Batu Feringgi Beach, Kampung Tanjung Huma, Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia
On the beach with water sports and boating
9-hole golf course and three tennis courts
30 acres of beautiful tropical grounds
Large rooms with contemporary tropical decor
Two outdoor pools and a kiddy pool
Fine and casual dining with outdoor seating
Fitness center with saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs
Full spa, salon, and yoga studio
Modern meeting facilities
Access to indoor playground at neighboring hotel
Free shuttle to George Town
Free Wi-Fi
Some rooms face other buildings or the parking lot
Some facilities exclusive to guests in Rasa rooms
Children under 16 not allowed in certain areas (also a pro)
Dress code applies in Rasa wing (pro for some)
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa caters to adults looking for all the trappings of a beachfront resort, but in a more refined environment that makes serious attempts to corral small children and gym shorts in designated areas. The vast 30-acre garden grounds and adult-only Rasa wing make it even more inviting for romantic couples. Rates (and dress codes) are less restrictive in its Garden wing building, but guests there can't use all the facilities. Rooms in both sections are large and contemporary, but the views can be mixed. Families with young children should look into the adjacent sister property, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La.
Scene
Upscale beachfront resort with separate adult-only wing
Contemporary Asian decor with Malaysian decorative touches combined with natural wood give the entire property a refined atmosphere, though the resort contains two distinct sections. Each wing has its own lobby and facilities, with guests in the luxurious five-pearl Rasa wing granted access throughout the manicured grounds. The Garden wing is a slightly more casual environment (children under 16 allowed), and guests in this wing are restricted from using some of the adult-only facilities, including the pool at the Rasa wing.
Though the large pool is kid-friendly, with a zero-entry area, the scene is significantly quieter than at other hotels on the island, such as the Hard Rock. However, smoking is allowed in all public areas, which some guests may not appreciate. Still, this is easily the top hotel in Batu Ferringhi.
Location
On the beach, near the bustling Night Market
The hotel is located along the beach in Batu Ferringhi, with a picturesque view of the Malacca Strait. Shops and vendors are within walking distance, along with fast food restaurants and a shopping mall. It's a two-minute walk down the road to the popular Night Market, a bargainers' paradise. Travelers looking to explore away from the beaches can drive seven minutes to the aromatic Tropical Spice Garden, or a few minutes farther to the Toy Museum. George Town is a 25-minute drive to the east, and Penang International Airport is about a 50-minute drive to the southern end of the island.
Rooms
Large contemporary rooms in two buildings with separate amenities
The resort's rooms and suites are split between two buildings, with 189 in the Garden wing, and 115 in the adults-only Rasa wing. Malaysian decorative elements and carved wood accents give personality to the contemporary tropical decor with earth-tone furnishings -- Rasa rooms have darker wood furniture. All the Garden wing units have balconies and the standard 431-square-foot room has a writing desk as well as a plush sitting area. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars come standard. Not all rooms in the Rasa wing have balconies, and some views face interior buildings and parking lots rather than the sea or gardens. On the plus side, the marble bathrooms have walk-in showers with separate soaking tubs and guests get access to the Rasa Wing Lounge, which includes free drinks, snacks, and afternoon tea.
Features
Beach with water sports, a 9-hole golf course, two outdoor pool areas, fine-dining, and a full spa and fitness center
There are many places to relax across the resort's 30 acres of manicured grounds, with sun loungers under shade trees or umbrellas, dotting the gardens between the hotel and the ocean. On the white sand of Batu Ferringhi beach, guests can engage in boating and water sports such as parasailing or jet-skiing, while land lovers can take advantage of the three outdoor tennis courts. There's also a 9-hole golf course with a practice green, with reduced fees for hotel guests.
The health club has an invitingly bright fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view from its treadmills, cross trainers, step machines, and stationary bikes. Separate locker rooms for men and women have their own saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs. For post-work out pampering, CHI, The Spa is tucked in a quiet corner of the grounds with a yoga studio and 11 villas that have their own treatment rooms and showers. Two distinct outdoor pool areas are separated from each other in their respective wings. The main pool has a kiddy pool and a hot tub, while the adult-only pool is exclusive to guests in the Rasa wing.
Like other features of the resort, the dining options are split between sections with some restricted access. Breakfast at Feringgi Grill is reserved for guests of the Rasa wing. The classy restaurant's fine dining is available at other times of the day for all but children under 7, and serves modern grill cuisine with wine pairings. The attached bar has a piano and regular live entertainment. Spice Market Café is a more casual buffet restaurant, and Pinang Restaurant and Bar has alfresco burger-and-barbecue style dining on wooden decks. There's also a colorful lounge bar with coffee and cocktails. Those looking to venture out from the resort can catch a free shuttle (every two hours) into the historic center of George Town.