A few weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to Langkawi with one goal in mind: to learn about the promises of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programmes and to experience first-hand the remarkable sustainability initiatives of two iconic Marriott properties on this island.
Before that, you may want to read my experiences learning about the initiative program at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi to support the sustainability of sea cucumbers.
Langkawi Island, situated in the northern reaches of Peninsula Malaysia, offers a haven of natural splendour and some of the country’s finest resort experiences.
Two of the standout properties within the Marriott Bonvoy collection on this island, nestled side by side, are The St. Regis Langkawi and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. Both are strategically located on the island’s southeastern tip, near Langkawi’s vibrant capital, Kuah.
These two resorts exemplify Marriott’s unwavering commitment to responsible travel.
As I set foot onto the lush haven of The St. Regis Langkawi, I was instantly enveloped in a world where luxury seamlessly merged with the beauty of nature.
During a delightful lunch at L’Orangerie Restaurant, I had the privilege of meet and sit with Hannah Abdul Rahim, the resort’s Cluster Marketing & Communication Executive. She eloquently introduced the concept of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy – a philosophy that effortlessly intertwines luxury and responsible practices to create a fulfilling and immersive guest experience.
Celebrating Sustainable Gastronomic: L’Orangerie at The St. Regis Langkawi
L’Orangerie is an elegant dining venue that serves as the stage for a gastronomic celebration of locally sourced seafood and freshly picked vegetables from the resort’s own hydroponic farm. Its menu boasts diverse options, from the catch of the day, prepared à la meunière (dusted lightly with flour and sauteed in butter) to a mouth-watering vegan green curry. Each dish bears testimony to the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Our delectable lunch was meticulously crafted by Executive Sous Chef Syafifi Tahir, featuring flavours inspired by the idyllic island of Langkawi and utilising sustainably sourced ingredients from Langkawi and its neighbouring regions.
Our culinary journey commenced with a refreshing hydroponic salad and tempeh (fermented compacted soybean), followed by Swiss Potato with Truffle Röschti. It culminated with the main course featuring a vegan green curry, Catch of The Day “A La Meuniere,” and an irresistible Malay-style pineapple curry. To sweeten the experience, we savoured a granola bar paired with almond cream. It was a remarkable way to kickstart my Langkawi adventure, indulging in such exquisite cuisine.
The St. Regis Langkawi: The Island’s Best Address
The St. Regis Langkawi’s reputation as Langkawi’s most opulent retreat became evident during my stay. I received delightful treats in my room – Chocolate Coral with Date Roll and Pani Puri with Mango Salsa, which are refreshing snacks made from locally sourced mangoes – as welcome gesture to my arrival. These delicious surprises set the tone for my luxurious experience.
I had the privilege of staying in one of the residential-style Suites, boasting a terrace with direct beachfront access and a private plunge pool at the patio. The suite featured an oversized bathtub, a king-sized bed, and double vanities. The room’s decor blends with white timber panelling, which contrasts beautifully against dark timber flooring.
As I explored the suite where I stayed, I couldn’t help but admire The St. Regis Langkawi’s seamless fusion of luxury and environmental consciousness. The property’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its dedication to preserving the local environment.
The next chapter of my journey led me to the heart of Langkawi’s geological marvel: the mangrove forests of Kilim Geoforest Park.
A short drive from The St. Regis Langkawi brought me to a meeting with a representative from NAAM Adventure, Langkawi’s premier leisure and tour operator, who shared the company’s unwavering commitment to mangrove conservation. This partnership with NAAM underscores The St. Regis Langkawi’s dedication to sustainability, embodied in the Sustainable Mangrove Management initiative.
The St. Regis Langkawi Initiative: Sustainable Mangrove Management
The significance of mangroves extends far beyond ecological concerns; it’s deeply intertwined with the livelihoods of coastal communities. These vital ecosystems face increasing threats due to coastal development and environmental pressures.
The Kilim Geoforest Park, renowned as Langkawi’s foremost ecotourism destination, boasts a stunning array of natural wonders – lush mangrove forests, dramatic limestone rock formations, pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons.
Although Langkawi initially only received UNESCO’s endorsement as part of the Global Geopark Network in 2007, it subsequently earned the prestigious UNESCO Global Geopark designation in 2015 due to its rich geodiversity and biodiversity preservation.
