KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): Marriott Hotels on Monday officially opened Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa at Pulau Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, according to a press statement.

Located on the northwest coast of the Perhentian Kecil Island, the resort is easily accessible by ferry from the Kuala Besut Jetty, which is an hour’s drive from the city of Kota Bharu.

It features 200 rooms and 17 villas and facilities, such as a 24-hour fully-equipped fitness centre and a yoga deck, swimming pools, jacuzzi, The Qi Forest Spa & Wellness, a 551 sq m grand ballroom with a built-in LED screen, and three restaurants called Dapur, Sekoci, and Greatroom Bar and Lounge. There is also a children and teens club called Club Penyu, which caters those aged between three and 17 years old. The club will have leisure and educational activities to learn about the local culture, products and marine life.

“We are excited to open the first Marriott Hotel in stunning Terengganu on the East Coast of [Peninsular] Malaysia. Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is an important milestone in our journey of expansion. Not only is it the first Marriott Hotel in the beautiful Perhentian islands, but also our first in Terengganu and the East Coast,” said Marriott International area vice-president for Malaysia and Indonesia Ramesh Jackson in the press release.

Amenities in the resort include a dive centre, dive excursions, and a cultural centre called Beautiful Terengganu Arts, Crafts & Cultural Centre featuring workshops, demonstrations and activities about Terengganu's traditional arts and crafts.

Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa general manager Anne Busfield said: “We are very excited to welcome guests to Perhentian Kecil, an island within Terengganu’s Marine Park as rich in natural beauty as it is in local culture and tradition, offering visitors a unique glimpse of Malaysia.”  

“Our commitment to delivering exceptional service, combined with contemporary locally inspired design, ensures that every guest experiences the true essence of wonderful hospitality,” Busfield added.