Hotel of the Year, Best Resort, Best Hotel Spa: The Datai Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi boasts mesmerising natural surroundings and visionary architecture. It’s set within a 10-million-year-old rainforest at the base of Southeast Asia’s oldest mountain, Gunung Machinchang, in spectacular Datai Bay. The resort was built with utmost respect for its surroundings, thanks to its dedicated team of on-site naturalists and marine biologists. It was also built to unleash the wild in you—with rainforest villas that place guests in the heart of ancient flora, as well as lavish beach villas that boast views from the shimmering sea to the forest-draped ramparts of Ko Tarutao.
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
2. Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Best New Hotel: Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
The opening of The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur marked an exciting moment for hospitality in Malaysia. Luxury, hospitality, and gastronomy converges within this hotel, located in the Merdeka 118 Tower, the second tallest building in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. Truly one of the country’s finest properties, the hotel’s residential floors lean into traditional kampung house warmth, contrasted with modern and theatrical fittings.
EQ Kuala Lumpur
3. EQ Kuala Lumpur
Best Innovation: EQ Kuala Lumpur
First opened as The Equatorial in the ’70s, before being rebuilt and rebranded as EQ in 2012, this iconic property has been a stalwart of five-star excellence in Malaysia for over five decades. This is thanks in large part to an exciting line up of activations and events throughout the year.
Best Design: Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
With 130 years of heritage, Penang’s beloved Blue Mansion was commissioned by Cheong Fatt Tze and carries with it a storied past; to this day, it is still considered his prized achievement. Named after the indigo tones of its walls, guests are able to stay in this property, as well as the newly renovated Qing Suites just across.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
5. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Best Service: Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
While Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur more than delivers in terms of its upscale service, rooms, and amenities, it also offers some of the country’s top dining and cocktail destinations. From Bar Trigona to Nadodi, guests need not leave the hotel to experience Kuala Lumpur’s finest hospitality.
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
6. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
Best City Hotel: The St. Regis KL
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur has established a distinctive presence among the city's luxury accommodations. The Astor Bar, which appeared in Crazy Rich Asians, serves as the hotel's social nucleus, while Sushi Taka, Ushi, and Tenshin boast some of the most premium dining experiences in the city.
Best Destination Hotel: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
In the heart of Ipoh is Malaysia’s most iconic hot spring spa resort, home to natural geothermal baths. Over 40 private villas house guests, and the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Jeff’s Cellar, is located within a 260-million-year-old limestone hill.
88 Armenian
8. 88 Armenian
Best Boutique Hotel: 88 Armenian
This three-storey boutique hotel is housed in a restored Straits Eclectic-style building that once served as a home-away-from-home in George Town, Penang, for Armenian traders in the mid-19th century—hence the name of the street and the hotel. With just six guest rooms in total, this intimate boutique hotel is a charming place to stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich history of Penang’s Unesco World Heritage Site.
Best Family Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi
Pristine beaches and rainforest surround this Langkawi property which is inspired by local architecture and indigenous craftsmanship. Guests are able to experience wildlife up close, and are encouraged to share these experiences with the entire family; the resort has a child-friend resort programme that encourages interaction with the natural surroundings.
Special thanks to Mastercard and Priceless, our experience partners.
