Malacca, often referred to the Venice of the East, is a romantic escape from busy cosmopolitan life. However, its origin as Parameswara's (a fourteenth century fugitive prince from nearby Sumatra) city was situated at a point of enormous strategic importance. Many believe Malacca provided the impetus for the development of what would eventually become Malaysia. Settling into your hotel, a stunning 1920’s colonial mansion, stands in the heart of Melacca overlooking the river. Specially designed to echo the multi-cultural history and culture of the city, this beguiling hotel showcases beautifully crafted Nyonya cuisine, sumptuously appointed rooms and suites, and a novel spa with therapies based on the Peranakan (a blend of ancient Chinese and Malay) culture. Indulge in a refreshing cucumber aloe wrap and a cooling bird’s nest facial with star fruit mask, then head out on a river cruise in quintessential river town.

Langkawi's most prominent mountains, Gunung Macinchang and Gunung Raya, and a whole series of towns and villages are said to be named after a local legend. The story tells the tale of a wedding between two families of giants and during the wedding feast, a fight broke out between the two wedding parties, reputedly because the son was caught flirting with another woman. During the fight, pots and pans were thrown, and a large pot of gravy (kuah) was broken and the contents flowed onto the ground. The place where the gravy was spilled became known as Kuah. This enchanting, verdant island has countless beaches, towering granite cliffs, mystical mangroves and precipitous rainforest that comprise this natural paradise. Spend your time exploring the mangroves and rainforests, bird watching, rock climbing snorkelling, jungle trekking, golfing and island-hopping. Or just enjoy the equatorial climate and tropical flora and fauna throughout the dramatic landscape. You may not want to leave.

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