Notably, the mangrove forest was pivotal in mitigating the impact of the tragic 2004 tsunami that struck Langkawi’s shores.
Led by Venosha Balachandran from Junglewalla Tours, a naturalist appointed by NAAM for her expertise and passion, several fellow journalists and I embarked on an educational expedition into the mangroves to witness their significance first-hand. Venosha’s insights on rehabilitation and sustainable management brought depth to the experience.
Throughout our three-hour excursion into the mangroves, we engaged in hands-on mangrove planting, a unique and tangible way of contributing to preserving these critical ecosystems.
It was more than just planting seeds; it was an investment for the future to safeguard coastlines, combat climate change, and bolster local economies. The programme elegantly weaves together education, conservation, and community support.
Sunset Serenity and Gastronomy: Kayuputi at The St. Regis Langkawi
As the sun gracefully descended below the horizon, I found myself at Kayuputi, the resort’s signature over-water restaurant that offers sunset cocktail and a seven-course dinner that attest to the harmonious coexistence of luxury and sustainability.
Each dish served at Kayuputi, inspired by the natural wonders of Langkawi, is a masterpiece that embodies the ethos of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy while leaving no ecological footprint behind.
The seven-course dinner named ‘Black Diamond Journey’ and prepared by Chef de Cuisine Shahfi Yusoff took us on a gastronomic voyage through exquisite flavours and textures, affectionately referred to as the “black diamond of the forest.”
Our culinary adventure commenced with vegetable bites featuring braised endives, taro, truffle pearl pie tee, beetroot, and truffle tartare, followed by a delightful black truffle ice cream.
For the main course, I savoured the 24K Gold Saffron Risotto, a symphony of pecorino romano, roasted chestnut, truffle, apple & celery salad, and chanterelle mushroom. The culinary journey concluded with pralines featuring Weiss 70% Acarigua Chocolate, a rich creamy ganache blended with sea salt, cocoa tuiles, olive oil, and truffle coffee sauce.
To quench my thirst, I indulged in the Mixologist’s Masterpiece Mocktail, the Basil Cooler, a refreshing concoction crafted from fresh basil leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and lemonade.
As the Mixologist explained, this drink was designed to awaken the senses and rejuvenate the spirit for an evening of gastronomic indulgence.
Indeed, I concluded the night with all my senses invigorated after a full day of exploration and adventure. The St. Regis Langkawi’s suite provides the perfect sanctuary for a restful slumber.
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa: Holistic Experiences of Well-Being
After checking out from The St. Regis Langkawi, I walked to the property next door where my morning began with a deep dive into The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa’s holistic experiences anchored in the brand’s six pillars of well-being.
Being part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa also embraces a remarkable sustainability initiative.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ‘no plastic straws’ policy and its hydroponic farm, BoomGrow, which provides fresh, pesticide-free ingredients to the food and beverage outlets.
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Initiative: Recycling Old Linens Program
One pressing issue in the hospitality industry is textile waste, and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa addresses this issue head-on.
Through a partnership with Kloth Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the resort transformed old linens into usable items, engaging guests through a hands-on craft experience, such as batik painting.
This initiative not only reduces landfill waste but also provides guests with an opportunity to actively contribute to sustainability, all while fostering a deeper connection with the environment and local culture.
This engaging experience includes an educational session highlighting the environmental impact of linen waste. Guests can also explore the traditional art of batik painting, using their creativity to repurpose old linens into usable items.
This experience is available for guests daily, and bookings can be made through the resort’s Recreation department.
Reflecting on my journey, the interconnectedness of luxury, sustainability, and community becomes abundantly clear. Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to responsible travel transcends beyond words; it is a tangible philosophy that translates into impactful action.
From mangrove preservation to linen upcycling, each experience represented a step towards responsible travel that leaves a positive imprint on the world.
My journey through the Marriott Bonvoy collection in Langkawi had gifted me more than cherished memories; it granted me a profound understanding of how travel can catalyse positive change.
In a world where responsible choices matter more than ever, Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy is more than just an option – it is the way forward.
As I bid farewell to Langkawi, I carried with me a renewed hope that every journey, no matter how luxurious, can be a transformative voyage towards a more sustainable and brighter future.
