Saudi Gazette Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman sea off Malaysia's northwest coast. It gets its name from the Malay word used for reddish-brown eagles. In 2007, it was declared Southeast Asia's first UNESCO Geopark with a geological and ecological treasure of 550-million- year-old rock formations, mountainous rainforest and stunning isolated islands. Away from the hustle bustle of the country's capital, things take an unexpected turn when you land in Langkawi and check in to the lavish and mystical Four Seasons property. An Experience You Can't Download Cleopatra would have felt at home. What seems like her bath area, accommodates a lounge beside the raised terrazzo tub facing an outdoor open shower- admist a rainforest setting. Yes, your beach villa has a lot to offer. A water-front villa with a beautiful jacuzzi facing isolated islands is not even a standard postcard picture. The beach villas provide a perfect blueprint for a dream house. They have an indoor spa room with a view of the jacuzzi and the sea. The breezy verandahs with the use of wide plank floors create an Arabic backdrop and complement handmade batiks, motifs and local artworks displayed in every room. With tons of activities like kayaking, windsurfing and mountain climbing to name a few, there is something for everyone. Start with morning yoga or the gym which is open 24 hours, in case you need that late workout, with advanced cardio fitness equipment and bicycles for cruising around all day. Indulge in the Geo Spa therapies. Treatments are split into four– 'Nourishment' to calm, nurture and ground, 'Water' to refresh, release and reconnect, 'Light' to energise and illuminate and 'Air' to balance and heal. The holistic concept focuses on health and wellness for every family member. This is your chance to get lost in the romance with nature. Family Adventure An ideal place for families who wish to discover and explore life as a unit and places that seem out of this world, Four Seasons Langkawi has lots to offer for everyone. Just minutes by boat from the world-renowned mangroves of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, the hotel organizes safe and beautiful boat trips for families. Aidi Abdullah, an expert in Langkawi's ecology takes you on a memorable tour that will make you fall in love with nature's wonders. Have you seen fish walk? Crabs dig their homes before tides come in or eagles hunt? Well here is your ticket. Kilim Karst offers a close encounter with eagles, macaques and otters, fish that walk- live in and out of the sea, monkey tribes and colourful fiddler crabs. Watch out for Giant Hornbills, lizards that swim and remarkable sea life with your children. Walk into mystical waterfalls as you reflect and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Back at the resort indulge in the family swimming pool, barbeque by the beach, archery, mountain climing and lots more. Unlike many five star accomodations, their Kids Club is a full house with special hand-picked activities. Be it batik painting, kite making, Malay folklore and cookery or roasting marshmallows for smores by the sea, the kids love it. The activities include an educational and fun art project that uses recycled materials to inspire eco-mindedness, and of course their ‘mangrove and monkey' safaris that introduce a new world to young minds. Magical Weddings On A Private Beach Weddings are the most cherished occasions for every Saudi household. Many newly weds now aim to have a traditional wedding at home and celebrate with friends and close ones abroad. The destination is usually European or an exotic island. Four Seasons Langkawi is definitely an undsicovered one. They cater to huge groups of families and design a completely customized experience for the bride and groom. Four Seasons Langkawi has three signature ‘guideline' wedding themes. ‘Eternal Langkawi' is a celebration of Langkawi at its colourful and vibrantl best, combining a floating pavilion in gardens with kompang hand drums, bunga manggar floral decorations and a Penghulu (Village Chief) ceremony. ‘Spirit of the Mangroves' centres around a 400- million-year-old journey deep into Langkawi with an over-water ceremony. ‘Beach Blossoms' offers that dream brides have of petals on silken sands, framed by billowy muslin by the sea. Culinary Journey With five exciting dining joints, the resort offers world-class food with different cuisines. First things first, their healthy muffins will be the reason you wake up early every morning. Made of vegetables, an unheard of concept, bran and tofu- the variety is exquisite and an example of what the restaurants offer. Arabic foul and hummus are served at breakfast along with pancakes; special treats every day and Malay food. Ikan-Ikan serves authentic Malay cuisine. With live entertainment, Ikan-Ikan is an open buffet that offers traditional food from across the country. Rhu- is a peaceful lounge with a Moroccan setting that offers snacks, drinks and shisha, which is an Arab favorite. Serai is an Italian restaurant that serves great Italian pastas, steak, risottos and tiramisu on an open-air terrace facing the sea and beautiful stranded islands. Kelapa Grill offers a great array of steaks and scrumptious food ranging from pasta, seafood and grilled items. So come and live a little. Make time for yourself and loved ones. And if you are looking for a destination, then welcome aboard.
