Where to Stay in Malaysia: Luxurious Hotels in Iconic Destinations
A melting pot blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, Malaysia is a captivating destination in Southeast Asia. Situated between Thailand and Singapore, its fast-growing economy, tropical coastline, rich biodiversity, and colonial history enrich its cultural and geographic tapestry.
From the glittering lights of Kuala Lumpur and the heritage streets of George Town to the sandy shores of Langkawi, here’s where to stay in Malaysia’s most popular locations.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Most travelers begin their journey through Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, the country’s vibrant capital and economic hub. Known for its dynamic business scene and impressive skyline, Kuala Lumpur’s highlight is the Petronas Twin Towers. When you stay at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, you can nearly touch it.
An urban resort with 629 rooms and serviced apartments, the property is suited to both business and leisure travelers and ideal for long stays. Its rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious bedding, and contemporary artwork. For an elevated experience, splurge on The Club rooms and suites, which offer private check-in and exclusive access to the MO Club on the 24th floor. This lounge provides iconic views, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with free-flow wine and signature drinks.
Dining at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is also a treat. Mandarin Grill, an upscale steakhouse, serves prime cuts of meat prepared on a Josper Grill. For more eastern flavors, try Lai Po Heen, a Cantonese restaurant inspired by grand 19th-century Chinese mansions. Aqua Restaurant & Bar serves pizza and tapas al fresco by the pool.
If you’re looking to indulge during your stay, book a treatment at the Mandarin Oriental Spa. The signature Oriental Qi massage, which uses essential oils to unblock energy along the body’s meridians, promises to rejuvenate after a long flight.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang
One of the great dames of Southeast Asia, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, affectionately known as the E&O, is a destination in its own right. Established in 1885 by the legendary Sarkies Brothers, who also founded Raffles Singapore, the hotel is set on the seafront in the Straits of Malacca and has seen the rise of Penang from a colonial outpost into a thriving, multicultural city.
Built in the grand colonial style, the E&O has airy verandas, high ceilings, and elegant interiors. Its 232 spacious suites are set across two buildings. The Heritage Wing, renovated in 2019, retains its historic charm with antique furnishings, vintage light fixtures, and botanical-inspired wallpaper. For an indulgent stay, book one of the Writers Suites, named after famous guests like Rudyard Kipling and Hermann Hesse. Guests of the Heritage Wing also have exclusive access to a seafront swimming pool and The Cornwallis, a private lounge with cocktails and evening canapés.
Next door, the Victory Annexe offers old-world ambiance at a more competitive price, along with a retail shop, tailor, and fitness center. The PAÑPURI Organic Spa provides Thai beauty rituals and Oriental-inspired therapies, perfect for recharging after a busy day exploring Penang’s cultural attractions. Guests can also unwind at the scenic infinity pool upstairs, cocktail in hand.
George Town is famed for its culinary scene, which you can savor at the E&O’s numerous outlets. Enjoy afternoon tea with Asian-inspired dishes at Palm Court or Malaysian specialties at Sarkies. And don’t miss Farquhar’s Bar, a vintage cocktail bar, for a post-dinner tipple.
The Banjaran Hotsprings Resort, Ipoh
While Malaysia might not traditionally be known as a wellness destination, The Banjaran Hotsprings Resort is putting it on the map. Located in Ipoh, a quaint colonial town two hours north of Kuala Lumpur, this serene retreat offers holistic therapies and a nature escape thanks to its lush rainforest setting. The Banjaran is set within 260-million-year-old limestone hills and caves spanning 20 acres. It houses 44 villas ranging from eco-chic lake villas with private plunge pools to luxurious grand garden villas with large pools and outdoor showers.
The hotel offers a highly personalized approach to wellness thanks to its numerous amenities. You can detox in a naturally steaming thermal cave, take an ice bath plunge, meditate in a crystal cave, or soak in mineral hot springs. Built on the edge of a large geothermal lake, these open hot springs range from 39°C to 42°C, providing a natural remedy to ease muscles and tension. The Banjaran’s spa has expertly trained wellness practitioners who offer more than 40 types of holistic treatments inspired by Ayurveda, traditional Chinese Medicine, and Malay therapies.
Despite its focus on wellness, The Banjaran also caters to indulgence, making it an ideal getaway to celebrate a special occasion. Jeff’s Cellar, a romantic fine-dining restaurant set within a candle-lit cave, serves gourmet dishes in a truly otherworldly setting. Here, Chef Boon has designed a whimsical, 10-course menu that includes delicacies like duck liver with caramelized pear and yuzu ponzu foam, and celeriac velouté with truffles and coconut kefir.
The Majestic Malacca
A UNESCO World Heritage city twinned with George Town, Malacca is well-worth visiting for its cultural heritage and small-town flair. Located on the southern end of the Strait of Malacca, this vibrant port town was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, offering a fascinating glimpse into Malaysia’s colonial past.
