Malaysia, day five: Langkawi

Langkawi. A balmy tropical island situated in the Gulf of Thailand.

If you ever come here, definitely book in at the Bon Ton Resort. It's fabulous.

Antique wooden Malay huts, fabulously decked out in satin furnishings of hot pinks, purples, blues and burgundys, all set against pristine white sheets and dark Balinese wood.

A pool and jacuzzi in the centre of all eight huts, the temperature of a perfect warm bath. And a nearby bar that will serve you pina coladas whilst you're sat amidst the bubbles.

Gleaming white sun loungers all around the green lawn.

Affectionate little cats from the nearby animal sanctuary pad around, mewing softly and nuzzling your legs.

A pond covered in lily pads with flowers that blossom a rich pink in the evenings and early mornings, whilst forest-covered limestone hills loom a luminous deep blue in the background.

Delicious fusion food served in the restaurant which overlooks everything.

And this is just where I'm staying.

I haven't even mentioned the three hours of ultimate pampering bliss that I was treated to, courtesy of my aunt, as a birthday present at the nearby Alun-Alun spa. From lying naked in a hot tub full of rose petals and blossoms, with sweet-scented oils, through a one-hour full body massage, an hour-long facial with five different treatments, a half-hour reflexology treatment and a back-pounding rub to finish. All delivered by the most delicate, yet firm finger touches.

Or the three-hour highly entertaining, informative and gosh-darn beeyouuuutiful boat trip through the mangroves of the Kilim River, accompanied by a terribly charismatic and rather dishy gentleman.

I tend to believe in karma. Which is why I think that I must have devoted my previous life to helping the sick and needy of a small country. Because I seriously can't think of anything I've done in this life to deserve this.

PS The Orange network and Pulau Langkawi obviously don't go together. And there's no wireless internet connection either. Must be something to do with that 'get away from it all' vibe.

A belated Happy Valentine's to you.

xx