Thistle Port Dickson Resort

Renovated in 2009, the Thistle Port Dickson Resort is starting to show wear in some areas, but that doesn't diminish the fun atmosphere. It might have the most kid-friendly amenities of all the resorts in Port Dickson, with multiple waterslides, yard games, and 88 acres of garden grounds to explore. Walkways and jogging paths meander around landscaped lawns, connecting wide palm-lined green spaces with the beachfront. Inside, there's a wide lobby with polished stone floors, high ceilings, and picture windows overlooking rows of fountains -- perhaps catering more toward the hotel's business travelers and visiting team-building groups. 

The Thistle Port Dickson Resort is right on the beach, about a 23-minute drive from central Port Dickson, with its marina and seafood restaurants. Since the resort is set back on its own massive private grounds, there isn't much within walking distance, though a cluster of local restaurants and a supermarket are within a two-minute drive (also within walking distance down the coastal expressway). Regional attractions like the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, Rachardo Lighthouse, and the popular Port Dickson Ostrich Farm are all within a seven-minute drive. Expect a 75-minute drive to Kuala Lumpur and the airport.

The resort's 251 rooms have tiled floors and a modern decor with neutral walls and dark wood accents. Standard rooms are on the large side at 446 square feet, with either a king-size or two twin-size beds, small desks, and window seats beside sliding balcony doors. The furnished private balconies have garden views, while upgraded rooms face the sea. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles. The bathrooms have average tiled walk-in showers. Suites add separate soaking tubs and have parquet wood floors and separate living rooms with curved love seats, small tables, and armchairs. Indigo Suites have a warmer earth-toned decor with orange and copper accents, along with open bathrooms and in-room soaking tubs, catering to romantic couples.

Water sports like boating, banana boat rides, and jet skis are available at the hotel's beach, along with more involved outings on fishing speedboats. Off the beach, 88 acres of garden grounds provide for plenty of walking paths and sunbathing lawns, along with numerous yard games from croquet to giant chess and checkers. There's also a nine-hole golf course and two outdoor tennis courts. The massive outdoor pool area has a big freeform pool with an adjacent hot tub and a side pool with a waterslide built into faux rock. A second dedicated kids' pool area has a splash zone that has interactive water features and two more waterslides that spill into a lower pool. Other kid-friendly facilities include a game room with pool tables and ping-pong, a movie room, and a kids' club with Lego-themed play rooms. For adults, the full-service spa has separate men's and women's saunas, along with a fitness center that's equipped with treadmills and weight trainers.

Dining options range from the typical buffet restaurant with an outdoor terrace, to a Chinese restaurant, and an Italian restaurant overlooking the pool. There's also a poolside snack bar, and a cocktail bar near the beach. Extensive event facilities include two ballrooms and 12 meeting rooms, some with views over the Straits of Malacca, and the resort runs a team building camp with certified trainers.