The archipelago of Langkawi has always been a haven for Malaysians and tourists seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities.

The largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi, which up to 2010 boasted a population close to 95,000, with the capital and largest town being Kuah.

Situated on the Andaman Sea, the Jewel of Kedah is just slightly bigger than Singapore but features very minimal development.

In addition to the islands’ hidden natural wonders, the icing on the cake comes from its duty-free status in Malaysia, making Langkawi double as a shopping haven for liquor, and luggage items among others.

The busiest beach on the island is Pantai Cenang, where fine powdery sand can be found outside rows of beachfront restaurants, bars, and all kinds of shops, including duty-free hypermarkets.

The beach is also the perfect spot to try out any of the water sports, including jet-skis, banana boats, and parasailing.

However, if your kind of holiday involves doing nothing but catching some sun, laying on the beach, or jumping into the pool, the newly-opened Dash Resort Langkawi is the place to be.

Here are five reasons why this whimsical resort should be your next getaway.

A fun way of escaping reality

Dash Resort Langkawi draws inspiration from the Roald Dahl masterpiece of Alice in Wonderland, and puts a quirky twist on the traditional stylings of a luxury beachfront resort.

From the bright and bold lobby to the big blue Dash Langkawi bunny balancing a cocktail and a carrot in its hands, this whimsical sense of style is carried through all other parts of the resort as well.

The walls are done up imaginatively too; apart from the aristocratically reimagined paintings of superheroes, a distorted chess board and tunnel illusions are some of the very Instagram-worthy backdrops on the grounds.

Beachfront luxury uncompromised

The playful nature of Dash Resort never gets in the way of its opulence, ensuring the experience that you flew in for is realised.

With unhindered access to the Pantai Tengah beach, guests can catch a spot of sun by the sea in the many assorted loungers put out by the staff every day.

The large glass-walled infinity swimming pool looks out to the sea as well, with a quirky cat statue (one of the many animal statues in the resort coated in gold) cheekily lounging at the edge of the pool. You can also take advantage of the ocean breeze by staying put on the sun deck surrounded by the clear waters of the pool.

Nonetheless, water sports are aplenty as well, in case you’re feeling adventurous.

Fun by the ocean

Forget Bali or Koh Samui, the Dash Beach Club transforms Langkawi into a party island right at our doorstep.

Featuring a resident DJ that spins hits every evening till late at night, the pool and The Shack poolside bar come alive with tropical mixes that make catching the sunset from the infinity pool or gawking at fire-breathers at night that much more enjoyable.

Lavish Dining Options

The resort’s on ground restaurant Mya Kitchen & Cocktails allows you to enjoy scrumptious meals right by the pool or sea. The menu encompasses modern Asian fare and comforting Western selections, leaving you spoilt for choice.

Situated right by the beach, the restaurant also gives you a reason to wake up in the mornings for breakfast. As for the cocktails, expect to find classic tropical offerings like Piña Colada as well as house signatures from both Mya and The Shack.

Rooms, rooms, rooms

Facilities aside, the rooms at Dash Resort are fun and comfortable. The Dash chain prioritises guests’ comfort in both the bedroom and bathroom, with custom-made mattresses unique to the resort, as well as shower fittings with big names like Grohe.

The rooms are bright with ample natural light streaming in, yet stays true to the hotel’s playful nature with colourful furniture and fittings.

Some rooms even have private balconies overlooking the Andaman Sea. The blue and fluffy Dash Resort ambassador will also be there to welcome you.

Room rates start from around RM500 and go up to RM3,000 according to season and availability.

Dash Resort Langkawi
Jalan Teluk Baru, Jalan Pantai Tengah
Mukim Kedawang
07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Check-In Time: 3pm
Check-Out Time: 12pm

This article first appeared in uppre.com