The Pelangi Beach Resort in Langkawi offers what it calls "old world charm and new world luxury".
It provides visitors a glimpse of a traditional Malay village in the heart of one of Malaysia's increasingly popular tourist destination. Spread over 30 acres of landscaped grounds and fringed by a white sandy beach, the resort offers 350 ethnic chalets built on traditional lines featuring sloping roofs with exposed roof tiles, private balcony and louvred windows - a hallmark of a typical rural dwelling in tropical regions. And the traditional blends in perfectly with the modern - the chalets offering air-conditioning and all the modcons that today's travellers are used to. The wooden chalets also provide a view of water throughout the resort - be it the turquoise blue sea or the myriad ponds and mini-lakes spread over the property. Pelangi offers comprehensive watersports and leisure facilities including two open air swimming pools, one with Jacuzzi, and extensive banqueting and convention facilities which include the Dewan Pelangi that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Dining and entertainment options include the Cenang Beach Bar an ideal place to relax as the sun sets, the Cascades pool bar, Spice Market Restaurant serving Malaysian and international cuisine as well as the Niyom Thai which features authentic Thai delicacies. The resort which was built in 1989 specifically for the retreat of Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malaysia that year, says it has since welcomed a host of dignitaries including former British premier Margaret Thatcher and the Sultan of Brunei.