Langkawi.
The general consensus of this island is cheap beers, nice beaches and a laid-back village vibe.

For those with deep pockets, a few outstanding resorts here would fit the bill for a delightful family holiday or for a fun friends’ getaway, as a couple’s love haven or as a refuge for those seeking time away from city.

Somehow Langkawi isn’t the first destination that comes to mind for those in pursuit of a retreat that is focused on wellness and fitness.
Part of the reason could be due to the fact that not many resorts advocates the wellbeing and health aspect but focuses instead on the food, fun beach activities, family holidays and spas experiences, which is the norm for any island resort.
To many a vacation means letting the hair down and play, relax, eat and enjoy. Who count calories on vacation anyways?

Well, right and wrong.
With the current surge of interest in clean eating, fitness and general well-being both in Malaysia and abroad, there are an increased amount of discerning travellers who travel in search of specific wellness retreats, be it yoga or some form of natural healing therapy.
Staunch ones might even pick one resort over the other based on the wellness facilities.
I have a number of friends who are business travellers and they admit that generally they would opt for a hotel with longer gym opening hours or with the availability of a pool over those without.

I was in Langkawi recently, and stayed at the Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort under the Starwood brand.
The V Integrated Wellness philosophy, the yoga master, the fitness trainer and the overall resort’s commitment to wellness and holistic therapies caught my interest as it offers an entire different experience from my other travels.

The good news is, the Andaman Langkawi will be leveraging more on its current resources to promote their holistic therapies this 2015, which I think is a timely and marvellous move.

For a start, the resort is flanked by the pristine Datai Bay and an ancient 10 million year old rainforest teeming with exotic flora and fauna, offering a natural setting for all pampering indulgence, amidst the healing properties of nature.

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