dark stained flooring and furniture to match we felt very luxurious while also being able to enjoy a jungle inspired theme.

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The second room was on the ground floor with the same exquisite glass walls which looked out onto the ocean in the distance. The interiors of both rooms were consistent in décor but this time we had a large outdoor jacuzzi/bath in the backyard. This was such a unique experience as the tall trees surrounded our jacuzzi tub from all angles. We sat there gazing onto the forested hills above while relaxing in our oasis of bubbles.

Our second lower level Villa at the Four Seasons Langkawi

Our second lower level Villa at the Four Seasons Langkawi

Wherever we went on the resort we could hear the gorgeous chirping of many species of birds, monkeys and other fascinating creatures. However, if you think you can hear monkeys you may want to check twice as the drongos birds have a talent of imitating them quite well. If you are in an adventurous mood you can also take hikes into the dense rainforests and experience these creatures in their natural habitats.

Dine on the Beach at Kapala Grill, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Dine on the Beach at Kapala Grill, Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Morning Yoga at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Morning Yoga at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

One of our favourite activities on the island was the complimentary morning yoga class held at the Four Seasons green field which had a view of a large lily pond and of course the glorious ocean in the background. It was just the most ideal way to start the day with the most unreal view accompanying it. We also thoroughly enjoyed the mangroves tour we took with the Four Seasons’ resident and most experienced naturalist Aidi Abdullah. It was a leisurely 3-hour tour through the mangroves of Langkawi taking the best stops along the way to gaze upon hundreds of soaring eagles, getting up close and personal with the monkeys, vipers, crabs and gliding through narrowly gaping caves which many bats call home. It was an experience we will never forget and we learnt so many amazing things along the way. Aidi’s passion for the mangroves is inspiring and contagious, we would recommend this activity to everyone.

We spent our evenings exploring our enormous resort and dining at the incredible Malay restaurant called Ikan-Ikan as well as the beautiful ocean front restaurant Kelapa Grill where you can let your hair down and feel the soft ocean sand nestled underneath your feet while you dine. There are also activities outside the property you can do if you want to venture out and visit the local town center where they host the night markets or go to the cable cars and Sky Bridge.

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Whether you’re a beach bum or an occasional stroller by the sea, the waters are perfectly warm and inviting making each dip a most pleasant experience. We advise you to roll out your towel on the soft sand and have a dip in the ocean at least once. If you are not interested, there are many pools which cater to non-beach goers. The quiet adult pool was a very relaxing and indulgent experience but there is also a family pool which is just a beautiful and kid friendly. The property also offers archery classes for their guests, rock climbing, sailing, surfing, canoeing and much more if you are so inclined.

The adult quiet pool at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi features private enclaves for couples to enjoy the uninhibited infinity pool views of the perfect sunset.

The adult quiet pool at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi features private enclaves for couples to enjoy the uninhibited infinity pool views of the perfect sunset.


It is safe to say that we look forward to exploring more of Malaysia in the near future and cannot wait for another opportunity to return to the Four Seasons Langkawi and bask in its glorious beauty once again.  

Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa | Luxury accommodation in the Centre of Queenstown - New Zealand

New Zealand. Australia’s little cousin to the east. What’s the appeal? We recently discovered it after our stay at the elegant and re-imagined Sofitel Queenstown.

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Queenstown is a visually beautiful resort town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island. The city and its natural surrounds are a mecca for adrenaline junkies year round with beautiful snow making it one of the best ski spots this side of the World.

Following a scenic 2 hour something flight from Sydney, we were collected and whisked away in a hotel supplied luxury transfer. Within 10 minutes we arrived at our destination. The Sofitel Queenstown. One of the few hotels right in the centre of Queenstown and, in our view, the leading traditional luxury property in the region.

We were greeted at the door and escorted directly to our room - Penthouse No.10 - with an in-room check-in. I am unsure whether in-room check-in is standard at the property, but it is one of the little benefits that kicks any stay off on a great note.

