HOTEL NEWS

A cultural immersion with Alila Solo; revamped rooms at the InterContinental Bali, and more.

Langkawi-bound vacationers, look here—the “Jewel of Kedah” is about to shine even brighter with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi ( ritzcarlton.com; doubles

from US$450) in July. Fronting a private cove and beach on the western shores of the island, the resort takes its inspiration from a coastal kampong, with 90 guest rooms and 42 villas that sport intricate wooden latticework in a nod to Malay architecture. Floorto-ceiling windows make the most of the jungled setting and ocean views—though a host of excursions and water sports mean you’ll spend much of your time outdoors. Even better, an in-house hammam and vitality pools make for a soothing finish to those daytime explorations.