Exploring Tanjung Rhu: Langkawi’s Secret Splendor
Welcome to Tanjung Rhu
Located at the northernmost point of Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Resort offers an escape amidst striking limestone cliffs and dense mangroves. The journey from the airport is a scenic exploration of Langkawi’s diverse landscapes, with each turn revealing more breathtaking vistas. Approaching the resort, the road narrows, meandering through forests and offering glimpses of the Andaman Sea, shimmering in shades of turquoise and deep blue.
The resort’s entrance is an inviting passage beneath a lush green canopy, leading into a world set apart from its surroundings. Tanjung Rhu Resort, expansive yet intimate, stands in contrast to the untamed foliage enclosing it. Guests are welcomed into a generously sized atrium, with the resort’s layout drawing the eye from the entrance to its core. This central area is a peaceful retreat, adorned with swaying palm fronds, glittering koi ponds, and inviting pathways across charming bridges.
The resort’s design masterfully integrates the natural surroundings with the built environment, creating a space where the outdoors seamlessly merges with the indoor setting. Wandering through this serene area, guests are treated to evolving views, from lush greenery to the vast expanse of the sea. This thoughtful introduction to the resort beautifully sets the stage for a stay characterized by understated elegance and a deep sense of harmony with nature, making it seem as if the resort has naturally emerged from the land itself.
Outdoor Allure
The design philosophy of the resort is deeply rooted in respecting and reflecting the natural surroundings, with a focus on local architecture and indigenous art.
Constructed in 1992 and refreshed in 2013, Tanjung Rhu occupies 1,100 acres of unspoiled rainforest, limestone, and mangroves, epitomizing a blend of serenity and natural splendor. The resort’s architectural ethos honors the environment, showcasing local designs and indigenous arts. Its exterior is a testament to this commitment, blending traditional Malay architecture with contemporary design, narrating Langkawi’s cultural heritage while adopting modern aesthetics.
The buildings are adorned with natural materials, featuring stone bases that anchor them to the landscape, and wooden upper structures that appear to hover within the tree canopy. The sloping roofs echo the nearby mountain contours, offering shade and shelter from the sun, fostering inviting outdoor spaces. The resort’s landscaping further enhances this design narrative, with gardens rich in native plants, interspersed with vibrant tropical blooms and lush foliage. Water elements, including ponds and streams, contribute to the overall calmness and fluidity of the space.
The beachfront is a standout feature, with its pristine sands blending effortlessly into the architectural scheme. This area is thoughtfully designed for seclusion and exclusivity, with cabanas and loungers positioned for optimal sea views. The seamless transition from manicured gardens to the untouched dunes and beachfront gives guests a sense of discovering a secluded haven, perfectly integrating the resort into its majestic natural setting.
Suite Comforts
The accommodations at Tanjung Rhu Resort, designed with comfort and a touch of elegance in mind, reflect the resort’s commitment to providing a pleasant and relaxed stay for its guests. The suites cater to varying preferences, ranging from spacious two-bedroom options to intimate units with breathtaking Andaman Sea views. The Anjung Suite, an epitome of sophisticated design, boasts a large bedroom with a king-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a guest room with a sofa bed. Its balcony presents serene sea views, immersing guests in the resort’s picturesque setting.
The Bayu Suria Suite offers expansive interiors, including a separate living area and two balconies, creating a personal slice of paradise. The suite features a king-size bed for restful sleep and two sofa beds for relaxation. The adjacent dressing area and luxurious en-suite bathroom elevate the experience with indulgent amenities. The Bayu Family Suite is ideal for those traveling with family, blending refined furnishings with detailed design in a spacious two-bedroom layout. The suite includes a large living area, commodious bedrooms, a walk-in dressing area with double sink vanity, and a well-appointed bathroom.
Aligned with the resort’s design ethos, these suites seamlessly integrate indoor luxury with the natural outdoors. Each suite is outfitted with a mini-bar, coffee and tea station, Nespresso machine, Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TV, and IPTV, ensuring modern comforts are readily available. This blend of tranquil ambiance and commitment to luxury and comfort promises an unparalleled stay, where exceptional experiences are not just anticipated, but assured.
Diverse Dining
The culinary offerings at Tanjung Rhu Resort span a range of flavors and settings, creating a unique dining offering where each venue stands out for its distinctive culinary style and atmosphere.
Sands, the versatile dining option, presents a blend of Asian and global tastes, with each dish crafted from the freshest ingredients for a rich, flavorful journey. The design of this space harmonizes with sweeping beach vistas, enriching the dining experience with captivating natural scenes. For an exclusive gastronomic affair, the Chef’s Table is a haven of Italian delights, ideal for marking special moments. The ambiance here is meticulously curated for a dining event that lingers in memory, where every course is a celebration of sophisticated tastes.
Saffron, with its relaxed Mexican-inspired atmosphere, is the go-to spot for unwinding. Guests can enjoy a selection of pizzas and local specialties in a setting that’s both easygoing and stylish.
The Reading Room offers a serene retreat for those seeking tranquility. Surrounded by books, guests can savor pastries and savory treats in a setting that’s both quiet and inviting.
