Grand Lexis Port Dickson

The rows of boardwalks and connecting water villas built on stilts that stretch out over the water might be the main attraction at this Balinese-inspired resort, but there's a lot going on on the ground here too. Wide, red-brick lanes surround four sections of garden villas, and there's a main tower building (housing a third room type) overlooking it all. Square columns with turquoise panels ascend to the main lobby's ceiling, from which glassy installations that look like clusters of bubbles hang suspended and lit from above. Polished stone and mirrored accents throughout the building contrast it with the more modest traditional look that dominates everything outside. At the top, there's a rooftop terrace with an observation deck that has commanding views of the Straits of Malacca.

The hotel's main competitors are its own sister resort next door, the Avillion Port Dickson, and the Thistle Port Dickson Resort. Grand Lexis Port Dickson stands out for its plunge pools -- every room has one -- but the lack of beach is a downside here. Both the Avillion and Thistle have beaches. 

The Grand Lexis Port Dickson is right off of a main road near residential neighborhoods and a power station, but it's well insulated from them by a rows of planted trees lining a security wall. Its neighbor is sister hotel Lexis Port Dickson, and there are a few local eateries within walking distance, but it's an eight-minute drive into the heart of town for shopping and numerous seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Port Dickson is one of Malaysia's popular beach destinations, and has family attractions like the Port Dickson Ostrich Farm, the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, and Rachardo Lighthouse (all about a 20- to 30-minute drive away).  Expect an hour-and-10-minute drive into Kuala Lumpur and to Subang Airport. 

The resort's 318 large villas come in three different categories -- its Above the Sea water villas built on stilts over the sea, Garden Living villas on land, or Sky Living rooms in the main tower. Every type has a private balcony and a plunge pool with an outdoor rainfall shower. The contemporary decor varies slightly; rooms have earth-tone color palettes and brighter accents such as lavender or turquoise, hardwood floors, and Balinese decorative touches. All villas have microwaves, mini-fridges, and electric kettles; some also have sinks. Free Wi-Fi comes standard as do flat-screen TVs. All bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers.

The Above the Sea villas are suspended on stilts connected by long boardwalks, and have private plunge pools on balconies facing the sea. The main rooms have glass panels in the floor for viewing the waves below. There are four types of Above the Sea villas, each larger than the next, and the Grand Pool Villas come in lower- or upper-level options (the upper has an infinity pool). The Garden Living villas have much different layouts, but the same amenities, with plunge pools in small courtyards. Housed in the main tower, the Sky Living villas come in two sizes and have open-air private pools are accessed from doors off the bedrooms, or from wide shutters in the bathrooms, and they open to small balconies. Sitting areas have desks and upgraded villas have couches and dining areas. 

There's almost no usable beach here due to the extensive water villas, but apart from all the private plunge pools, there's a large outdoor landscaped pool surrounded on all sides by either stone or wooden sundecks. A bridge spans part of it, and there are numerous water features, as well as a hot tub. Nearby, the kiddy pool has a pair of waterslides and more water features. Numerous outdoor recreational activities such as archery, soccer, and volleyball are available, along with bicycle and Segway rentals. Fishing and crabbing can also be arranged, either for catch and release, or for cooking. For kids, there's an outdoor playground, and a big indoor game room with arcade games, inflatables, pool tables, and air hockey. The full-service spa has men's and women's saunas, along with a modern fitness center equipped with cardio machines and weight trainers. 

The main dining option is an all-day buffet restaurant with an outdoor terrace, and there's a Japanese restaurant that serves traditional fare like tempura, sashimi, and teppanyaki. There are also a poolside bar, a cocktail lounge with a pool table, and a karaoke bar, all of which serve snacks and light bites. Free parking is included.