Impeccably Shariah-Compliant: Adya Hotel Langkawi

Built three years ago and owned by the Kedah State Government under the state’s Menteri Besar’s (Chief Minister’s) Office, Gaya Travel Magazine team finds that Adya Hotel Langkawi is one of the best choices of stay in Langkawi, especially for business travellers or groups of families that enjoy shopping.

By Juhan Kamaruddin on February 25, 20163 minutes read

Strategically located in Kuah, close to various shops and eateries, this new 207-room 12-storey Shariah-compliant fuss free accommodation offers sweeping views of Kuah, the surrounding waters and lovely horizon where the sun rises, more advantageous to those who stay on the upper floors. Adya Hotel Langkawi’s sumptuous Executive rooms – located at the corner of each level – are highly recommended for its space and view.

Since opening, Adya Hotel Langkawi has steadily been making a name for itself. Currently ranked number one in Kuah and number thirteen in Langkawi out of over one hundred hotels on TripAdvisor, it also garnered the award as the Best Four Star Hotel during the Langkawi International Tourism Awards (LITA 2015).

According to Adya Hotel Langkawi General Manager Mr. Razmi Rahmat, the name ‘Adya’ is derived from Sanskrit to mean ‘The First’. The name is apt because this is the first ever state-owned hotel, built 20 years after Langkawi has been developed. It is also the first Islamic (Shariah-compliant) hotel in Langkawi, besides being the first hotel on the island to have two swimming pools – one only for females while the other is for all guests – and two bubble lifts.

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As a Shariah-compliant property in Langkawi, Adya Hotel Langkawi is decidedly a dry hotel, meaning that it serves no alcohol. At the same time, the hotel’s female employees are required to cover their hair. Interestingly, the hotel’s non-Muslim guests have no issue with regard to the property’s Islamic status. This is particularly evident during breakfast when we could see many international non-Muslim guests from various countries and backgrounds thronging the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The hotel welcomes all guests irrespective of where they come from.

Mr. Razmi shares that ever since the hotel opened in January 2015, the average occupancy, even during Ramadan month, has consistently been 70%, which surprised many people considering it is just a new hotel and yet to make stronger presence internationally. Adya Hotel Langkawi mainly employs Malaysians as staff so that guests will be able to experience authentic Malaysian hospitality.

As part of its promise to provide Shariah-compliant Malaysian hospitality, Adya Hotel place emphasis on the quality of the food and beverage offerings at reasonable prices. One offering that travellers should not miss when being at the hotel is to savour its delicious and generous steamboat dining served at Jelapang Restaurant at RM35++ per person (promotional price), which is already proves to be a hit on the island. As a matter of fact, Jelapang Restaurant is also fast becoming one of the places ideal for hanging out at any time of the day since it is open 24 hours.

When asked about the challenges faced in managing new hotel like Adya Hotel Langkawi, Mr. Razmi confesses that irrespective of the property’s number of years in operation or its size, a hotel must have all the necessary components and parties to support it. These components and parties must be able to work closely with each other so as to provide good service to guests. “People need to really understand the concept of service. Guests, when they come into a hotel, want to be treated like kings or queens. They want to be appreciated. The hotel needs to listen to the guests,” Mr. Razmi clarifies.