Malacca, The Combined Past and Present

The best hotels in Malacca range from eclectic colonial-style guesthouses to gleaming contemporary properties, all of which provide quality accommodations with excellent services and facilities, as well as easy access to ample sightseeing, dining, and shopping opportunities in Malaysia’s unofficial historical capital. The location of one of the first Malay sultanates, Malacca was once one of Southeast Asia’s greatest international trading ports; yet over time it gradually became a sleepy backwater.

These days, Malacca is a great place to re-visit the past – remnants of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule can be seen throughout the city, such as the A’Famosa, Dutch Square, and St. Paul’s Church. There are so many hotels in Malacca that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the best place to rest your head for the night, so take a look at our list of the 10 most popular Malacca hotels to make sure you choose the finest venture.

1. Hatten Hotel Malacca

Massive and modern, Hatten Hotel Malacca is an ideal choice if you're looking for a place to stay in an accessible location. Boasting over 700 guest rooms and suites, Hatten is one of the biggest hotels in the UNESCO World Heritage city, and in a prime spot too - it sits right on top of its sister property, Hatten Shoppes while being linked to Dataran Pahlawan shopping mall, and it is within walking distance to top tourist attractions such as Menara Taming Sari and A Famosa. Its hotel facilities include the all-day-dining restaurant Chatterz, a poolside bar, an infinity edge swimming pool, a gymnasium, a grand ballroom, meeting rooms and H-Spa, offering body treatments to refresh and rejuvenate.

2. Holiday Inn Malaka

The modern Holiday Inn Melaka is a four-star property with an impressive range of hotel amenities to cater for the needs of different types of traveller. Located right in the heart of Banda Hilir, Melaka, it is right behind the cluster of the citys urban shopping centers - Mahkota Parade, Hatten Squares and Shoppes and Dataran Pahlawan, with other world-famous attractions such as The Stadthuys and Jonker Street within ten minutes drive. Hotel facilities include an outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool (with an accompanying children's pool), a fully-fledged fitness center, a spa offering reflexology and traditional massages, and two on-site F&B outlets: es. sense Kitchen serving daily Continental buffet breakfast; and Sirocco Italian Kitchen featuring an open kitchen with a wood-fire pizza oven and an impressive list of wines and cocktails.

3. The Sterling

With a stay at The Sterling in Malacca, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Jonker Street Night Market and A Famosa. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.

4. The Majestic Malacca

For a walk through time, consider The Majestic Malacca as your choice accommodation when you're in the historical city. Previously a private residence of a Chinese merchant, the 1920s mansion is now part of the luxury hotel (together with a 20-storey accommodation tower), with some of its original fixtures still maintained, such as its Straits Chinese tiles at the reception lobby and the colorful stained glass at the entrance of the mansion. A library, an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, four conference rooms and three on-site restaurants round up the hotels facilities, but in-house guests also get to enjoy its exclusive activities lined up, such as the historical walk with a resident historian and the Peranakan cooking class.

5. Hotel Equatorial Melaka

For smart, in-city accommodation, Equatorial Hotel Malacca will fulfil all your needs, and then some. As one of the pioneer hotels in the historical city, Equatorial has the advantage of a prime location - its neighbors include shopping malls Dataran Pahlawan and Mahkota Parade, as well as the crowd-favorite Jonker Walk, which is a 10-minute walk away. Thankfully, all the hustle and bustle dies down after stepping into this elegant property thanks to its friendly staff and welcoming ambiance. Facilities are immaculate and ensure guests get value for their money and consist of a fully-fledged fitness center with a tennis court, four interconnected outdoor pools, a hair and beauty salon, a business center, and seven food and beverages outlets including Japanese, Peranakan and Italian cuisines.

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Penang, The Beauty and The Heritage

A popular destination for weekend getaways, Penang is home to numerous five-star accommodation options that provide well-deserved relaxation for travelling couples, newlyweds, and honeymooners. Aside from luxurious guestrooms, impeccable service, and convenient access to the island’s must-visit attractions, heritage streets, and sumptuous local delicacies, these romantic spa hotels in Penang also feature private suites with tasteful décor and top-notch amenities, where couples can enjoy a myriad of pampering head-to-toe treatments. Whether you and your beloved prefer the tranquility of Batu Feringghi beach or Georgetown’s quaint charm, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of the five top spa hotels in Penang for couples.

1. Hard Rock Hotel Penang

With busts of The Beatles in the lobby and autographed Sex Pistols albums in the corridors, there is little doubt about the four-star Hard Rock Hotel Penangs theme - its extravagant Vegas-esque vibe is a refreshing departure from traditional beachside hotels. Everything spells stardom, from the giant music-related murals and rock star memorabilia to the open-air lobby with a reception/bar combo. The hottest action revolves around the energetic Hard Rock Cafe, which acts as regular host to live bands. Perfect for entourage wannabes is the sexy, see-and-be-seen-in freeform pool, but we also dig the for-hire mountain bikes, poolside dancing sessions, and canoe racing and pool-pillow fights.

2. Golden Sands Resort By Shangri-La, Penang

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La really allows you to experience Penang Islands tropical charms in a warm and inviting way. A four-star property with pride of place along the famous Jalan Batu Ferringgi, it is set next door to sister property Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and this beachfront hotel is no less impressive than its sibling. A stylish addition to an area thin on unstuffy accommodation, it is incredibly popular with families and recreational facilities are abundant. Here, guests can take part in fun activities such as water volleyball, petanque (a fun French outdoor game) and beach soccer.

