Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaMalohom Bay
Gayana Marine Resort
Bornean overwater eco-resort
Malohom Bay Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
ECHO ResortsBornean overwater eco-resort
Stilt villas curve around Malohom Bay, letting guests swim directly over the reef and help restore damaged coral.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
With its thatch-roofed villas and sprawling decks, the Gayana is wholly faithful to the over-water genre, on equal footing with its Fijian and Maldivian counterparts.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Gaya Island sits twenty minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, surrounded by primary rainforest and protected coral reefs.
The rooms
Private stairs on Ocean Villas descend straight into the bay, while Palm Villas set glass viewing panels into the floor.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The waterfront infinity pool sits at the edge of the bay, flanked by steep rainforest and a wooden sundeck.
The spa
Overwater pavilions look out over the bay. Treatments draw on traditional Bornean massage techniques and botanical bamboo scrubs.
At the table
Macac bakes wood-fired pizzas beside the pool, and private candlelit dinners are set along the timber jetty.
How it began
Sabah hospitality group Echo Resorts founded the property alongside a research centre to restore reefs and breed native giant clams.
Kota Kinabalu
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.