Whilst luxury may have once conjured up images of decadent skyscrapers and glittering hotel lobbies there is now a new driver of luxury travel: nature.

Two of the biggest trends sweeping the luxury travel space are slowness and nature. The desire to move quickly has gone – in a fast-paced world travellers want to connect to nature and take it slow.

With this being the case, Malaysia is rapidly growing in popularity as a luxury travel, wellness, and honeymoon destination.

Not only does it offer awe-inspiring immersion in the natural world – is home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests – it also offers world-renowned spas and a wide selection of resorts promising luxury that works with nature, not against it.

It is no wonder it is attracting the eyes of wellness-lovers and honeymooners alike.

Malaysia is attracting both wellness-lovers and honeymooners alike.

Stay in Luxury 

One&Only, Desaru Coast

One&Only Desaru Coast, is on the south-eastern shoreline of Malaysia between lush rainforests and the South China Sea.

The resort extends expansively across 52 hectares of unspoilt wild flora and a pristine 1.5-kilometre stretch of private white sand beach.

Designed by the award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, the first One&Only resort in Asia is an architectural gem, weaving local art and nature into every corner.

Easily accessible in just two hours by car from Singapore and 45 minutes to Johor’s Senai Airport, the ultra-luxury tropical escape will offer guests ultimate privacy, leading wellness programs, destination-defining cuisine and curated experiences that “truly celebrate the destination”.

One&Only, Desaru Coast.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Offering a range of luxury accommodation nestled in lush tropical gardens, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas offers a serene escape on golden Malaysian shores. Low-rise buildings and stand-alone villas overlook the gardens, lagoon and ocean, while expansive residences offer families and groups utmost privacy with an infinity pool, full kitchen and chef and butler service.

Enjoy the diversions of Desaru Coast, Malaysia’s rising-star resort destination, or relax in coastal tranquillity, immersed in authentic Anantara luxury.

Highlights include 116 rooms, villas and residences, two pools, including a beachfront infinity pool, Malaysian, Thai and international signature cuisine, plus family activities and experiences, and kids and teens clubs.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Pangkor Laut Resort

Legendery tenor Luciano Pavarotti once said of Pangkor Laut Resort – “This place is enchanting, it is paradise here. This morning when I wake up, I went out, I was really moved, almost crying to see how beautiful things has done God. Because this is really paradise.”

This place is enchanting, it is paradise here

It is easy to see why Pavarotti was so taken with the resort, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, villas over the sea and tropical jungle, Pangkor Laut Resort throws even the Maldives in the shade.

Its estates promise both privacy and connection to nature. For example, Estate One has a secluded bay and a panoramic view of the beach. An infinity pool provides views over the clear, warm waters of the bay and its bungalow bedrooms has a fossil wall feature attached to a private jacuzzi.

Pangkor Laut Resort.

Immerse yourself in natural springs 

Built around the beauty of nature, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh is Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat. 

The idyllic destination is nestled in a 22.7-acre valley alongside 260-million-year-old Paleozoic limestone hills, deep green rainforests, natural geothermal hot springs and cascading waterfalls. 

Stroll through the jungle at your own pace and be one in nature, or find your inner peace in the Meditation Cave.

A favourite destination for honeymooner, Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is the perfect spot for romance and connection.

Banjaran Yoga.

Honeymooners dine out at Sabayon 

If you’ve had your fill of luxury in the tropical rainforest and need to return to the concrete jungle, there is no better place to stay than the EQ Hotel in KL.

Honeymooners looking for a night of city glamour and food lovers wanting to experience an evening of indulgence can do no better than EQ’s award-wining restaurant, Sabayon. Not only does it boast sweeping views of KL’s skyline – including an unbeatable view of the famous Petronas Towers – it is also recognised as offering one of the best fine dining experiences in the city. Each dish is a creative masterpiece and the hotel regularly hosts Michelin-starred guest chefs.

What’s not to love?

Sabayon restaurant, Kuala Lumpur.

Feature image: Sea Villa Pangkor Laut Resort. Supplied