For an alfresco experience, the Sands Pool Bar and Sunset Pool Bar provide poolside refreshments. These bars are designed to maximize the enjoyment of the island’s sun and spectacular sunsets, offering a variety of drinks in a stunning outdoor setting. For a refreshing outdoor experience, the Sands Pool Bar and Sunset Pool Bar offer snacks and drinks by the poolside. These bars are designed to allow guests to enjoy the warmth of the island sun while sipping on their favorite beverages, with the added pleasure of stunning sunset views. In addition to these dining options, Tanjung Rhu Resort emphasizes the use of locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its culinary offerings, ensuring that guests not only enjoy high-quality meals but also contribute to the conservation of the local environment. For a truly romantic experience, the resort offers a Romantic Beach Dinner under the stars. Couples can dine on an exquisite 5-course meal served by a personal waiter, surrounded by the magical setting of the sea. This experience is designed to create an unforgettable evening, combining fine dining with the natural beauty of Langkawi. The resort also hosts a Sunset BBQ Buffet Dinner featuring a selection of local and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy an extensive Asian-fusion menu, including teppanyaki, noodle stations, and a variety of grilled meats and vegetables, all while dining under the stars.
In addition to these experiences, the resort’s commitment to locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices is evident in its culinary offerings, allowing guests to indulge while supporting local conservation efforts. For a night of romance, the resort’s Romantic Beach Dinner sets the stage under the stars, where couples enjoy a 5-course meal with the sea as their backdrop. This experience marries fine dining with Langkawi’s natural splendor. Additionally, the Sunset BBQ Buffet Dinner showcases an extensive Asian-fusion menu, including teppanyaki and grilled specialties, all enjoyed under the starlit sky.
Holistic Health
The resort’s approach to wellness and recreation is deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy, harmonizing physical activity with spiritual tranquility against the enchanting backdrop of Langkawi. The resort’s wellness facilities blend effortlessly with the natural environment, creating an inspiring atmosphere for rejuvenation.
The fitness center, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, offers breathtaking beach views, turning exercise into an invigorating experience. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy sea-view courts, with professional coaching available upon request. The spa at Tanjung Rhu stands as a haven for revitalization, providing bespoke treatments aimed at refreshing the skin and re-energizing the spirit.
The resort’s dedication to wellness is reflected in its diverse activity offerings. Guests can engage in water sports like kayaking and snorkeling or ground themselves with yoga sessions, striking a balance between active recreation and peaceful relaxation. Nature walks and eco-conscious practices further deepen this connection, inviting guests to experience the serenity of the surroundings and interact with the environment responsibly.
Wellness at Tanjung Rhu Resort transcends mere personal care; it’s an immersive experience where the island’s natural beauty is an essential part of every activity. The design of the wellness spaces incorporates elements of the landscape, ensuring that whether guests are exercising in the gym or unwinding in the spa, the tranquil beauty of Langkawi is always within sight. This thoughtful integration ensures that every aspect of wellness at the resort is as visually enriching as it is beneficial for the body and soul.
Sustainable Steps
Demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement, Tanjung Rhu Resort has seamlessly woven sustainability into the fabric of its operations. This commitment is evident in various aspects of its operations, including the adoption of 80% LED lighting and the sourcing of food from local suppliers to reduce its carbon footprint. Guests are encouraged to embrace this eco-conscious ethos, with bicycle rentals available for exploring the surrounding area. Water conservation is a key focus, with the resort offering options for guests to limit linen changes, alongside installing water-efficient toilets. This reflects Tanjung Rhu Resort’s thoughtful approach to resource management. The on-site garden not only enhances local biodiversity but also provides a peaceful natural space for guests to engage with the environment.
The resort actively promotes community involvement by supporting locally-owned tours and activities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism extend to local residents. These sustainable initiatives are part of Tanjung Rhu Resort’s broader goals for environmental and social impact, detailed on their website.
Tanjung Rhu Resort’s dedication to sustainable hospitality has been recognized with numerous awards. These accolades include ‘The Best of Langkawi 2006’, ‘Malaysia’s Leading Resort’ in 2007 and 2008, and the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2015 and 2016. In 2020, the resort received the ‘Loved by Guests’ award from HOTELS.Com with a score of 8.8/10, marking its third consecutive year of this honor. Additionally, it has been acclaimed as a Luxury Wellness Retreat in Malaysia and recognized as a Preferred Hotel by Trip.comGroup in 2021. These awards underscore Tanjung Rhu Resort’s unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality, coupled with its focus on responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
The final thought
In the final analysis, Tanjung Rhu Resort emerges not just as an accommodation but as a destination in its own right—a place where the essence of luxury is distilled into experiences that linger long after departure. For those in pursuit of luxury’s core—unpretentious, memorable, and deeply personal—Tanjung Rhu and timeless moments that become etched in memory. Here, amid the casual elegance and the genuine warmth of the staff, one finds the heart of luxury living. While the sea may leave its mark on the resort’s façade, it’s the mark Tanjung Rhu leaves on its guests that truly defines it. For those in pursuit of luxury’s core—unpretentious, memorable, and deeply personal—Tanjung Rhu Resort is more than a choice; it’s a revelation.
