PARADISE UNEARTHED

I was asked to review the Rebak Island Resort in Langkawi and while I gleefully said “Yes!” at the thought of a nice little getaway, I had no idea just what I was in store for. Let’s be honest; as a fresh graduate with student loans weighing on my mind, luxury holidays are simply non-existent. Any sort of vacation with clean water and reasonably-comfy beds is already heavenly, due to the obvious budget constraints.

The Perfect Escape
So the weekend retreat that I was lavishly treated to, quite simply, blew my mind into a million happy pieces. Firstly, the resort is situated on its very own secluded and privately-owned 389-acre Rebak Island, less than 5 km away from the mythical island of Langkawi. So after a pleasant 15-minute boat ride, my guest and I were greeted at the lobby by the General Manager, the gracious and affable Mr Samir Khanna. Over welcome drinks (lovely spiced ice tea) we were given a brief introduction to the resort’s staff and facilities. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 59 hotels in 41 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.


The Rebak Island Resort has a sheltered harbour, which offers protection from harsh weather elements, while allowing guests to commune with nature in a comfortable and secure environment. The resort has a first-class marina with full equipment that can accommodate vessels up to 30-meters in 189 wet berths and 70 dry berths. By the way, Rebak Island is named after the native Rebak tree and the island is one of the 99 that make up Langkawi. The island is blessed with a balmy climate, stunning rock formations, a lush forest that goes back a million years, picturesque waterfalls, limestone outcrops, fascinating caves and pristine, secluded beaches.

I was given an exquisite 76 sq m Deluxe Sea Facing Room located at the beach front. Yup, I had direct access to the beach and my balcony had rattan lounge chairs for me to relax on while taking in the Senari Straits. Rooms at the ground level, like mine, also have tropical outdoor showers. Inside, the bathrooms have simple standalone bath tubs with individual shower cubicles (the humungous rain-shower types, too!) After we were done exclaiming over the fabulous amenities in the room – large LCD television, DVD player with DVDs available at the front desk, a comfy sitting area and a gorgeous bed with all the pillows your heart could desire – we ordered room service. We then went to check out the water (contrary to what our mothers would advise) and found the beach to be on par with anything you’d find in Langkawi.

The pool was absolutely divine, with towels magically appearing in our hands the moment we appeared at the pool area. There’s also a bar and an open air hawker stall (serving sate on that day) so you can easily wile away the hours lounging with a good book or swimming to your heart’s content. Dinner is served at the Senari all day restaurant by the pool side, which serves a variety of Oriental, Indian and Continental delicacies and a fine selection of spirits. Some of the gastronomic highlights included tender lamb stew, crispy fish tandoori, braised seafood and vegetables and an array of fresh salads and cold cuts. There was also a ‘live’ pasta station. Dessert was absolutely fabulous and my pina colada certainly washed everything down pleasantly. Guests can dine indoors or al fresco, but I just had to sit outside because it was such a beautiful night. After dinner, I checked out the library, a wonderfully cosy place with an international selection of books as wells as newspapers and magazines. Conveniently, there are also PCs with internet connection, although the entire resort is already Wi-Fi enabled. Now, I had actually spoken to the Activity’s Desk to schedule fun stuff for the rest of my stay.


However, I hadn’t counted on the simple intrinsic pleasures that lay ahead. Basically, I woke up the next day and went for the breakfast buffet fully intending to eat up for a long day of recreational and water activities. But somewhere between the pastries and piping hot Western breakfast and fresh fruit juice and hot tea, I think I forgot all my plans. For lunch, I decided to try the spinach and mushroom risotto and it proved to be a great light meal. What made it better is that while I waited for my meal, I was given a simple appetiser. In fact, I noticed this happened a lot; at breakfast there was a special fish dish to sample, and even at the pool, we were given skewers of chilled fruit. The staff were also constantly attentive and friendly, and this was not just limited to me. I was kindly taken on a scenic tour of the island by Ridzuan Lopez, the highly entertaining Area Manager and he let me get up close and personal to the only fully equipped marina in Malaysia. The views were extraordinary and I got an insiders look at the lives of some of Rebak Island’s “semi-permanent” residents – those who anchor their yachts for months at a time while they enjoy Langkawi’s laidback charm.


I also got to meet the giant water monitor lizards that live harmoniously within the resort’s lush greenery. Finally, I checked out the exclusive Safa Wangi Spa, which offers classical massages and therapies including naturopathy facials, nail treatments and body scrubs and wraps, all at affordable prices. All treatments are followed by a warm bath and a herbal scrub. Best of all, you can even get a massage outdoors in a cabana set up in the lush gardens. I can safely vouch for Rebak Island Resort as the ultimate destination for an honest-to-goodness retreat from the stress of hectic urban life. Whether it’s a family holiday, an all-female retreat or a lovers’ getaway, the island is a serene haven that still offers all the modernity your heart may desire.