Japamala

Japamala sits on the beautiful island of Tioman in the South China Sea, nestled in 11 acres of lush tropical forest.

Japamala prefers to call each of its villas a Sarang, a Malay word meaning 'nest'; and it’s not hard at all to understand why. Its charming wooden Sarangs embody a rustic-luxe philosophy, and are built using salvaged timber from Malay villages, with interiors created by local craftsmen. They lie tucked away in the jungle, some by the beach gazing over the South China Sea, others totally secluded high up above the canopy, and all totally unique, unlike any other.  On your sundeck or in your open-air bathtub or plunge pool, simply sit back and relax to the sounds of the jungle, accompanied by champagne from your mini-bar.

We love the two-storey, two-bedroom Penghulu's House. The 'Penghulu’ is known in Malaysia as the top dog of the village, and accordingly this large chalet has the best of everything, with the jungle at its doorstep and the beach as its backyard, alongside a private pool and spectacular sea views.

Decorated with awards, Tamarind Tioman, set against a rainforest backdrop, is a superb place to eat local, where you can dine on a magnificent array of Malay, Thai and Indochinese cuisine. There's also Italian restaurant Il Tiempo, where you can indulge in expertly-prepared specialities including signature pasta dishes as the skies are ignited orange. Or head to Mandi Mandi, at the tip of a picturesque jetty stretches 100 metres from the beach into the sea, where you can enjoy sunset cocktails. Alternatively, for an extra-special occasion, dine under the stars in an exclusive and private setting.

There's a floodlit pool, and in Japamala’s spa, treatments and massages using pure botanical ingredients are accompanied by the soothing sound of gently lapping waves, whether that's a massage in the treetops or a soak in the clifftop hot tub. We think there’s no better way to conclude your day...

The pristine private beach is blissfully tranquil, though at times you may have to share it with a passing turtle or two. Those with a lust for exploration can snorkel and dive in the glistening waters, head to the fairytale-esque waterfalls hidden in the rainforest or marvel at the roof of the jungle from the sunset viewpoint. You can also visit nearby villages and go on boat trips to nearby islands for lunch on the beach.