Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi – The Perfect Boutique Hotel?

I’m sitting on a lounger in my balcony. I can see a glistening pool to the right but my eye is constantly drawn to the miles of sugarcane and paddy fields on the left. Fog-laden mountains loom large in the distance.

We arrived at Bon Ton Resort late one morning and couldn’t help marvelling at how peaceful it was.

Our room was equipped with every luxury we could possibly want – fine mosquito nets, a large king-sized bed, lots of storage. As far as bathrooms go, this one was pretty unique – a large vintage bath tub with an open-plan shower. Little touches – organic mosquito repellent, tiny bars of soap scented with lemongrass – made everything that tad bit more special.

There was no pressure to wake up for breakfast because our refrigerator was stocked with breakfast the night before. Everyday, we would laze around for a while before we managed to rouse ourselves and get to it. Breakfast was simple but filling – cakes, yogurt, bread, and tea/coffee. We devoured it in our rustic balcony, overlooking the swimming pool.

Every night we ate at Nam Restaurant, the proverbial feather in Bon Ton Resorts’ cap. Nam Restaurant is widely known as one of the best restaurants on the island and it lives up to that reputation. Dimly-lit lanterns bathe the proceedings with luminiscent glow. The cocktails were amazing but we couldn’t get over the traditional Nyonya Platter – a perfect introduction to Malay cuisine!

We loved our stay at Bon Ton so much that we decided to stay at their sister hotel, Temple Tree, for a few nights as well. Temple Tree was very different from Bon Ton. It’s akin to a museum, laden with cultural artefacts.  Understated luxury and dollops of culture come together to offer guests an experience like no other. Every room at Temple Tree is different – some have Malay characteristics, others have Chinese furnishings, and the rest have Indian artefacts – a true ode to the melting pot of Malaysia.

Our bedroom at Temple Tree had 6 large windows that would flood the room with natural daylight everyday – don’t even get me started on the vintage bath-tubs, the chirping of the birds, or the stunning ethnic furnishings.

Both hotels are exciting yet incredibly peaceful. Rice paddies and palm trees might seem like a rural idyll but the hotels are minutes away from Langkawi’s most crowded strip, Pantai Cenang. Bon Ton Resorts offer the perfect introduction to local Malay culture – a stepping stone that will ease you into adjusting to life in Malaysia.

The hotels offer an apt prelude for what lies next – night markets serving local food, bustling villages, and hectic streets.

Bon Ton has some of the things I enjoy most about holidays in Asia – culture, history, luxury, and a high level of service.

Fact File

• Bon Ton Resort and Temple Tree Hotel have only 8 villas each. All villages are over 100 years old. These antique villages are all furnished to a high standard. Understated luxury is the keyword here. Prices start at £80/night. More information on their website www.bontonresort.com.my
• The hotels are a 10 minute drive from Pantain Cenang. Taxies are plentiful and cheap.
• Aamir, the manager at Bon Ton Resort is amazing – don’t come back without listening to some of his tales 🙂
• Bon Ton Resort & Temple Tree are not for you if you like big breakfasts
• Both hotels support a local animal shelter. As a result there are a number of cuddly stray cats and friendly dogs around. It’s definitely not for you if you’re not an animal person.
• Bon Ton Resort is located next to sugarcane plantations. You will wake up the sound of birds and coconuts falling from trees – priceless 🙂

Hungry for more? Here are the videos of our rooms at Bon Ton Resort and Temple Tree Hotel 🙂

OUR ROOM AT TEMPLE TREE BY BON TON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRVR0amdL5s

OUR ROOM AT BON TON RESORTS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XdWFVdFBNg

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Looking for Things To Do in Langkawi? We have the lowdown 🙂

Have you read our post on attending at a Chinese Wedding in Malaysia yet?

Planning a trip to South East Asia? Don’t forget to read our tips on accommodation, street food, and sightseeing

We were guests of Bon Ton Resorts, Malaysia. We are two extremely opinionated ninjas – so all views (good and bad) are entirely our own. Click on to read our full Disclosure Policy