Langkawi is almost entirely a tourist destination so there are ample accommodation choices in various parts of the island catering to visitors of every budget. Its role as a duty-free port attracts even more overnighters to the port town of Kuah, creating a whole market of basic hotels to go with the more pleasant beachside resorts.

The Four Seasons is one of the newest luxury resorts on the island, and has raised the bar for resorts in Malaysia. The design is Moorish and every room has views that could grace a postcard. Its spa is world-class and the special pavilion rooms are absolutely opulent.

The Datai has made the integration of its resort with local nature a top priority. Each of the rooms and villas are all built into the hillside surrounded by tropical jungle and presenting stunning ocean views. Its minimalistic style wonderfully represents Southeast Asian elegance, making this arguably the most sublime resort on Langkawi.

The Tanjung Rhu Resort enjoys the privacy of a perfect crescent bay with limestone karsts jutting out of the sea. The vista is drop-dead gorgeous, and the guest rooms are all designed with environmentally-friendly materials and concepts in mind. The Andaman is another example of blending a resort effectively into the surrounding jungle. Similar to The Datai, this resort is just as posh but has more flat garden space to explore and a better beach.

The town of Kuah is the gateway to Langkawi. It's the most crowded part of the island but it does have some nice hotels and offers the advantage of being in the heart of the action Langkawi has to offer. Cheap guest houses mix with family-friendly resorts and a few upscale options.

The west coast of Langkawi was where tourism really started on this island. Pantai Cenang Beach is lined with international chain hotels as well as family-run resorts, offering a little bit of everything with plenty of eating and drinking choices.

Pantai Tengah is a quieter beach south of Pantai Cenang, boasting better sand and a tranquil bay but little in the way of amenities. The resorts themselves become the centre of eating, drinking and entertainment and the ambience is relaxing and tranquil.

Burau Bay offers a couple of luxury resorts in the form of Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort and Burau Bay Resort. Again, the amenities outside the resorts are limited so these are ideal destinations for families or romantic getaways where you aren't planning to leave your bungalow often.

There are even more private island options off Langkawi if you want the ultimate in seclusion. Pulau Rebak is a tiny island containing only the Rebak Marina Resort, a luxury hotel that offers everything you'd possibly need for a wonderful island vacation without lifting a finger.