Bon Ton Antique Wooden Villas, Langkawi, Malaysia - Explore & Book

"Atmospheric, laidback and unusual (in a good way), Bon Ton is a careful blend of conservation principles and design savvy. The small resort - or 'Coconut Village' as it used to be called - comprises 8 rustic kampung houses on a former coconut plantation, just north of Langkawi's longest beach. Each house was acquired and painstakingly reassembled by Australian owner, Narelle McMurtrie, in a remarkable labour of love. Overlooking a peaceful lily-strewn lagoon, the stilted wooden villas are individually styled with colourful fabrics, Malay songket weavings and striking antique furnishings. It's a far cry from the surrounding generic resort hotels, and what Bon Ton lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in character and charm. Even so, there's an attractive swimming pool, a west-facing cocktail deck, a wonderful restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine and a lounge-bar set in a heritage Chinese shophouse. All in all, it's a wonderfully romantic hideaway. Highs Exquisite, antique Malay architecture blended with chic, beautifully conceived interiorsDelicious Asian-Mediterranean cuisine in Nam - the restaurant is one of Langkawi's best and Rick Stein is said to be a fanA couple of houses have private alfresco bathrooms for washing under the starsA totally different type of resort - secluded, romantic and full of atmosphereThe bar serves some irresistible cocktails - try the mango daiquiri Lows Mosquitoes can be an annoyance, but the hotel provides mozzie diffusers, sprays and netsThe nearest beach is a mile away along a sandy track; staff will drop you down on requestThere are lots of cats around; they're very friendly, but those with allergies take note!The continental breakfasts, delivered to your room, could get a bit samey if you stay for more than a few daysSome houses are quite close to one another and noise can carry" - James Alexander