Anjung Damai & The Float, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa

It’s a classically romantic setting really – Champagne flute in hand, magical sunset, seaside resort, intimate location. The Float is the embodiment of a fairy-tale ending to the day.

The Float

Jutting out over the calm blue sea, a long wooden walkway leads to this jetty at the Westin Resort and Spa Langkawi, covered by a thatched roof and set up with portable seating. A sensational display of golden hues streak the skies as the sun takes leave for another day, dropping slowly, then ever so quickly behind the deep blue island mounds just off the coast.

The Float

Here we relish in an end of the day celebration with a glass of bubbly, but The Float can be hired for small events of up to 40 people. The return is gently lit with warm lanterns, leading guests back to the shore. Merry after pre-dinner drinks we head to our personal gazebo between the pool and the sea, which has been set for an intimate dinner for two.

Anjung Damai is a private dining experience. A white linened table is set under a pagoda by the beach. Tea lights flicker on the table, and a vase of fuchsia-hued orchids adorn the table. A waterfall cascades in the background, and an iPod docking station with speaker has been set up to play either music of our choice or soft melodies selected by the hotel. Competing with the gentle musical hum is the sound of waves rolling into the shore. A steady breeze drifts up from the sea, but a ceiling fan too provides additional cooling. It’s no doubt a romantic scene.

A bowl of house baked breads: grissini; olive roll; black and white sesame seed topped bun; are sided with mini-dishes holding: olive oil and balsamic; pesto; and green olive and garlic tapenade dipping sauces. We nibble on these while browsing the extensive wine selection.

Hubby declares the effervescent start enough imbibement for today as he’s watching his lines, but I’m having a romantic dinner (perhaps with myself?) so feel a glass of wine is in order. Knowing fondly Villa Maria from New Zealand for its sauvignon blanc, I branch out a little and try their 2011 Dry Riesling (RM38). I detect ripe tropical fruit aromas, a medium body and dry finish. It’s a nice pre-dinner drink but too carries through well to our seafood starter.

Villa Maria Riesling

Seafood and Young Mango Salad begins the sea themed dinner. Plump tender grilled scallops and chargrilled prawns still brandishing the marks of the grill, sit atop a Thai inspired fresh green mango mix. It’s a sterling beginning.

Seafood and Young Mango Salad

Lemongrass and Coconut Soup is served hot by our waiters over pieces of white flaky fish, already in the bowl. I’m having a hard time detecting the coconut and note that it’s the water not the cream that has been used, but do perceive a lovely balance of lime, lemongrass, coriander and chili in the clear broth. Hubby is mumbling words of joy. I finally discern, “This is just what I wanted. This is beautiful,” between the groans. It is indeed a light, yet flavourful soup.

Lemongrass and Coconut Fish Soup

A grand platter, more than a foot by half a foot of slate, holds Crispy Seabass, Prawn Dumplings, Pineapple Fried Rice, Lime Chili Dressing and Creamy Green Curry. It’s a culinary artwork. The rice is in acone, the fish spiraled  in a tower in the middle, and an asparagus fence holds the spicy dumpling in a picket fence style encasement. The curry swirls the sides of the plate and is just enough for adding a tiny boost of flavour. The taste bud experience lives up to the visual impression. It’s a great dish.

Crispy Seabass, Prawn Dumplings, Pineapple Fried Rice, Lime Chili Dressing and Creamy Green Curry

A Trio of Desserts completes the meal with Sago Cantaloupe dressed with coconut cream, Mango Sticky Rice adorned with a mint leaf with a glutinous rice wrapping as a non-traditional twist, and Lemongrass Crème Brûlée. It’s a gently sweet finale.

Trio of Desserts

A marvelously romantic ambience, superb service and delicious food puts all of the puzzle pieces together making a dining experience at Anjung Damai a flawless evening.

Reasons to visit: pretty sunsets; private butler; elegant intimate setting; an exclusive experience; ideal for an evening of romance.

Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar

Langkawi 7000

Kedah, Malaysia

+6 04 960 8888

Open from 6:30pm daily (24 hour advanced reservation required)