Has this ever happened to you in Langkawi? You’ve just ordered a cocktail at your favourite beach bar. Minutes later, your waiter returns with an umbrella-topped glass of fluoro-coloured something, with a taste resembling the unholy marriage of sugar syrup and firewater.
But why complain? Beach bars in Langkawi are all about the atmosphere, not the mixological talent of the bar staff.
If you do find yourself craving a serious cocktail in Langkawi, hop off that beanbag and check out these 6 primo Langkawi cocktail bars.
1. D’Reef at The Cliff
Perched atop a rugged headland with sweeping views over an endless expanse of ocean, the Cliff is one of Langkawi’s most stunningly situated eateries. Even if you’re not having a meal, you can still enjoy stupendous views from the adjoining bar, D’Reef, whose panoramic views are especially intoxicating at sunset. Just remember to snap out of it for long enough to try one of the signature cocktail creations, using premium liquors and fresh juices to impart a delicate balance of tropical flavours.
2. Rhu Bar
There’s an air of royalty to the Four Seasons Langkawi, and the vibe extends to the resort’s extravagantly decorated drinking sanctuary, Rhu Bar. Featuring regal Middle Eastern themed decor, Rhu gazes directly over Tanjung Rhu Beach, with an oceanfront deck perfect for whiling away the evening with a fruit-infused tropical cocktail. Rhu’s bartenders know their stuff. Tell them what tickles your fancy and they’ll happily whip-up an on-point custom creation.
3. The Sunset Deck
It’s a fact of nature – the sight of the sun sinking below the horizon is the universe’s way of signalling “cocktail hour”! And there’s almost no finer place in Langkawi to spend that most indulgent of hours at the Sunset Deck, an alfresco lounge with outdoor seating amid the Bon Ton Resort’s manicured gardens. Sit by the pool and graze on tapas as you work your way through the extensive cocktail selection. The barstaff nail the classics, including lemon drop, gin gimlet, espresso martini and brandy Alexander.
4. Breeze Lounge
Breeze is Four Seasons Langkawi’s smart casual lounge bar. The outdoor terrace is renowned as one of the island’s best spots to sip and savour, overlooking the resort’s sparkling pools, out to the azure waters of the Andaman and the jade green islands beyond. An all-day venue, guests can tuck into a substantial meal or simply pick out favourites from an impressively extensive cocktail menu. The expertly trained bartenders tell us the martinis are a house speciality.
5. Horizon
Cocktail connoisseurs will be in their element as they sit by the pool sipping top-notch mixed beverages, handcrafted behind the bar at Horizon, the lavish, adults-only lounge at the Ritz-Cartlon Langkawi. Sample Thai-inspired snacks and the finest creations of Horizon’s bartender wizards while watching the sun set from a stunningly elevated vantage point. Horizon’s mojito and martini maestros are so passionate about cocktails, they even run a mixology class, called “Nature in a Glass” for guests of the Ritz.
6. Thirstday Bar and Restaurant
Sometimes you just want a crazy drink in a fun atmosphere. If posh hotel lounges and swanky bars aren’t your thing, head down to Thirstday on Pentai Cenang. This big, buzzy bar and pizza/steakhouse won’t cost an arm and a leg, althought you might see some pretty nifty arm action behind the bar when the resident “flairtender” is manning the bottles. A great casual beachside bar with a party atmosphere.