3. PARKROYAL Penang Resort

PARKROYAL Penang, a family-friendly beachfront sanctuary set along Batu Ferringhi beach, is a five-star hotel with gorgeous environs that are often under-rated. It is almost hard to enumerate the property's list of onsite attractions: be it day or night, young or old Parkroyal Penang has something for everyone. The little ones are well taken care of with the Koko-Nut Kids Club, a play center hosting fun-filled activities such as T-shirt painting, key chain creation, sand art, jewelry-making with beads and more. Meanwhile, adults can head to the hotels onsite spa to enjoy a relaxing treatment or head to the gym or tennis court to burn off some calories: the hotel can also arrange for a golfing excursion if requested.

4. Eastern And Oriental Hotel

Eastern And Oriental Hotel, a five-star Penang property founded by the Sarkies brothers in 1885, is steeped in history and gives the impression of containing a world within itself. A true homage to the British-Raj era, when it first opened it had the longest seafront (spanning 902sqft) of any hotel in the world, and went on to welcome world famous personalities of the time including Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, Douglas Fairbanks and more. Set along Lebuh Farquhar, it is the only hotel in Georgetown with prime sea-facing real estate, making it well placed for sightseeing opportunities, allowing guests easy access to several Penang landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis, the Penang State Museum and the 1903 Victorian-style City Hall.

5. Seven Terraces Hotel

With a stay at Seven Terraces Hotel, you'll be centrally located in George Town, just a 3-minute walk from Camera Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.

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Langkawi, Honeymooners Heaven

The most romantic beach resorts in Langkawi are the ideal travel place for newlyweds, honeymooners and couples looking to escape from the stressful everyday life. Set against a backdrop of lush rainforests with stunning views of the Andaman Sea, these five-star retreats offer first-class luxury such as pristine private beaches, award-winning restaurants and spa centers, as well as private cruises.

From private plunge pools to hanging beds, these seafront suites and rustic teak villas are set up extra extravagantly for guests savoring the best things in life. Comfortable, secluded, calm and romantic, expect nothing but the best with our comprehensive list of the best beach resorts in Langkawi for honeymooners and weddings.

1. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi contains 91 spacious rooms and villas decorated with sophisticated Arabian and rustic designs, all of which offer stunning views of Tanjung Rhu Beach. The beachfront property has its own natural rock climbing site, archery range, spa center, water sports center, various activities like mangrove forest, eagle safari, rainforest diving trekking, cycling, and snorkeling. With the backdrop of the Andaman Sea, couples can enjoy sunset cocktails, waterfront dinners, and beach barbecues at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. For a unique romantic experience, the resort offers a Wondrous Waterfalls Tour, where you and your loved one can ride a bike (or drive with a driver) to the Durian Perangin Waterfall to enjoy a delicious lunch with blankets and pillows.

2. The Datai Langkawi

The Datai Langkawi is a captivating honeymoon destination that blends smoothly with lush rainforest foliage and the tranquil Andaman Sea. Offering complete privacy and mesmerizing views, the five-star retreat plays host to 125 luxurious rainforest villas, beachfront suites and guestrooms with easy access to award-winning restaurants, a shared lounge pavilion, al fresco bars, and a swimming pool with spacious sundecks. The Datai Spa offers a myriad of pampering massages and body treatments that couples looking to rejuvenate their senses will love. Using natural ingredients, the Ramuan Ritual consists of a coconut milk foot soak and foot scrub using ground rice, wild ginger, pandan leaf, and kaffir lime, followed by a head massage, exfoliating body scrub, hibiscus-infused bath , and coconut milk rinse.

3. The Andaman a Luxury Collection Resort

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort Langkawi is a tropical retreat that’s nestled between a 10-million-year-old rainforest and a fringing coral reef that’s over 8,000 years old. All guestrooms and suites are fitted with deep-hued teak furnishings, luxury pillow-top beds wrapped in 300-thread-count linens, and a balcony offering captivating views of the lush tropical rainforest. Travelling newlyweds and couples will love The Andaman’s Executive Pool Suite, which comprises a massive patio with a private plunge pool, cabana daybeds, and a private garden. The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort Langkawi also offers nature walks, excursions, and activities such as kayaking, jungle-trekking, mangrove cruises, wildlife photography tours, and whale shark watching.

4. Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa.

Designed out in the style of a traditional Malay village, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi sits along the white sandy beaches of Pantai Cenang. The 35-acre resort offers more than 300 single-storey and double-storey wooden chalets with spacious verandas that overlook the sea or landscaped gardens. Recreational facilities available here include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, tennis courts, a boutique, two free-form swimming pools, and a myriad of waters sports such as boating, windsurfing, scuba diving, and fishing. After a holistic massage at the resort’s onsite Pelangi Spa, guests can enjoy a romantic dinner by the beach or relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand.

5. Tanjung Rhu Resort

A five-star accommodation at the northern tip of Langkawi Island, Tanjung Rhu Resort has just about everything a couple needs for a romantic getaway. The five-star Langkawi beach resort is set on a pristine 2.5 km-long beach with aquamarine waters and plenty of swaying Casuarina trees, where guests can enjoy a romantic barbecue under the stars, fine-dining on the beach, or a private picnic on an unhabited island. Tanjung Rhu Resort also houses a reading room, game room, tennis court, and golf course, as well as saltwater and freshwater swimming pools. Tanjung Rhu Resort’s luxurious suites, fitted withspacious beds and French windows, are the ideal retreats after a day of exploring Langkawi Island.

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