Funky yet stylish
With its resort vibe and top-notch facilities, the newly-opened Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah offers a fun stay, writes Hanna Hussein
WE are super tired by the time we arrive in Langkawi after a long journey that included a six-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and a half-hour ferry ride from Kuala Perlis Jetty Terminal. All we want to do now is head directly to Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah.
We were excited upon learning that the hotel has just opened its doors, but the tiring journey makes us forget our initial excitement.
Managed by Marriott International, the Aloft brand offers basic yet stylish accommodations for younger travellers. While Aloft Kuala Lumpur offers a city-vibe experience, I don’t know what to expect of the Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah, the first Aloft built by the beach in Southeast Asia. I assume that it would be a mix of hip and relaxing beach vibes.
Located in the western coastline of Langkawi, the hotel is a few minutes from Pantai Cenang on foot, less than 20 minutes from Langkawi International Airport and just half an hour from Kuah Jetty Terminal.
SUNSET SEAVIEW
Upon arrival, we are greeted by the hotel team with a chilled welcome drink, while our luggage is being taken care of.
As expected, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah has a resort-vibe with a huge open lobby and a wide chill-out space on the side where one can loosen up after a tiring day.
While waiting for the check-in to clear, we visit Re:fuel, the 24/7 grab-and-go outlet, for some snacks. There is quite a selection including hotdogs, cakes and canned drinks.
We then head straight to our room, a Loft Seaview. The room has a balcony overlooking the beach.
Since it’s almost six in the evening, we decide to chill on the balcony while waiting for the sun to set. We are glad that we managed to grab some nibbles which we can enjoy while watching the orange hue slowly set behind the horizon.
The loft room my friend Zarina and I are sharing is quite spacious, thanks to its high ceilings. The room is warm with a wood background, but still has a funky splash of vibrant colours to make it fresh and chic. It has two plush and comfy twin beds and includes all the basics such as complimentary hi-speed WiFi connectivity, a Smart TV, mini-bar and coffee- and teamaking facilties.
Each room is also installed with intuitive passive Infrared motion sensors which help conserve energy by detecting movements in the room. It will automatically deactive the power supply when you are out of the room.
DINING EXPERIENCE
In the evening, we head to Nook for dinner. We opt for the buffet as the selection is extensive, and includes both local and international cuisine.
There are some delicious dishes you should try including the grilled fresh seafood cooked with a special spicy sambal, dim sum and assorted local desserts. Nook’s breakfast buffet is also something to look forward to, especially the nasi lemak and spicy sambal. Other dishes include paratha, and a typical American breakfast as well as assorted pastries. The restaurant offers vast space and ample seating arrangements. You can opt to sit inside, or go alfresco by the pool.
Besides Nook, other food and beverage choices on the property include the WXYZ Bar at the lobby where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, and the Re:Mix Lounge where you can enjoy a game of pool.
My friend and I also grab a boardgame at WXYZ Bar and bring it to the pool area to play it at the Splash Bar while having drinks the whole evening. Definitely a fun stay while we’re in Langkawi.