Start as you mean to go on

Your journey starts in style at the iconic Raffles Singapore, an all-suite urban oasis that’s arguably the grandest dame of them all. Set in lush gardens and steeped in colonial grandeur, this neo-renaissance gem has been welcoming well-heeled travellers to the Far East since its doors first swung open in 1887.

The personalised service here is legendary, with round-the-clock butlers on-hand to anticipate your every need before you think to ask, whether that’s appearing by your roof-top pool cabana with a Singapore sling or arranging a private tour of the storied city-state. You can also enjoy the hotel’s much-lauded gastronomy and pampering spa.

Escape to a rainforest retreat

There are few better places to reconnect with nature than The Datai Langkawi, an inimitable wilderness resort you might recognise from its recent airing on the BBC. Its extraordinary location alone is befitting of the big screen.

Hidden in an ancient jungle teeming with wildlife on Langkawi’s northwestern tip and hemmed by one of the world’s most spectacular beaches, it’s hard to imagine a more serene setting. Together with uber-luxe villas, treetop dining, and even its own golf course, it’s easy to see why this captivating hideaway has been topping lists of Asia’s best hotels for over 30 years.

Become a beekeeper

You hear them before you see them – a gentle buzz that grows louder as you draw near, marvelling at the colony of stingless bees before harvesting their unique honey and sneaking a delicious taste. Beekeeping is just one of the sustainability initiatives underway at The Datai Langkawi, a keen protector of the unspoilt island and its wildlife that’s thoroughly deserving of our Green Leaf stamp of approval.

The resort’s impressive credentials range from rehabilitating coral reefs and planting trees to stocking guest rooms with locally-made organic toiletries – and you can get involved too, with hands-on activities such as tending veggies in the permaculture garden and crafting upcycled candles.

City sights and sandy toes

With its shimmering shores lapped by turquoise waters, you’d be forgiven for assuming Penang is all about the beach life, but scratch the surface and you’ll discover a cultural kaleidoscope where old-world Asia and modern life collide. Nowhere is the contrast starker than the cosmopolitan capital, Georgetown, with its bicycle rickshaws and sleek skyscrapers.

When you’re not exploring the sights, embrace barefoot bliss at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, a tropical retreat set on its own stretch of powdery sand where you’ll find plenty of secluded spots to unwind. Top tip: watch the sunset under the 50-year-old ketapang tree for unforgettable views.

Explore a multicultural metropolis

It's impossible not to get swept up in Kuala Lumpur’s infectious energy. From the iconic Petronas Towers to world-renowned street food, this dynamic Malaysian mega-city is bursting with colour, sights, and sounds – the perfect finale to your Asian adventure.

Nestled in the Golden Triangle on the doorstep of Michelin-starred restaurants and swanky roof-top bars, The Ritz-Carlton is the city’s most exclusive address for a luxury stay, where every room comes with 24-hour butler service. There’s even an air-conditioned walkway to a designer mall. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Batu Caves and their hidden Hindu temples.  

Suggested itinerary

Colourful cities, fascinating cultures, lush landscapes, and out-of-this-world beaches. Malaysia’s many faces come alive as you journey through this beguiling nation, a former spice trade hub that’s infused with a rich mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences. You’ll fly in from London via Singapore, spending a few days in the vibrant island city-state before continuing to Malaysia for the remainder of the trip.

Flying between each destination to give you as much time as possible to explore, our tailor-made itinerary sees you unwinding on the sands of Langkawi in total luxury at The Datai, sampling spicy street food in Penang’s UNESCO-listed colonial capital, Georgetown, and uncovering Kuala Lumpur’s futuristic skyscrapers and fabled cave temples. All flights are included, as well as stays in some of South-East Asia’s most prestigious five-star hotels, each one a local landmark offering its own unique brand of luxury and style.