Gayana Marine Resort

Occupying a thin sliver of land between the thick rainforest and gorgeous Malohom Bay, Gayana Marine Resort is for those seeking peace and relaxation. All of the property’s rooms and common spaces are housed in stand-alone overwater structures connected by long wooden pathways built on stilts and lined with tropical flowers. The architecture is traditional Borneo style, consisting of wooden walls, big windows, and pitched straw roofs, and it blends elegantly with the lush, tropical surroundings. Interiors feature an elegant combination of Malay design -- heavy wooden furniture, polished dark-wood floors, and woven straw, cane, and stone accents -- and sophisticated touches such as tufted benches and delicate flowery upholstery. Maintenance work, though, seems to be slow, and the property is starting to feel just a little bit too rough around the edges for the price. 

The resort is also completely isolated from the rest of the island, and the only way out is by boat, which may make some guests feel somewhat trapped. Sister property Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is a great alternative for those seeking something in better shape and with more on-site features, including a beach and a fitness center. Rates, though, are higher there, and food gets mixed reviews. For something even more high-end, consider the Gaya Island Resort, which is located on the other side of Malohom Bay and offers beautiful villas, a large spa with open-air pavilions, and stunning views.  

The hotel is located on Malohom, a gorgeous, crescent-shaped bay on the northeastern side of Gaya Island. The resort is completely cut off from the rest of the island (as is the case with all other properties on Gaya), and the only access is by sea. There are a few hiking trails that start at the property, but there’s nowhere else to walk, and there are no restaurants, bars, or shops nearby. The hotel provides free boat transfers twice per day to both its sister property on the island and to Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Ferry Terminal, each located about 30 minutes away. The nearest airport is in Kota Kinabalu. 

The resort has a total of 52 stand-alone villas, all built on stilts over the water and offering either mangrove, jungle, or sea views. Polished wooden floors and furniture combine with pale-yellow walls and cute flowery details to create elegant, upscale spaces. Recessed lighting in headboards and ceilings, along with upholstered details and large paintings of flowers on walls lend rooms a warm feel without detracting from the real focus here: the outdoors. Huge windows let in lots of light and open onto spacious wooden decks that in most cases offer direct access to the sea. Of the four room types available, Palm Villas are the most luxe of all, with private plunge pools, glass floors in living rooms, and huge bathrooms. Breeze Villas are great for families, with separate living rooms and two bathrooms. 

Villas have the same amenities across the board: free Wi-Fi, minibars stocked with free sodas, water, and beer, LCD TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles (espresso machines in Palm Villas), DVD players, and safes. Beds are comfortable and topped with Frette linens, duvets, and several pillows. Big, clean bathrooms feature large walk-in rainfall showers, ample counter space, robes, and toiletries in small containers. Palm Villas have double showers and tubs for two offering sea views. 

Macac is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving up international cuisine by the pool, including sandwiches, salads, pasta, wood-fired pizzas, noodle soups, and burgers. Housed in an open pavilion built on stilts directly in the bay, Alu Alu is the place to go for some fresh seafood. Guests can choose their meal from the menu or pick their live seafood from the restaurant’s 28 tanks. Latitude Bar is a good spot for drinks and a snack, but it is only open in the evening. Guests find food at the resort overall good but somewhat overpriced. 

The infinity pool is well-sized and relaxing, with panoramic bay views, padded loungers, and umbrellas. Those wanting some pampering can book a treatment at the beautiful spa, which offers Western and Asian massages, as well as salon services and couples’ packages. Unfortunately, there is no beach at the resort, but snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and sea kayaks are available free of charge, and there is a PADI-certified dive center on-site offering classes for all levels. The coral reefs around the bay, though, are badly damaged. Those interested in learning more about the local sea life can tour the hotel’s Marine Ecology Research Center, which focuses on protecting and regenerating the island’s marine ecosystem.