Taaras Beach & Spa Resort

Situated on possibly the finest beach on Redang, Taaras Beach & Spa Resort is the best hotel on the island. The resort's ethos is to provide a contemporary, barefoot luxury experience with warm Asian hospitality. The name of the property is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘TAARA’, meaning ‘Star or Apple of my eye’ as well as ‘Goddess of the Sea', reflected in the mermaid motif throughout the resort. The whole resort has been renovated since it was part of the Berjaya brand and it is now a rather luxurious option.

The resort features 191 stylish suites and rooms, as well as a stunning five bedroom Private Villa perched high up on the cliff overlooking the ocean and resort below. The resort boasts commissioned furniture and bespoke photography of Redang Island and the landscapes of Malaysia. Each suite or room contains oversized beds and hand-picked linens and fabrics for your comfort. Most rooms and all suites have larger washrooms containing both bathtub and separate rain or monsoon shower (some with spa bathtubs looking out over the rainforest or the bay). Most residences have an outdoor balcony or veranda and the suites at the top of the cliff summit have spectacular views over the beach and ocean below.

For clients who prefer or require further privacy ‘The Cliff Private Villa Bay and Sea View’, the private five bedroom residence perched high up on the cliff more than meets the requirements; private access, a Villa Host at your ‘beck and call’ as well as 24-hour security; should it be a necessary requirement. The residence also enjoys a 16-metre infinity swimming pool, personal fitness room and both interior and exterior lounge decks. The Asean café serves a mix of Malaysian and international fare, and is situated overlooking the swimming pool and the bay. There is also a beach brasserie serving Western, Japanese and Indian cuisine, and a fine dining restaurant situated high on the cliff overlooking the bay. There are also two bars serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.

The resort has a large swimming pool as well as a kids' paddling pool. The Ayura Spa offers a wide range of treatments and there is a fitness centre, tennis courts and beach volleyball available. Sea sports facilities such as snorkelling (day or night), parasailing, windsurfing, fishing trips, island-hopping, banana boat, paddle boat, canoe/kayak, boat charters, boogie boards (subject to weather and sea conditions) can all be arranged. Scuba diving can also be organised from the well-run dive school.

OUR RATING: First Class