Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Japamala Resort - By Samadhi is an eco-luxe resort that took 10 years to build due to efforts to not disturb the environment and use recyclable local materials. It has a simple but beautifully rustic decor that allows the greenery of nature and the ocean sands to capture the eyes of guests. Most spaces have open-air plans, like the lobby built on a wooden deck with a roof, ceiling fans, and small chic desks that are a combination of wood, fur, glass, and cozy low-to-the-ground chairs. The restaurants take advantage of sea and jungle views. One restaurant is located at the end of the pier in the ocean with daybeds surrounding a bar and the other restaurant is under the canopy of the jungle. The overall vibe is quiet and relaxed, especially as the hotel strongly deter families with no kids under six allowed and older kids must be carefully watched at all times. There’s little cellphone coverage, spotty Wi-Fi, and miles of jungles surrounding the property, allowing for an unplugged nature-focused vacation. It’s definitely a good fit for couples or solo travelers who just need to get away. 

Japamala Resort has an isolated location on Tioman Island, which makes it a bit of a hassle to arrive and depart. The hotel offers private transfers for a fee, which involves leaving from Mersing on a 45-minute boat ride to the island or taking a small plane. However, it’s pricey and some guests opt for public ferries which can also be a cumbersome ordeal due to unreliable time schedules. Once arrived, guests will discover that the resort is surrounded by jungle with the closest town at a 45-minute trek away. The hotel’s private boat is rentable for a pricey fee.

Japamala Resort refers to their 13 private villas as Sarangs or nests. Each unit has a different layout but all have a general rustic vibe thanks to the hotel’s use of recycled wood from traditional Malaysian houses. The wood or bamboo used in the furniture was sourced from local indigenous tribes. The Sarangs are decorated in a simplistic Malaysian style that highlights white and gold colors in the fabrics and a heavy wooden theme throughout. Every Sarang is equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, minibars, kettles, and espresso machines. Free nightcaps are offered with a two-night stay minimum, and all guests are treated to an aromatic turndown service. Some units have large terraces and some of these terraces have hot tubs. Bathrooms are equipped with robes, waterfall showerheads, a variety of toiletries, and hairdryers. One of the bathroos is outdoors and privately hidden from other villas. 

For a remote hotel at a high price point, the wealth of freebies adds to the value. Guests are greeted with free drinks upon arrival, have their clothes laundered for free, and are offered free snacks and water in the evenings. A hot and cold breakfast spread is also available for free daily, as is Wi-Fi, though like cell phone coverage, it can sometimes be spotty. The highlight of the hotel is a private beachfront location with cabanas shading daybeds, however, don’t forget to bring water shoes as the ocean is rocky. The hotel has two pools, one with beach views and another under the shade of the jungle. There’s no fitness center on-site, but the hotel offers a spa with a hot tub, massages, and beauty treatments to help guests relax. With two dining options -- an outdoor restaurant in the jungle canopy that serves Asian food and an Italian-inspired restaurant and bar at the end of a pier in the ocean -- guests can have their dining needs met without leaving the property. Other features include a small boutique with clothing, antiques, and gifts, as well as a reading lounge with a library of books.