Around-the-World 2017 ✈ Langkawi
I've always been fascinated by the idea of traveling around the world, and I'm thankful to be able to fulfill a realistic version of this bucket list item for my 30th birthday. =) Our Round-the-World adventure brought us to 5 countries, 4 continents, covering 36,000 miles in 20 days. It was a great trip and I'll chronologically share about our adventures in the next few posts, so follow along!
Langkawi, Malaysia
One of the main reasons for this home trip is to spend time with family. Besides, I wanted to give grandma and grandaunt a special treat, and also take the opportunity to celebrate grandma's belated birthday. They couldn't travel far these days due to their age so I figured a short getaway to Langkawi would be perfect. Besides, I've got a SPG free night award so I redeemed it for the Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa (Category 5). Both of them actually didn't know that I was going back to Malaysia, and were only informed about this Langkawi trip 2 days before departure. =P
24 Aug 2017 (Thurs): Penang - Langkawi
Thanks to mom for helping to book grandma and grandaunt's flight last November (yes I plan very far ahead). The total cost for both their return flights cost only RM37 ($8). =)
After a short 35 min flight and a 20 min Grab ride, we made it to Westin Langkawi around 3pm. As I was checking in, the staff served cold drinks to grandma and grandaunt.
I was informed at check-in that we received a complimentary upgrade to the One-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite for our stay! Honestly, I've been eyeing this room since I made the reservation so I was absolutely delighted when I found out that we got a free upgrade to this room. =) The excellent customer service continued with a personal welcome from the customer service manager, Nor Burton, who then brought us to our room (*felt like VIP*). They were obviously prepared for our arrival with welcome amenity of red wine and snacks, and handwritten welcome notes already in our room.
I've seen photos of this suite online but it was even more astounding seeing it in person. All I could say was WOW!!!
Our room was at the top floor of the hotel and our suite had a private balcony with spectacular view of the Andaman Sea!
The bedroom and another balcony.
Pool view from the bedroom balcony.
Spacious bathroom with both walk-in shower and a tub.
My lovely models. =)
We spent about an hour taking photos all around the suite. =P
Continued our photo session around the hotel grounds. =P
Walked to the beach...
and decided to have dinner on the beach.
Delightful sunset beach dining experience surrounded by stunning views of the Andaman Sea and nearby isles.
When we went back to our room after dinner, we were welcomed by this wonderful surprise arranged by the customer service manager. I really can't give enough credits to this team for their impeccable service...very impressed! By far the best customer service I've ever experienced! Malaysian hospitality at its best. =)
25 Aug 2017 (Fri): Langkawi - Penang
I chose the complimentary buffet breakfast (for 2 person) for my Platinum welcome amenity and it was certainly a good choice. The breakfast buffet was extensive with a wide variety of food.
While grandma and grandaunt enjoyed the breakfast, I went around the hotel to take more photos and jumped into the pool for a quick dip.
And walked to the 'Float' for photos
This was what happened when there was nobody else around. I set the timer on my phone and took these jumpshot photos.
I think I jumped at least 20-30 times until I almost got a cramp. :P
I think I jumped at least 20-30 times until I almost got a cramp. :P
Finally managed to get a good one!
View of the villas and resort from the Float.
Spent the rest of the morning and afternoon chilling and relaxing in our suite before checking out at 3pm.
Wrapped up our wonderful relaxing getaway with a visit to the Westin private lounge at Langkawi airport (for suite guests, villa guests, and SPG Platinum members) before hopping on our flight back to Penang.
Big thank you to the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Nor Burton and team, for making our stay at Westin a memorable and wonderful one! Even though this was just a short trip, I think grandma and grandaunt enjoyed the entire experience. I'm blessed and thankful to be able to spend some quality time, share the experience and make memories with them. Hope that we'll get to do another trip like this the next time I go back home. =)
