Swaying coconut trees, sandy beaches and crashing waves are enough to make us yearn for a beach vacation. However, it can be difficult to find accommodation that ticks most of the boxes specifically for Muslim travellers such as halal food, private pools and direct access to the beach. However, whatever the challenges may be, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying basking in the sun away from your worries!
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If you're already planning your 2020 getaways and are wondering what are the dream beach destinations to visit, this list is your go-to guide for some of the best beach resorts around in 7 of the most popular beach destinations around. ? We've even found 2 different hotels in each destination for you to choose from!
Langkawi, Malaysia
Where better to start than with a trip to somewhere close? Malaysia is full of amazing beach destinations and resorts, but we're looking at Langkawi for next year's dream vacay! A popular staycation spot among Malaysians, the island is flush with pristine greenery, charming towns, seafood restaurants, and duty-free shopping - perfect for a truly relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
1. The Datai Langkawi
Credit: @thedatailangkawi on Instagram
This luxury resort may be slightly far from the tourist-friendly Kuah Town and Pantai Cenang, but it’s close to the million-year-old rainforest and stunning bay that make Langkawi such a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city. If you love building sandcastles, get the keys to a one-bedroom beach villa that comes with outdoor lounge area, direct access to the beach, private sun deck and private pool!
#HHWT Tip: If you have enough days of leave left, why not combine your holiday in Langkawi with a short day trip to Koh Lipe? ? Here's a 4D3N Langkawi-Koh Lipe itinerary to give you some ideas!
Address: The Datai Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 9500 500
Rates: Starting from USD502 per night
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2. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
Credit: Pedro Plassen Lopes on Flickr
For a stunning view of the Andaman Sea, book a one-bedroom villa that comes with a private pool so you can wake up to the soothing sight of the sun rising above the waves. The villas even have a separate dining area and living room, with plenty of space for the whole family so you'll get privacy alongside quality family time. To really relax during your stay, join in the complimentary beachfront yoga classes or book a traditional Malay massage at the Heavenly Spa on the premises that will loosen all the tension in your body.
P.S. Looking for a Malaysian beach resort that's a little easier on your wallet? These 10 affordable beachside resorts (starting from just RM125/night) are a great place to start!
Address: The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, Langkawi, Kedah, 07000 Malaysia
Contact: +60 4 960 8888
Rates: Starting from USD197 per night
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The Maldives
Squint while looking at a map, and you might be able to spot the Maldives - a sought-after travel destination on most world maps, especially by honeymooners or families looking for a gorgeous getaway! The Maldives vacation trend is still going strong and we can definitely understand why: with stunning blue skies and crystal-clear waters all around you, you'll have the time of your life with your loved ones in this paradise.
3. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Whether you have the keys to a beach or ocean villa, each stay is designed with private plunge pools, direct beach access, spa treatment room or private infinity pool. Besides providing utmost privacy for your Muslim-friendly stay, the Conrad Maldives also provides a host of exciting activities to keep you and your sweetheart busy throughout the trip. Whether you're paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, diving, or just relaxing on the beach, you'll create memories with each other that will last a lifetime.
Address: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Rangali Island, 20077 Maldives
Contact: +960 668 0629
Rates: Starting from USD540 per night
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4. Kandima Maldives
To have this paradise all to yourself, splurge on a Sunset Beach Pool Villa with Jacuzzi that comes with private deck and jacuzzi! The Aqua Villa is also a good option complete with a private sundeck and very own lagoon access! Besides admiring the seascape from your gorgeous villa, you can dive into the clear waters of Dhaalu Atoll, snorkel at the Kandima Lagoon, and channel your inner Serena Williams on the tennis court too. As a plus point, the Kandima also has tons of activities and kids and teenagers at the Kandiland Kids Club making it a great destination for the whole family!
P.S. If you’re looking for a helpful guide to Kandima Maldives, check out Melvin and Suzana's review of the resort from their 1st anniversary!
