The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is in a class of its own, with traditional Malayan-style pavilions on a tropical property and a beautiful one-mile-long beach. The wide, white-sand beach is not crowded, but boats speeding close to the shore may disturb the quiet. A beachfront family pool includes a kids' section, and the adult-only pool has private lounge areas, and serves freshly cut coconuts and cocktails at the bar. The Serai serves Italian dinners in an open-air pavilion with optional beach dining; Ikan-Ikan serves Malayan cuisine in a beachfront dining room, plus offers barbecues and bonfire s’mores on the sand. Tennis, beach volleyball, horseback riding, ping-pong, and water-sport rentals are available on-site. 

Located on the northwest side of Langkawi, the 178-room luxury Andaman is on a beautiful beach in Datai Bay, an area that teems with monkeys and other wildlife. Weather and overfishing have destroyed the bay's coral reef, but the hotel is working with biologists to lead a conservation effort. Guests can participate by clearing dead coral and propagating new coral in a nursery pond, where they can snorkel. The powdery stretch of sand in front of the resort -- which National Geographic named the ninth best beach in the world in 2011 -- has lounge chairs shaded by trees and a water-sports rental shack. Simple, elegant rooms have balconies with forest or sea views, and numerous restaurants and bars offer international cuisine and beachfront dining. The resort provides shuttle service to town and Cenang Beach, but guests will need car if they want to explore the attractions from this isolated location. 

The gorgeous Tanjung Rhu Resort stands out for its sleek, contemporary design and stunning beachfront setting with views of the Andaman Sea. The wide, white-sand beach overlooks the sea's magnificent karsts, and is lined with loungers and umbrellas. Beach volleyball and water sports are available. The resort has three grand swimming pools (happy-hour specials at the pool bar receive rave reviews), a full-service spa with outdoor whirlpool, and multiple dining venues, plus all rates include a varied buffet breakfast. Notable downsides include no in-room Wi-Fi, a rather secluded location, and the fact that the resort is undergoing renovations to certain areas -- though guests report it doesn't detract from the serene setting. 

The 412-room Berjaya Langkawi Resort - Malaysia is an upscale property covering 70 acres of rain forest with a private beach and access to mangrove paths, sports facilities, and various outdoor activities. Tropical landscaping surrounds the outdoor pools and swim-up bar, hot tub, and full-service spa, and the bustling atmosphere extends throughout several international restaurants and bars. Chalets, Suites, and Studios have earthy decor and balconies overlooking the forest or sea, but note that many rooms and facilities could use a refresh. Located on the northwest coast of Langkawi, the resort is near the Langkawi Cable Car Ride and scenic Oriental Village.

The luxury Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi sits on 35 tropical acres is in a quieter part of Pantai Cenang, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. It has direct access to the public beach, a clean and sparkling stretch of white sand that's great for sunbathing or swimming, but has few lounge chairs. Water-sports vendors also operate along the shore for guests looking for a more active way to cool off. The resort offers beachfront dining and cocktails alongside two lagoon pools, plus a swim-up bar, and there are plenty of family-friendly amenities like a kids' pool with slides and mini-golf. 

Like many five-pearl properties in the area, the luxurious and romantic Danna Langkawi, Malaysia focuses on a relaxing stay at the beach. Guests have access to a private beach with cabanas, loungers, and sand volleyball. The hotel’s three-tiered infinity pool is breathtaking and is complemented by a children’s pool, outdoor hot tub, and poolside dining and happy hours throughout the day. The 125 spacious rooms feature four-poster beds, balconies, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Ten private beach villas are expected to open November 2017.

On the beachfront in the heart of Pantai Cenang sits the Mediterranean-style, 34-room Casa del Mar, Spanish for "home by the sea."  The upscale, Spanish-style property's outdoor pool and hot tub overlook the beach, and its beachside restaurant and bar can arrange romantic picnics under canopies and candlelit dinners for two on the beach. Spa pampering and water sports rentals are available on-site, and the gym offers a shower for guests checking out late. Pleasantly furnished suites include four-poster canopy beds, and some balconies offer sea views.

Families and couples in equal measure come to this laid-back hotel located on beautiful and peaceful Pantai Tengah -- a white-sand beach that's much more relaxed than nearby Cenang Beach. Eco-conscious travelers are also attracted to this hotel, as the hotel boasts more than 300 green practices to keep it sustainable; daily free eco-walks are provided to point some of these out to guests. The overall design is contemporary and understated, with some locally inspired decor. Rooms are contemporary if a bit underwhelming, equipped with flat-screen TVs, kettles, mini-fridges, and bathrobes. A solid list of on-site facilities includes multiple swimming pools, spa offering indoor and outdoor treatments, and a restaurant serving free hot and cold breakfast spreads. Outside, bougainvillea flowers and casual wood seating areas facing the ocean create a peaceful atmosphere.

The Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa spans 13 acres and sits along Pantai Tengah -- one of the most peaceful beaches on the Malaysian island of Langkawi. The beach has a relatively quiet, relaxed feel since it’s not in the middle of a bustling town, but there are some restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking distance. But the hotel offers enough on-site to make it possible to never leave the premises. Most notable is the wide stretch of beach with loungers and umbrellas, and there are also multiple pools, kids' club and playground, spa, and sports facilities. There are several restaurants and bars on-site, including one 24-hour eatery and a poolside bar. The hotel is largely dated throughout, but most travelers are more interested in the gorgeous beach and pretty pools than the outdated design.