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But what is Penthouse No.10? It’s not the 10th penthouse. The property only has 2 penthouse type rooms. The other, being the junior penthouse so to speak, is Penthouse No.5. While it’s on the top level, that’s only level 6 and not level 10. My best guess at solving the riddle of the name is that it is a 10 out of 10 room.

General Manager Jeremy Samuels explained that the room was recently renovated to make it a true catered penthouse. And the team behind it did an incredible job. Without exaggeration, Penthouse No 10 at the Sofitel Queenstown is one of, if not, the best designed and appointed rooms in the classical luxury style we have stayed in.

The penthouse in its single bedroom layout is 225sqm (or 2,422sqft). It features a perfectly appointed and spacious dining and lounge room with mountain views, opening up onto balcony some 25metres in length. From the balcony you can enjoy unihibi

ted views through Queenstown, the nearby mountains, or the iconic Lake Wakatipu. But if you want to take the experience to the next level, you would notice the full sized hot tub/jacuzzi. We noticed it and had a hard time leaving.

For the cold nights, we made the cinema room our sanctuary. For ambience, it featured a beautiful gas fireplace. For entertainment, the impressive flat screen had Netflix (with a Sofitel Queenstown account), an Xbox Live and AppleTV. But there was more on offer with a sound system fitte throughout, controllable via provided iPads.


The master bathroom was decked out floor to ceiling in elegant stone, with a stylish freestanding bathtub, large double shower, twin vanities for him and her, and bathroom amenities by Parisian fashion house Hermes.

What we love

  • Lake and Mountain Views.

  • Centre of Queenstown.

  • Huge Penthouse

  • Balcony with 6 seater Jacuzzi.

  • Breakfasts at Left Bank Cafe







Ajman Saray - Luxury Waterfront in the Emirate of Ajman, UAE

We all know Dubai - a part of the United Arab Emirates oozing with luxury in every niche. But the United Arab Emirates is more than just Dubai. A short drive north from Dubai (and through the emirate of Sharjah) is the Emirate of Ajman.

After an incredible stay at the newly opened Renaissance Downtown Hotel (with incredible views of the Burj Khalifa) we had plans to extend our journey to the UAE’s smallest Emirate. We booked an Uber (which in Dubai means a licensed private limousine service) and after only 40 minutes found ourselves at Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort on the pristine coast of Ajman.

Ajman Saray is located on an absolute waterfront resort strip in good company, with the 5 star Fairmont Ajman, Ajman Hotel and Ajman Palace as neighbours. On arrival you are greeted by a beautiful traditional grand Arabic designed driveway.

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The public spaces of the property are similarly adorned in the traditional Arabic style. While the lobby does not match the granduer of the neighbouring Fairmont, it doesn’t disappoint.

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Lounging on the beach by the sea, or by the pool, was clearly a favourite for guests at Ajman Saray. The pool area was beautifully designed with sufficient privacy provided through a range of lounges and cabanas. Unlike at the neighbouring Fairmont which catered to families, the primary guests at Ajman Saray were couples. This gave it a more peaceful and sophisticated feel to the pool and beach area.

View from the Room

View from the Room

Our westward facing room overlooked the pool which provided us with uninhibited views of an every changing sunset. These could be enjoyed from the balcony, through the oversized windows or from the comfort of the full-sized bathtub.

What We Loved

  • Waterfront rooms.

  • Beautiful Pool area and Public Spaces;

  • Arabic Restaurant on site (seriously - this is rare in the UAE).

  • Affordable luxury a stone throw away from Dubai.

Villa Bayuh Sabbha - Bali, Indonesia

Perched on a cliff top, 50 metres above the dazzling azure sea, with spectacular bird’s eye views from the dramatic Bukit Peninsula to Bali’s southern coastline and beyond to Java, five-bedroomed Bayuh Sabbha languishes over three sprawling acres of glorious tropical gardens. This elegant, classic Balinese villa, which includes a self-contained two-bedroom guesthouse, is fully staffed and boasts exceptional facilities, including two pools, a gym, a tennis court and a children’s play area. 

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