The Art of Being Spoiled at The St. Regis Langkawi
From the ceremonial strike of a gong to the legendary touch of a private butler, Shahida Sakeri embraced the art of the “spoiled life” at The St. Regis Langkawi, a sanctuary where elevated breakfast menu and relaxing massage redefine what it means to live like a modern-day royalty.
“Dearest gentle reader…”
If there was one thing Bridgerton taught me, it was that holidays should always be taken in style. Or wait, was it The White Lotus? Either way, that detail was beside the point. My recent stay at The St. Regis Langkawi embodied exactly that philosophy. The trip left me feeling faintly aristocratic and extremely spoiled.
It all began with a gong. Yes, an actual gong. Not a metaphorical one. Someone physically struck it to announce my arrival, and that almost never happened in my daily life. Moments later, my companion and I were ushered into the light-filled lobby, where welcome treats awaited. The resort’s signature torch ginger–infused drink was delicately aromatic and refreshing, paired with a chempedak confection that leaned unapologetically tropical. The signature St. Regis scent lingered in the air, quietly recalibrating the senses and setting the tone for what was to come.
The lobby alone warranted a moment of admiration. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed sweeping views of the Straits of Malacca, allowing natural light to pour in generously. The space struck a careful balance between modern Asian chic and European mansion grandeur, with just enough Moorish detailing to keep the eye intrigued.
Check-in was completed in under five minutes, which immediately put me in a benevolent mood, and we were promptly introduced to our butler. The St. Regis Butler Service is legendary, but experiencing it first-hand was another matter entirely. The butler was available around the clock via phone, message, WhatsApp, or a discreet appearance at the lobby desk. It felt less like service and more like a lifestyle support system, which I found infinitely more appealing.
With only 85 suites and four overwater villas, the resort felt refreshingly intimate. The suite I stayed in was spacious and calming, featuring a separate living area, a king-sized bed, and a balcony that opened out to the sea. The colour palette was classic The St. Regis: muted beiges, soft gold lighting, and natural textures that soothed rather than sterilised. Two television sets—one in the living area and one in the bedroom—subtly eliminated any potential heated negotiations with my companion. The bathroom was a highlight in itself, complete with an oversized bathtub and his-and-hers (or, in my case, hers-and-hers) vanity areas that made mornings feel positively civilised.
Then came the unpacking service. I was not proud to admit how quickly I became accustomed to someone else arranging my wardrobe, but here we were. The butler service included the option of having up to three cups of coffee or tea served in-room, along with daily pressing for up to four items of clothing.
At 6.30pm each evening, The St. Regis Langkawi invited guests to its Champagne Evening Ritual on the terrace. I would urge anyone to attend, even if alcohol was not their preference, as non-alcoholic options were available. A bottle of champagne was sabred open with theatrical precision, followed by a silat performance that honoured local culture. There was something grounding about standing there at dusk, watching tradition unfold and feeling momentarily part of a shared ritual. The occasion also proved an excellent way to strike up conversations with fellow guests, should one feel sociable.
Food, unsurprisingly, played a starring role. Mornings were spent at L’Orangerie, where breakfast felt less like a meal and more like a celebration of fine flavours. The spread rotated local favourites alongside indulgences such as the signature truffle and caviar scrambled eggs, which I tried once and then found it difficult to return to ordinary eggs. The St. Regis Iced Tea—a fragrant blend of infused black tea, coconut syrup, passion fruit syrup, and orgeat syrup—became my drink of choice. Lunch was equally satisfying, with a local butter chicken standing out as comfort food done properly.
Dinner at Pantai Grill offered a relaxed beachfront experience. We shared a seafood platter that was unapologetically generous, even between two peckish diners. Everything tasted fresh, sweet, and confidently seasoned, best enjoyed with the sound of waves nearby.
Another evening led us to the resort’s whitewashed Kayuputi restaurant, set above the water and feeling like a destination in its own right. Under the direction of Executive Chef Unaver V. Unabia, the menu leaned into haute Asian-inspired cuisine using fresh catches from Langkawi’s waters and locally sourced produce. Dining here felt special, regardless of the occasion.
One afternoon was devoted entirely to The St. Regis Spa, which felt like discovering a hidden sanctuary. After a brief consultation, I opted for a stress-relief massage. My therapist, Bib, a local Langkawian, began the session by placing warm stones in my palms to encourage circulation and ease the body into stillness, followed by a foot soak featuring milk bath, rock salt, rose petals and lime. The massage itself was expertly done, with pressure that was gentle yet purposeful. I left the spa feeling absolutely rejuvenated afterwards.
For those who like balance, there is a 24-hour fitness centre, a children’s pool, and an infinity pool that quietly encourages you to lose track of time. During my stay, I ignored the gym entirely in favour of pretending the infinity pool was my private lagoon.
What lingered most, however, was the hospitality. Staff appears often enough to make everything perfect, but not too often that it feels intrusive. Whether you are dining, lounging, or simply existing, there is a constant sense of genuine care. I caught myself smiling at random staff members, probably awkwardly, but I like to think it conveyed gratitude and charm.
By the end of my stay, there was no denying it. For a few glorious days, I lived like a princess. And really, who would not want that?
For more information about The St. Regis Langkawi, visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lgkxr-the-st-regis-langkawi/overview/.
The Gaya Travel Magazine team extends its heartfelt gratitude to The St. Regis Langkawi for making the writer’s stay at the resort possible and notably memorable.
About The Author
Leave a Reply