Address: Kandima Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, Republic of Maldives, Kudahuvadhoo, Kaafu, Maldives
Contact: +960 676 0077
Rates: Starting from USD200 per night
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Phuket and Krabi, Thailand
Thailand is another popular beach destination nearby, with a different experience for every type of traveller. Out of all of Thailand's beaches, we have our eyes on Phuket's upbeat and lively energy and Krabi's island-hopping adventure for next year! With a perfect blend of emerald-green waters, clear skies, and lush nature all around you, you'll be able to enjoy your vacation to your heart's content.
P.S. Not sure if Phuket or Krabi is a better fit for you? This article will help you out!
5. Bangtao Beach Chalet (Phuket)
Credit: Bangtao Beach Chalet Resort-Phuket on Facebook
Sticking to a budget is possible in Phuket when you stay at Bangtao Beach Chalet. Relax by the pool with your loved ones, or order some room service if you start to feel peckish. Do yourself a favour and sample as many Thai foods as you can find while you're here, especially at the chalet's in-house Dirham Halal Restaurant (certified by the Central Islamic Council of Thailand). What sets Dirham apart is that it's Muslim-owned so you can indulge in authentic Thai green curry, fish in red sauce curry, spicy green papaya salad and more without any worries! To stretch out after a full meal, take a short walk to the Bangtao beach to leave your footprints along the white sandy beach and shop for Thai snacks at Boat Avenue Mall.
Address: Bangtao Beach Chalet, 73/3 Moo 3, Awo Bangtao Road, Cherngthalay, Thalang, Phuket, Thailand
Contact: +66 076 314 306
Rates: Starting from USD50 per night
6. Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa (Phuket)
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Many travellers enjoy their stay in Phuket for a simple reason; it covers the best of Patong beach and its charming town. You won’t find private pools at the Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa but the rooms are spacious enough for families with kids so you can enjoy a family vacation together. For parents who are craving for ‘me time’, your little ones can spend hours at the play area called The Paradise Kid’s Club. You can also make an appointment at Paradise Thai Spa that comes with private spa suites and separate steam rooms for men and women. The hotel's Casablanca Restaurant is also Phuket's first halal-certified restaurant (by the Central Islamic Council of Thailand) with a menu of Arabic and Indian cuisine to leave you full and satisfied.
Address: The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa,135/23, 123/15-16 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket, 83150 Thailand
Contact: +66 76 340 666
Rates: Starting from USD48 per night
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7. Krabi Front Bay Resort (Krabi)
Credit: @krabifrontbayresort on Instagram
This fully halal resort will be the destination of your dreams! Whether you choose to wake up to a garden or river view, each room has a private balcony, so you can relax while appreciating the scenery after a long day. The best thing about Krabi Front Bay Resort is the access to delicious breakfast and Thai cuisine at their halal-certified restaurant. There are also a few mosques situated within a short drive from the resort, and one of them is Masjid Madinah Krabi, which is a 6-min drive away. To experience the island’s upbeat nature, take the taxi to the bustling Krabi Night Market to bring home printed t-shirts, leather handbags and beach sandals for your loved ones.
P.S. The resort uses only halal-certified ingredients in their meals and no alcohol is served. Looking for more Muslim-friendly resorts in Krabi? Start with the 14 on this list!
Address: Krabi Front Bay Resort, 140/1 Moo 7, Tambon Saithai, Krabi Town, Krabi, Thailand
Contact: +66 75 626 777
Rates: Starting from USD36 per night
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8. Ao Nang Phu Pi Maan Resort & Spa (Krabi)
Credit: @aonangphupimaan on Instagram
In this Muslim-owned hotel, the rooms are well-designed for honeymooners and families. For a romantic retreat, choose a premium room with direct access to the public swimming pool. Otherwise, families will find the deluxe family and two-bedroom villas comfortable too. A great way to explore Krabi is through island hopping and snorkelling, where the resort is happy to recommend a suitable tour package for you. When you’re hungry from all that excitement, the all-day dining restaurant will whip up appetising halal meals for you ranging from Western steaks to lobsters (but save some space for local bites from the nearby halal food market). If you’re planning to perform your prayers in a local mosque, you can also walk 3 minutes to the nearby Masjid Aonang Al-Munuawarah.
#HHWT Tip: The resort is Muslim-owned, and uses only halal-certified ingredients in their meals. No alcohol is served on the premises either!
