Langkawi is a perfect choice for those who seek a pristine natural jungle setting, powder soft sand and a laid back vibe. Ritz Carlton offers all this with added luxury and, after a recent visit, is top of our list for a relaxing and intimate stay with or without your family.

For those who crave a destination with a real sense of place when travelling, yet still seek superb luxury and all the creature comforts it entails, The Datai Langkawi is the place for you. Set on the pristine isle of Langkawi, this renowned resort, regarded as one of the world’s finest hideaway retreats, sets a benchmark for all things jungle-chic! Think ‘back to nature’ where the natural environment and stunning design complement each other perfectly.

Over 2 million years in the making, this renowned resort sits within a landscape of ancient forests where the trees are as old as the land itself, where sweeping bays are deserted and quiet but for the cry of the macaque monkeys. It is home to Emerald Bay, an unspoilt crescent of sand hugged by the tangle of tropical jungle. This beach is regularly voted as one of the best in the world and it is easy to see why. Only a tiny fraction of the island’s 300 acres has been developed and the resort blends effortlessly into its jungle surrounds – Mother Nature herself could have been the architect! The resort is expansive, however, the clever design means it’s not difficult to find your own perfect piece of paradise.

Occupying a beautiful 1.5 kilometre beach – one of the best we have found in Malaysia – this elegant resort lies on the tropical island of Langkawi; a UNESCO Geopark idyll of steamy rainforests, rugged mountains and thrilling mangrove forests.

Occupying a sleek 65-storey skyscraper, the Four Seasons is a welcome addition to the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Located in the middle of the Golden Triangle neighbourhood, it is steps away from a plethora of dining venues, shopping malls and the famous Petronas twin towers.

Peace, solitude and oodles of charm sum up the beautiful Tanjong Jara Resort, located on the unspoilt East Coast of the Malay Peninsula. Fronted by the sparking emerald waters of the South China Sea and shaded by the soaring palms which rustle gently in the breeze, this beautiful resort has long been a favourite with Turquoise. For us it encapsulates all you would anticipate a beautiful Malay resort to be. Think of it as a natural sanctuary designed around the intricate grandeur and elegance of the long-ago palaces, where the staff, chosen from local villages, display a genuine warmth and that irrepressible and uncontrived gentle Asian charm.

Situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge pits you right in the heart of one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. Orangutan, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles and silver leaf langurs are just some of the animals you can see here.

Just 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu airport, Shangri La Rasa Ria boasts a stunning location on Pantai Dalit beach. Surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation, the resort offers 420 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites housed in two wings. All feature satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and even a pillow menu.

Sepilok Nature Lodge lies next door to the well-known Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, where semi-wild orangutans roam freely. That makes it ultra-convenient for visiting the centre but the lack of physical barrier between the centre and the resort means it’s very possible you’ll spot orangutans swinging through the trees while you’re lolling in your hammock on your veranda.

This beautiful luxury resort is set on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five idyllic tropical islets that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, just a 15 minute speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. Part of the prestigious YTL Hotels group, Gaya Island Resort is a peaceful place with a truly lovely vibe – the perfect ending to a Borneo jungle safari.

As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower from which it takes its name, Bunga Raya is a hidden paradise just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded retreat that we think is a real hidden gem, this beautiful boutique resort is a cross between jungle-chic and being ‘at one with nature’. With the dense green jungle canopy and divine white beaches, you feel a million miles away from civilization – the reality is you are only 30 minutes from the airport making this an easily accessible island hideaway.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is set beside the Danum River on the edge of a 438 sq. km reserve of spectacular, undisturbed lowland rainforest.