Langkawi, with its magical backstories, is a postcard-perfect location from which to segue into Malaysia’s multi-fold myths and folktales. From the redemptive tale of Mahsuri to the ethereal Tasik Dayang Bunting, there’s a lot of tourist hours to spend here, if you’re so inclined. But for those with weekend getaways in mind, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has encapsulated one of the island’s better known legends into a memorable activity – the Dayang ritual. At a special time during the day, guests meet at the resort’s red bridge that overlooks a natural pond. Here, water flows from Tasik Dayang Bunting, a spot known for granting wishes to the sincere of heart. Wishes are written down on a small flat stone, which are then tossed into the lake, Trevi fountain-style.
Those wishing for a wellness reset, though, won’t have to throw stones of any sort. The resort has conceived a three day/two night Blissful Retreat package that covers all of the bases from food to fitness. Accommodations include those in the Rainforest Deluxe category with light wood flooring; paneled mirrors (a lot of them); a standalone bathtub essential for those romantic moments; and bathroom amenities stocked with luxury personal care products.
The first morning at the resort begins before sunrise – perfect for early birds. An adventure on kayaks awaits on the ethereally calm and almost perfectly still Andaman sea waters. Then for breakfast, there is a choice of in-room dining or a buffet at the resort’s Langkawi Kitchen. For the former, breakfast options such as the Plant Power set – comprising a tofu and turmeric scramble, resort-made granola with a selection of oat or nut milks, and freshly sliced fruit – is bound to make any self-respecting vegan chef nod with eager approval.
Over at Langkawi Kitchen, executive sous chef Matt Mujtahid continues to flex his creative chops since decamping from JW Marriott Phu Quoc. There’s the localised selection of cheeses, for instance. Think supremely elegant nutty emmental-like varieties such as the kerabu cheese with ginger flower, citronelle, and blue pea; chili, prawn paste and onion-infused sambal gouda; and the harta cheese, an unforgettable chunk of stinky bean, chili, and garlic.
Later that day, it’s also Chef Matt who takes guests on a vegan cooking adventure. With his light banter, he introduces three veganised Malay dishes featuring a tasty kerabu appetiser – a spicy vegetable curry mains, and a fried dumpling-shaped banana dessert. In the span of an hour and a half, guests learn how to transform calorie-rich staples into healthier alternatives. The curry dish is cooked with a half-and-half concoction of water followed with coconut milk, while the kerabu dish is flavoured with diced coconut and liberal splashes of lime juice.
The Blissful Retreat package also includes two spa treatments at the resort’s spa, designed as an assortment of oversized bubu (fish traps). The six spa pods are an aesthetically charming acknowledgement of Langkawi’s seafaring heritage. Each spa pod-pavilion is conceived as a see-through, pavilion-type ‘bubble’ floating on water.
The first treatment is a DIY face mask treatment coupled with a 45-minute facial massage in the expert hands of therapists like Fadilah who, besides adding tone and definition to one’s facial contours, also gives mask-making recipes (diced chilled cucumber and egg white). The second treatment, a deeply relaxing lymphatic drainage body massage, proves once again that the best wellness getaways are ones that make you yawn – in a good way.