Address: Ao Nang Phu Pi Maan Resort and Spa, 86/6 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, 81180 Thailand
Contact: +66 075 637 111
Rates: Starting from USD50 per night
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Indonesia
We couldn't not include Indonesia on this list! Bali and Lombok are long-time favourites when it comes to beach resorts, and we can't wait to see what new places emerge to give us even more choices of island getaways. For now, we'll look forward to Bali's rich culture and romantic sunsets, and Lombok's exciting outdoor adventures and nature spots.
9. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa (Bali)
Credit: @nusaduabeachhotelandspa on Instagram
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa charms its way to your heart through its local hospitality. Catering for families, this beach hotel offers a variety of rooms that are especially great for a group of four. Get the keys to the family room that comes with a king-sized bed (for the parents) and a bunk bed (for the kids). Parents can find leisure time by letting the little ones hang out at the Gecko Kids Club and unwind with a relaxing massage at the private spa pavilions. In the morning, sign up for a Resort & Culture Tour to explore the hidden Balinese secrets in the resort. They even organise a Balinese Dance Class to pick up a few basic movements led by their experienced staff. After making the most of your vacation, fuel up with halal-certified Balinese dishes such as bebek betutu at Raja's Balinese Cuisine (halal-certified by MUI).
Address: Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Kawasan BTDC, Pariwisata Nusa Dua, Lot. North 4, Benoa, Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363
Contact: +62 361 771210
Rates: Starting from USD130 per night
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10. Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso (Bali)
Credit: @grandmirageresort on Instagram
The Grand Mirage has a variety of family-friendly rooms, ranging from a Family Studio (with bunk beds for the kids) to Kids Suite (where the little ones have their bedroom). After settling your bags, kids can splash away at the mini water park, socialise with their peers at Bamboo Kids Club, and play virtual reality games at the Kids E-Lounge. Parents won’t feel left out with the variety of family activities such as bicycle tour, karaoke room, and cooking demo.
#HHWT Tip:Make sure to explore Bali and check out these 18 amazing Muslim-friendly eateries!
Address: Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso, Jl. Pratama No.74, Tj. Benoa, Nusa Dua, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 771888
Rates: Starting from USD98 per night
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11. The Santosa Villas & Resort Lombok (Lombok)
Credit: @chello.ang on Instagram
If the white sandy beaches of Lombok are tempting you to stay, spend the night at The Santosa Villas & Resort Lombok. Perfect for holidaymakers aiming for some quiet time, book a deluxe suite or villa that comes with private plunge pool. It also has a sundeck lounge where you can make the most by basking in the sun with complete privacy, and you can rent a garden cabana to host a romantic dinner just for two. Afterwards, amplify your adrenaline with a range of water sports activities including windsurfing, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing and more. Halal food is also widely available around Lombok. If you prefer a meal with a side of convenience, swing by The Santosa’s Seaside Restaurant for delectable Indonesian and international cuisine.
Address: The Santosa Villas & Resort, Jl. Raya Senggigi Km.8, Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia 83355
Contact: +62 370 693090
Rates: Starting from USD50 per night
12. Kila Senggigi Beach Hotel (Lombok)
Credit: @ninasarina91 on Instagram
Balancing the best of tropical gardens and pristine beaches, splurge on a sea view or garden bungalow to host your romantic stay with your significant other. A great pick for honeymooners, the rooms in Kila Senggigi are also fitted with standard amenities ranging from LCD flat panel television, ensuite bathroom and balcony to unwind. Just a short walk from Sengigi Beach and Musholla Babussalam Kila Senggigi, you'll have everything you need to unwind right at your doorstep. For dining options check out the halal food stalls around the hotel such as Lombok Resto 100% Halal and Yessy Café Senggigi.
#HHWT Tip: For even more affordable (but no less stunning!) Lombok resorts check out the 9 gorgeous private stays here.
Address: Kila Senggigi Beach Hotel, Jalan Pantai Senggigi, P.O. Box 1001, Senggigi, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia 83355
Contact: +62 361 3015888
Rates: Starting from USD82 per night
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There you have it! From private pools to halal food, these beach destinations are packed with Muslim-friendly stays for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re chasing the sun in Phuket or Langkawi, there’s always a place to spend the night at your favourite beach destination.