The Danna Langkawi, Malaysia is a luxury property with a lot to love. The elegant atmosphere is created by a stylish blend of British colonial and Malaysian accents. The 125 spacious rooms feature four-poster beds, balconies, and marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. With a private beach, three-tiered infinity pool, numerous dining options, a spa, free welcome shoulder massage, and a free breakfast buffet with Champagne, there's little else that guests can ask for. It’s located in a quiet, remote area, which is ideal for couples or families who want to get away from the bustle, though it's a trek for those who want to get off the property and explore. For something that’s closer to the action, check out the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi.

Set on a crescent bay beach surrounded by jungle foliage and exotic wildlife, the five-pearl Datai Langawi has built an admirable track record among vacationing couples and families since its opening over two decades ago. In addition to a white-sand beach and two pools, the 121-room resort includes a scenic 18-hole golf course, an enticing open-air spa pavilion, and a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants and bars. Guests can stay in a main-building room or suite, or choose a villa with private plunge pool overlooking the rain forest or beach. All rooms are spacious and include luxurious bathrooms, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. However, a number of guests have reported that rooms are showing their age and need updating -- a fact that hasn't escaped management's attention, since the property will close for an eight-month overhaul in September 2017.

Located in the jungle, a short walk from the beach, Ambong Ambong is an upscale and intimate property with only 11 units (ranging from Studios to multi-storied cottages). All rooms feature bright, airy decor and come with private balconies and kitchenettes or kitchens. Facilities include a beautiful pool area surrounded by tropical greenery, a cozy bar that serves drinks (but not food), a business corner with a computer and a printer, free Wi-Fi, and a privately operated spa and Japanese restaurant. While it's a great choice for quiet-minded couples with cash to spare, kids under 12 aren't allowed. Travelers with children looking for a similar alternative may want to consider the charming eight-room Temple Tree at Bon Ton instead.

The 34-room Casa del Mar is an upscale Spanish-style property on Pantai Cenang beach -- near shops, restaurants, and bars -- offering its guests beachfront picnics and romantic candle-lit dinners. The restaurant and bar serve Mediterranean fare by the beach, outdoor pool, or hot tub. 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. While Casa del Mar is centrally located, the area gets crowded and busy, and travelers seeking a get-away-from-it-all retreat might prefer the Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort.

The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia is an unrivaled five-pearl property, an exclusive beachfront getaway on the north side of the island, which offers tours through the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park mangroves. Luxurious Malayan beachfront villas feature lovely wooden designs, outdoor terrazzo bathtubs, verandas, and private pools. The vibe here is harmoniously balanced between romantic and family-friendly -- there are intimate beach dinners, spa pampering in waterside cabanas, and an adult-only pool but also kids' pools, pony rides, rock climbing, and an educational discovery center. The resort is isolated and not near Langkawi attractions, but it is self-contained, with restaurants, bars, pools, and a private beach, and it should appeal to travelers seeking a luxury getaway. 

Nestled between the rainforest and Datai Bay on the northwest side of Langkawi, this 178-room luxury resort is geared toward nature lovers, with a beach, coral nursery, and educational nature walks. Simple, elegant rooms have balconies with forest or sea views, and some suites have pools or hot tubs. Tropical foliage surrounds the outdoor pools, and the spa overlooks the sea. The modern gym comes with personal trainers, and a kids’ club is also available. Numerous restaurants and bars -- which are pricey -- 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. 

This eight-villa Bon Ton Resort is a rustic-chic boutique in a quiet setting a 20-minute walk from the beach. The stand-alone villas are 100 years old and have the appearance of a traditional attap house, but with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and stylish furnishings. The four-pearl hotel is also an animal lover’s dream, as there are resident dogs and cats and a portion of proceeds go to an on-site animal shelter. Quality features include a small pool, whirlpool, and Sunset Deck for cocktails, along with a renowned restaurant serving fusion fare and free breakfast delivered to rooms the night before. The grounds are tropical and secluded, but the beach is a 20-minute walk and there are no spa, gym, or kids' activities. Travelers may prefer the beachfront Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi, which has more amenities.  

Temple Tree at Bon Ton is a charming four-pearl property located near the beach, with eight beautifully carved Malaysian villas built 70 to 110 years ago that can be rented as private homes or separate rooms. All of the rooms/villas feature private patios, mini-fridges, wooden bathtubs, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, though it can be slow. The property -- with cats from the nearby shelter roaming around -- has two garden swimming pools, a restaurant and bar, billiard room, and a library with a computer. Travelers seeking a more traditional hotel stay might want to consider the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, a beachfront property with several dining options and a spa.

The luxurious 136-room Tanjung Rhu Resort is a gorgeous, peaceful property set on a white-sand beach and surrounded by lush flora and fauna. Sleek, contemporary rooms have minibars, coffeemakers, and furnished balconies -- some with lovely sea views -- plus bathrooms have tubs, separate showers, and bathrobes. Offering a true resort experience, there are a stunning beachfront, three grand swimming pools, a full-service spa with outdoor whirlpool, tennis courts, and water sports. Multiple dining venues and happy-hour specials at the pool bar receive rave reviews, 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. Eco-minded travelers may want to compare rates with The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort.

Set on a 35-acre beachfront property, the luxury Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi has 355 rooms housed in traditional wooden Malay chalets with modern amenities and lovely porches overlooking the sea or gardens. 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. The resort has a modern gym with sea views and a full-service spa. The grounds, however, could be better maintained, and planes can be heard landing and taking off. Travelers seeking more isolation and quiet might want to check rates at Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort.

The 412-room Berjaya Langkawi Resort - Malaysia is an upscale property with a private beach and tropical landscaping surrounding the outdoor pools and swim-up bar, hot tub, and full-service spa. The bustling atmosphere extends throughout several international restaurants and bars, and family-friendly features include a playground, PlayStation room, and games room. The secluded forest location is near the Langkawi Cable Car, with access to mangrove paths, sports facilities, and various outdoor activities. Chalets, Suites, and Studios have earthy decor and balconies overlooking the forest or sea, and some have whirlpool tubs. The property is significantly less expensive than others in its class, though many rooms and facilities could use a refresh. For more historic surrounds, guests could consider the Temple Tree at Bon Ton, where the carved villas range from 70- to 110-years-old.