Vivanta by TAJ Rebak Island Resort Review

This time around, the TAJ group had re-branded the TAJ Rebak Island Resort to their new signature series of properties called Vivanta by TAJ.

Second, in the luxury tier after the TAJ Palace, this was the first and only Vivanta property in Southeast Asia.

Usually, this customer service is done at the resort reception and many luxury hotels still practice this. However, in this case, it was a bonus for the resort.

Our group of media was immediately whisked away in their resort vehicles to the nearby jetty which is only a 5-minute drive from the airport. 

Vivanta by TAJ is a stand-alone resort on Rebak Island which faces the famous Pantai Cenang in Langkawi.

This means guests will have a private and peaceful time at the property. There are no other resorts of hotels here except for a marina that houses yachts from around the world.

The main pool at Vivanta Rebak Resort

The resort practices high levels of safety and comfort for their guests therefore just before the boat ride, a casual briefing was conducted to everyone.

Life jackets are a must while the boats do not overcrowd. Once the seating is filled, the boat will depart. I have to say the journey there was pleasant and smooth without any choppy waters.

The minute we departed, the staff handed out a selection of cold drinks which included cola, coffee, and even the Malaysian Milo. Bottle water was also available for those who needed it. 

From the marina, it takes about another 5 minutes to the lobby via buggy. From my previous experience here, things looked pretty much the same except for the jetty area which was renovated nicely. 

A beautiful shell garland was put around our necks while we were welcomed by the many front office staff.

Again, cold towels and welcome cocktails were passed around – I had never had so many welcome drinks and cold towels on my many resorts and hotel visits.

The Malaysian Beach Dinner at Vivanta

The place gives you a relaxed feeling when you step in. Nothing like one of those modern city hotels with lots of design and colours. Anyway, I am glad that they kept the original design here. 

Rooms at Vivanta Rebak Island Resort

Some of the Vivanta room units

It was her first time here, therefore, the place looked very interesting. Heading to the villa units, I could vaguely remember that I had previously stayed in one of the 8-unit blocks.

For some strange reason, the room given to us was in the same block! What a coincidence, this time around it was the room with a garden view compared to the last time when I stayed at the sea view.

The welcome message and some of the items given to us in our rooms

The king-sized beds were pleasantly decorated with welcome gifts, one which included a box of homemade black and white chocolates.

A bottle of red wine with two glasses stood proudly on the table accompanied by a platter of local fruits. Nice touch I thought. 

It was a surprise for me when I opened the door to a wardrobe area before the main bathroom and toilet. Yes, they had definitely renovated this part of the villas as it looked very new and modern.

Vivanta Rebak Garden View Room

The main bathroom at the Vivanta Rebak Island Resort

Vivanta Rebak Bathroom Amenities

This was the extra mile that they went apart from the general amenities available. A bathtub with an incense holder by its side looked inviting while the shower area enclosed in all glass featured a rain shower. 

I would not ask for more as even a laundry basket was provided. The space offered was generous while the warm lighting completed the overall experience. 

A boat shuttle service is provided for guests at no cost and a scheduled timing is available at the main reception for those wanting to go to the main island for some shopping or sightseeing.

Sightseeing Tours with Vivanta Rebak Island Resort and NAAM Tours

Naam control center at Tanjung Rhu beach in Langkawi

On asking about this joint-venture, the general manager had mentioned that they wanted to give the guest the best experience with a proper and professional operator and Naam had superseded expatiation in safety and comfort.

I will most definitely agree as we were brought for a couple of adventures with Naam in Langkawi. 

The trip took us to Naam’s beach headquarters at Tanjung Rhu where we were to board their latest Jet Boats that would take us from the sea into the mangrove.

The safety procedures practised by the operators were absolutely top-notch. Life jackets were the latest types from the USA, simple looking straps that did not even look like life jackets.

The modern contraption is where you just put them around your neck, compared to the old bright coloured orange or red vest jackets.

Very impressive I thought as the Naam staff did their safety briefing on how to use them.

Mangrove Cruise by Naam in Langkawi

Did I mention very? Yes, they cost around RM500,000 per boat and are sleek designed. They come with an onboard sound system too!

So our journey into the mangroves was a very relaxed and fun trip. We stopped at various interesting points like Gorilla Hill and even an old abandoned charcoal factory before heading to where eagles come to feed.

Stingray Feeding at Hole in the Wall in Langkawi

Asking the boatman why they selected this place, he replied that this was the only place that practised safety for the guests and when I looked around, I agreed.

The floating fish farm is where you get to see live fish kept in multiple huge water cages where a guide will bring you to show you the various sea fishes here.

The highlight here is feeding a huge stingray. This is something that anyone visiting this place should try as it is quite an experience. 

Finally, after the mangrove cruise is done, we jet out back to the open sea where one last stop for photographs is done at the Langkawi Geopark signage.

Jetboat racing, well actually, this was after the mangrove tour by Naam and we were heading back to the beach

I could see from the level of service that the staff were either from the hotel line of the manager in charge is formerly a hotelier.

When asking the Naam manager, he replied that he was indeed from one of the top five star hotels in Langkawi before moving here. That explained the level of professionalism and quality of service given.

Parasailing the proper and professional way by Naam Adventures and Tours

Now, I have never in my life done parasailing before and from the many times I have seen it being done, I was a little uncomfortable.

However, Naam assured us that we would have a fearless experience and seeing how professional they were, I left my life in their hands which turned out to be one of the best experiences in my life.

Overall, I have to say, my second time here at Rebak Island totally opened up my perception of holidaying at an island resort.

Well, an island off an island, that is as Rebak Island is a 10-minute boat ride from Langkawi Island. for comparison with last time, take a look at my earlier Rebak Island Resort review done in 2010.

Back then, I also participated in one of the recommend Nature Walks at Rebak Island which I found was really interesting, especially if you love the outdoors, trekking and nature.

For the tree planting, it is unfortunate that a tree that I planted back then is no longer there. I wonder if the management has something to say about this?

Because when I was there recently, they showed us the ‘Tree Planting’ area but I did not see my old tree and I did not ask them about it.

For more information about this stand-alone resort on an island off Langkawi Island, you can visit Vivanta by TAJ – Rebak Island website.

This trip was also made possible by whosyn’Signature where all the media attendance was arranged by the speciality public relations company.

With that, I hope that you enjoyed this article and in future, if you are looking for something different in Langkawi, do consider Vivanta by TAJ Rebak Island Resort.