ESTLED within a 300-acre tropical island ringed by emerald seas bright enough to dip a paintbrush in, Pangkor Laut Resort offers a dramatic, if refined, setting. Wooden villas spill from a rainforest hillside down through manicured gardens to stilted accommodations over water, offering the perfect hideaway escape at one of the best Malaysia luxury resorts. The island is large and unspoiled with just a fraction devoted to the resort and the elegant, private, Pangkor Laut Estates. Breeze in by air from Kuala Lumpur on a 40-minute flight in a small aircraft or take the ferry across the Andaman Sea.

The villas offer flatscreen TVs with a satellite hook-up and spoiling in-room amenities. Pick from Hill, Garden, Beach or Sea Villas. The 22 over-water Spa Villas are an elegant draw at this top Malaysian spa resort. They offer oversized baths and spacious balconies to catch the rays as well as direct access to the Spa Village with its exotic and rejuvenating treatments.

While spa enthusiasts will be pummeled, kneaded and steamed into a state of bliss with wraps, scrubs and massages, others may enjoy batik classes, sunset cruises, island hopping trips, fishing, yoga and jungle treks with veteran naturalists. Work up a sweat and lose some calories. Or work up an appetite and dive into fabulous cuisines.

Fine or casual sand-on-the-feet dining is on tap by the mile at Pangkor Laut. Just pick your time and place. Or savour each by turn. Try the elegant Fisherman’s Cove for marine distractions – not least of all its show-kitchen – or head to the alfresco Uncle Lim’s Kitchen for Nyonya and Hockchew Chinese home cooking. The Royal Bay Beach Club serves up light meals with Big Views of the sea, or pick a cocktail bar or the Jamu Bar. This is a stunning location for a resort wedding in Malaysia. Or do a conference.

One of the best Malaysia luxury resorts, set on its own private island, Pangkor Laut is a hard act to follow and the one to beat.