Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

Built in the shape of Malaysia’s national flower, the hibiscus, the Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickinson is one of the most iconic resorts in the region. The 13-story main tower, which houses all suites, is built on the edge of the beach, while villas are directly over the water, jutting out for almost a mile into the Strait of Malacca and forming a huge flower shape that’s easily recognizable from the air. The resort is packed with great amenities, but extra fees can add up, and some aspects of the property are a tad average for a hotel of this caliber, especially the food options and some services. In particular, one would expect that a hotel this size, where the most expensive rooms are located about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the shore and all amenities, would have figured out an efficient way to get guests from point A to point B, but there have been complaints of long waits for shuttle service. Guests have also complained of crowds at breakfast. 

Rates are comparable to other luxury resorts in the area, and the property offers a pretty unique experience for those staying in the Villa section, but travelers who don’t need the extra design touches or a beach may want to consider the hotel’s sister property Gran Lexis Port Dickinson, which offers rooms and overwater villas with private plunge pools and a warmer design, and many kid-friendly amenities. The Thistle Port Dickinson Resort is a great upscale alternative for families on a tighter budget, featuring a large pool, a lovely beach, and a bustling atmosphere. 

The resort is located in a quiet beachfront area about a 30-minute drive south of Port Dickinson. There is not much within walking distance of the hotel other than a few other hotels, and most guests either drive their own cars or take a cab if they want to leave the grounds. However, there is so much to do on-site that few guests actually do. The resort provides free shuttle service to the Army Museum in the morning and to Port Dickinson’s Regina Mall in the afternoon. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about an hour away, and Malaysia’s capital can be reached in about an hour-and-a-half by car. The drive from Singapore takes just under four hours. 

The hotel has 639 rooms, including two-bedroom suites located in the main tower and a number of villas housed in small buildings built directly on the water. Decor is contemporary, if a tad generic, consisting of off-white tile floors, minimalist furniture in earth tones, and pops of purple, blue, orange, and pink that may be cheerful or loud depending on taste. All rooms are spacious and airy, with at least two king beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto terraces with private plunge pools and loungers. Bathrooms are large and attractive, with double sinks, windows to the terrace, walk-in rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs with sea views. All rooms have steam rooms as well. 

Aside from the plunge pools and steam baths, room amenities are average for a luxury hotel. Flat-screen TVs are large, but some guests have complained that the signal can be spotty, and there are electric kettles and mini-fridges with some water and sodas instead of espresso machines and fully stocked minibars. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Some suites have kitchens, and Presidential Suites are duplex units located at the far end of the property, complete with two infinity pools and four bedrooms.  

The Lexis Hibiscus offers a staggering array of on-site activities -- nearly all for an extra fee. Aside from a small beach with a few loungers and umbrellas, there is a water sports area where guests can go on banana boat rides or rent sea kayaks. Bikes, Segways, and yoyo cars can be rented for a fee as well, and helicopter rides can be booked at front desk. Additionally, there are two pools, one for families and one for kids, both overlooking the sea and adjacent to a playground. The kids’ club is cute and fun, with a jungle gym and lots of toys, but it comes with an extra fee, and there is a one-hour time limit for all kids. 

Couples also have a good range of things to do. There is a solid spa with several massage cabins and a salon area, as well as a small gym with cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and a sauna. Dining options at the Lexis Hibiscus are varied, but food gets mixed reviews from guests, many of which find it overall underwhelming for a luxury hotel. Roselle Coffee House is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner in the main building. The joints at the Hibiscus Walk along the beach are good for a quick bite or dessert, while UMI serves up Japanese cuisine in a more formal setting. Snacks, sweets, and drinks are available at different venues throughout the property, including the pool bar.