Set within a 1920s mansion, The Majestic Malacca is a sumptuous place to stay just overlooking Malacca River. Part of Small Luxury Hotels, this boutique bijou has 54 cozy rooms with teak wood furnishings, silk drapes, and bathrooms with clawfoot tubs. A colonial jewel with porcelain tile floors, stained glass windows, and a vintage Gin Cart in the lobby, it’s a hotel with flair that transmits a real sense of place. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the library or join a historical walk to visit local artisans, step inside temples, and learn about the city’s 600-year-old history.
The Majestic Malacca is arguably the best place to try the city’s unique Kristang cuisine which blends Portuguese and Malay influences. The Mansion’s elegant dining room, set on the upper floor of the historic house, has a tantalizing menu with dishes like pan-fried prawn in a tamarind sauce and baked sea-bass with lemongrass and kaffir lime sauce.
The Spa Village, bathed in sunlight and lined with traditional Chinese day beds, offers nourishing treatments inspired by Peranakan culture. These Chinese-Malay therapies use traditional ingredients, like pandan coconut, guava leaves, and bird’s nest to soothe, revitalize, and refresh the body. Choose between the Suam-Suam Panas (warming) or Shiok-Shiok Sejuk (cooling) experience for a 3-hour, head-to-toe ritual for the ultimate pampering.
Four Seasons Langkawi
Langkawi, Malaysia’s most popular island, is a tropical paradise on the border with Thailand. Formed by millions of years of erosion, this archipelago of 99 islands features unique landscapes of cliffs and caves, earning the first UNESCO Global Geopark recognition in Southeast Asia. Located in the park on a pristine stretch of sand, Four Seasons Langkawi is a property that will truly make you feel away from it all.
From bold blue accents, monumental fountains, and hammam-inspired bathtubs, the hotel is a stirring blend of East meets West. Recently redesigned by talented designer Bill Bensley, it blends Malaysian aesthetics with Moorish architecture to recreate a traditional Malay “kampung” (village setting) on the property. The resort has 68 light-filled pavilions and 24 spacious villas which serve as harmonious sanctuaries for guests. The beachfront villas, with private pools, sun terraces, and direct access to the sea, are the most luxurious accommodations.
Dining at Four Seasons Langkawi is a veritable feast for the senses. For casual dining, Kelapa Grill serves local and international comfort food. In the evening, stop by Rhu Bar for sunset cocktails before dining at Ikan-Ikan, styled like a traditional Malaysian home, which serves local specialties like wok-fried tiger prawns with cashews and stewed pomfret fish with tamarind.
Whether you want to spend your day sunbathing on the beach, kayaking through the island’s mangroves, or trekking to a waterfall, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Be sure to spend some time at the Geo Spa, which offers holistic treatments inspired by the elements: Earth treatments use the power of crystals to calm the body and mind, while Water treatments focus on cleansing and rejuvenating the body.
Cameron Highlands Resort
Cameron Highlands, a popular hill station three hours north of Kuala Lumpur, is a popular place for families and couples to unwind and enjoy long weekends in cooler climates. At its heart lies Cameron Highlands Resort, a charming, colonial hotel built around an existing cottage that dates back to the 1930s. A short drive from the picturesque Boh Tea Plantation and surrounded by strawberry farms and flower nurseries, it’s an ideal escape from the bustle of the big city.
Stepping inside Cameron Highlands Resort will take you back in time with its 56 classical rooms and suites featuring four-poster beds and balconies overlooking the golf course. The connecting Cameron and Jim Thompson Suites, spanning 800 square feet with a shared living room, are perfect for families and pay homage to Thailand’s “silk king” who disappeared in the Cameron Highlands in 1967. Guests can embark on a curated jungle walk along the Jim Thompson Trail near the property to learn more about the American businessman and the mysterious circumstances around his disappearance.
In addition to hosting a decadent English Afternoon Tea in the Jim Thompson Tea Room, Cameron Highlands Resort has also designed a private Picnic Experience for guests overlooking one of the area’s most photogenic tea fields — a romantic and Instagrammable experience for couples. The hotel also serves flavorful dishes at Gonbei, its Asian hotpot restaurant, where guests can boil seasonal vegetables, freshly-caught seafood, meats, and noodles in a flavorful broth directly at their table.
If you need to warm up further, head to Spa Village for healing rituals inspired by the Orang Asli indigenous people of Malaysia, a strawberry tea bath, or a heated stone massage.
Malaysia offers a variety of luxurious accommodations that cater to every type of traveler. From urban resorts and historic hotels to wellness retreats and tropical paradises, these destinations promise an unforgettable stay in one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.
