The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa was a favourite destination of mine, this place is amazing!

From our gorgeous One-Bedroom Villa to the expansive tropical grounds set on the soft powdery sands overlooking the Ardaman Sea, the exquisite fresh seafood and the extensive range of recreational activities, this resort has so much on offer, including great-value Family Packages.

After a simple and personalised check-in and a refreshing greeting fruit drink via a VIP separate lounge and buggy ride to our exclusive villa accommodation, I met the lovely Cluster Director of Marketing Communications, Pugeneswary, who treated me to the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa’s signature cocktail Pandan Pine, comprising Pandan Gin, Triple Sec, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut water and pandan syrup.

Pandan is a local Malay herb used in many foods, beverages and massage oils, for its health benefits including relaxation and easing inflammation.

The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa is very family friendly but also has an ethos of Wellness which underpins its intention for each guest to leave feeling better than when they arrived. The Westin has six pillars of well-being – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.

Testimony to this was a special spa experience in their Heavenly Spa where I received a refreshing therapeutic beverage and was asked to select a stone with which the therapist would infuse these qualities during the massage. I chose Love – Hope and Gratitude were also on offer – I joked I’d like to be greedy and have all three!

The therapist included a traditional Malay ritual before washing and scrubbing my feet with lime and natural salts, giving me a 10-minute head massage and then a full body massage which was a powerful blend of traditional Indian and Malaysian techniques, and Chinese acupressure. It was heaven. I felt light and floaty afterwards, more relaxed than I could previously recall.

While I was being indulged and pampered, my kids created Batik paintings in the Kids Club. The Club provides fun and interesting daily activities including sand art, mug painting, nail decorating, Master Chef and T-shirt painting.

The hotel supports local industry by sourcing nearby foods and ingredients, employing Langkawi artisans and recycling its linen, some of which is used in Batik and T-Shirt painting activities.

There were so many complimentary facilities and activities available including four swimming pools, a huge, modern gym and a jacuzzi and sauna separate for men and women.

We played table tennis, squash, basketball, pool and rode bikes; there was also netball and cricket available, all-inclusive for guests. Kayaking, SUP and the use of a catamaran were available for hire.

The grounds were lush, leafy and expansive. Two species of monkeys roamed the premises which were cute to observe.

We had a delicious seafood platter with fresh-from-the-ocean fish, lobster, prawns, octopus and soft-shelled crab at the Tide restaurant, from which we soaked in the fresh sea breeze and views.

This meal also included an assortment of dips and breads, salad and fries.

The buffet breakfast at Seasonal Tastes was immense – an extensive range of fresh fruits, a bar offering juices freshly made to order; a Western kitchen preparing food hot for the plate; oriental sections including spicy Malay fish, chicken and beef curries; Japanese sushi; pancakes and waffles; yoghurts; salads; cured meats; a cheese board; and even an ice-cream selection including purple popcorn-flavoured ice-cream which my kids thought was magical!

A favourite part of the Westin Langkawi experience was our gorgeous villa. It was up with the top places I’ve stayed worldwide. It was enormous and glamorous, offering stunning beach views. Style and class were infused throughout, from the fluffy towels to the chandelier in the living area and the decadent Welcome arrangement of fresh fruits, desserts and lollies in the dining area.

There was a full self-serviced kitchen including a stove, microwave, coffee machine and standard-size fridge with freezer.

A separate dressing room led from the main king-size bedroom, which flowed into the largest bathroom I’ve ever stayed in a resort. It featured a large bathtub, a huge shower with multiple showerhead options, a separate toilet and double sinks.

There was also a separate shower, toilet and powder room so we didn’t have to fight over who could use the shower first!

But the best part was the outdoor area. It was stunning with a sizeable private sparkling sapphire swimming pool, sun beds, a table and chairs and a cabana with a large daybed; all from which we could overlook the tranquil sea, and step out onto the white sands of the palm-lined beach easily through our private gate.

We had a BBQ outdoors in our villa on the first night which was magnificent – the flavours, freshness and quality were first-class. A chef and waiter transformed the space to decorate the outdoor table with matching serviettes, cutlery and candles, and cooked for us freshly caught lobster and king prawns, juicy steak and succulent lamb. They also barbecued vegetable skewers and provided three salads and an assortment of breads and dips.

The dessert comprised fresh fruit, apple strudel, chocolate brownies and vanilla sauce.

There was a wedding on the beach that evening – a perfect wedding and honeymoon destination.

As a Villa guest privilege, we were invited to the hotel’s premium lounge at the Langkawi Airport which was very comfortable and included TV screens, a private bathroom and tea, coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches and biscuits.

The resort also offers transfer services with a private driver to and from the hotel.