Penang, MalaysiaBatu Ferringhi
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
Rain-tree coastal resort
Batu Ferringhi Penang, Malaysia
Renovated
2006
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness ClassicOutside the door
The house
Shangri-LaRain-tree coastal resort
Operating since the 1970s, this beachfront grande dame keeps an unhurried tempo beneath massive canopies along the Malacca Strait.
“Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort has all the trappings of an outsized luxury resort without the crowds.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Thirty beachfront acres of mature rain trees, lagoon pools, and pitch-and-putt golf.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Ample rooms open onto either a lush landscape or lively seascape. Suites include private verandas, parlors, flatscreen TVs, and special stationery.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Batu Ferringhi's night market sits just outside the gates, while the trails of Penang National Park are a short drive west.
The rooms
Sea-facing suites in the Rasa Wing extend onto private balconies with outdoor soaking tubs and daybeds.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and spa
A freeform lagoon pool curves through the gardens, and spa villas open to private outdoor soaking tubs.
The gym
Cardio machines face floor-to-ceiling glass looking out onto tropical greenery, beside a studio for yoga and meditation.
At the table
Spice Market Café serves regional dishes from open cooking stations, and Feringgi Bar mixes cocktails beside a white grand piano.
How it began
Sweeping Minangkabau rooflines define the property, which opened in 1973 as the Shangri-La Group's first-ever beach resort.
Penang
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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.