Spread out over a forty-eight acre site, the resort layout is reminiscent of a traditional Malay village, in this case a sprawling village that is made up of sixty-eight traditionally styled, two-storey pavilions comprised of four units each and our home, one of the twenty exclusive beachfront villas. Overheight ceilings and walls of glass create a sense of space. Wood floors and the simple lines of the large and airy rooms create an ideal backdrop for the more intricate accents, such as mottled cast iron light fixtures, throw pillows covered in handmade batiks of muted earth tones and bold, local works of art. The size of most suites, the hamam inspired, domed roof bathroom was a definite highlight. More like a private enclave in an exclusive spa, each features skylights that flood the space with light; double basins of roughhewn marble and a bathtub built into a large terrazzo, flanked by Thai style day beds. The massive master bedroom takes pride of place at the front of the villa, where a wall of glass slides right back creating the ultimate indoor/ outdoor flow to a covered outdoor lounge area and a private plunge pool set into the sand. The close up, beachfront view looked more like a carefully photo-shopped image, and probably the best view I’ve had whilst lying in bed! 

The resort’s generous proportions and numerous activities on offer also make it an ideal choice for families, with an impressive kids club, tennis, biking, golf, kayaking, sailing, state of the art gym… and of course the pools. Staying at a resort with this pedigree, expectations were of something grand and Four Seasons didn’t disappoint. Our kids lived in the beautifully designed multi-tier, infinity pool that meanders its way along the beachfront. Parents can enjoy some alone time in the secluded adults only area, which contains an additional infinity pool complete with ultra private walled cabanas – very chic and available to hire by the hour. 

Three oceanfront restaurants deliver on their promise of exceptional cuisine, ranging from the elegant Serai, with flavours of Southern Italy, to my favourite Ikan Ikan situated in a Malay-style home and serving an eclectic mix of Malaysian specialities. The baked prawns with ginger, galangal and chilli masala and Ikan Jenahak Asam Katok, a crisp fried red snapper with tamarind honey sauce were certainly a feast for the taste buds. While the restaurants feature a distinctly Asian feel, the ambiance of Rhu Bar is more Moorish. Intricately carved screens create an intimate feel, while Turkish water pipes, hanging Mogul Indian swings and a magenta pool table combine in an interesting mix… that really works. All in all, the ideal location for a pre-dinner cocktail, whilst letting the kids play on the wide beach frontage watching the sun setting over the Andaman. 

For some pampering the Spa provides a very special sanctuary to escape the world for a few hours. Reminiscent of a peaceful Asian Village, its six thatched roof pavilions are surrounded by lotus ponds, perched beneath a dramatic limestone cliff at the heart of the resort. Treatments are inspired by the country’s rich cultural diversity, with Malaysian and Indonesian massages, Ayurvedic treatments from India and ancient Chinese rituals.

Overall service levels are typical of any Four Seasons property, attentive, uncompromising yet delivered in a very warm and welcoming manner. Coupled with an enviable location and quality of the design and build make this a stand out luxury island resort. It was an absolute pleasure to visit with kids in tow.