Press Clippings

Sunlight Express – Our guide to the best places at the best prices
The island of Langkawi may be best known for its luxury hotels … but there is one jewel of a place, where an entire (if small) 19th century Malay house can be yours for a tenth of the cost of a night in a Four Season beach villa – Bon Ton Resort. The atmosphere is idyllic, yet the rates range from just 390 ringgit to 690 ringgit per house, depending on size. And there is an excellent restaurant where eclectic pan-Asian with Western-accents menu includes a range of Nyonya dishes.
– Conde Nast Traveller, UK. November 2005

The Next Nirvana
And so to bed. Australian owner Narelle McMurtrie created the exotic villas at the Bon Ton, which include four-poster beds, antique bathtubs, wooden floors – and a view of the stars. A cluster of seven exquisite antique wood houses atop stilts …
the tranquillity is disarming.
– Conde Nast Traveler, US. October 2005

So Far … So Good
The children adored Langkawi’s most unusual hotel, Bon Ton. The place is run by an Australian who has restored eight traditional Malay kampung houses and converted them into stylish hotel rooms. The profits fund her animal rescue centre.
– Daily Mail, UK. 30 April 2005

Paradise for a Song
Langkawi … It is the perfect tropical island … Bon Ton, a beautiful resort of antique stilted fishermen’s houses overlooking a water-lilied lagoon. Each of the seven romantic shacks is individually decorated with plush fabrics and beautiful wood furnishings. And the restaurant is one of the best on the island.
– The Sunday Times, UK. September 2005

Legends of Langkawi
McMurtrie’s three acre resort offers one of the more authentic Malay experiences on the island; the resort includes seven guest houses, of which date back to the 1900s. Authenticity is the allure here, especially in the restaurant and bar.
– Robb Report USA. November 2005

BON TON Resort
“Here we received the best hospitality and some of the best food in Malaysia. Thank you.”
– Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, UK3

Welcome to Paradise
I promised myself at the time that I wouldn’t mention it. It would be one little, magical corner of the island of Langkawi that I would keep all to myself. Ah, yes, Bon Ton. But, it would –alas – be only right and proper to give that little piece of heaven on earth a quick mention .… And we’re going back. Don’t know when. Don’t know how. But we’re going back.
– Rick Waghorn, EDP Saturday Magazine UK, November 27, 2004

Mugged by a Monkey in Paradise
Somewhere in between is the excellent Bon Ton, run by an Australian called Narelle, who’s done a great job of turning a bare patch of coast into a heart-stoppingly beautiful restaurant … Where to stay … on the other side of the island, try the stylish Bon Ton.
– John Humphrys, The Sunday Times, UK. 25 January 2004

Jewel of the North
The closest you’ll get to experiencing a successful marriage of the charms of Bali with commercialism is at Bon Ton Resort Langkawi. Bon Ton however manages an authentically some say “heart” that many in Bali have lost. Bon Ton Resort … live in a place of history.
– The Edge Singapore. 15 September 2003

Rainforest Retreats
The Bon Ton Resort on the other side of the island of Pantai Cenang, really is a little gem and likely to be unlike anything you have ever come across before. Accommodation in one of five antique wooden Malay houses relocated from other parts of Langkawi. The whole place has more the feeling of a club than a hotel …
– Daily Telegraph, UK. 12 October 2003

Rod Liddle
Because I’m never doing a restaurant view again, I thought I’d tell you about my favourite restaurant on the planet. It’s on the Malaysian island of Langkawi and it’s called Bon Ton, it does the best mashed potato I’ve ever tasted. The main courses are spectacular and cheap … the food and setting are sublime.
– Evening Standard - UK Dec 3, 2003

Next time you're in Malaysia
The best kept secret of Pulau Langkawi isn’t it’s stunning sunsets, it’s the four Kampung houses …. known collectively as the Bon Ton resort. There’s no beach at Bon Ton’s doorstep, but the pool sits metres away and the Balinese style Nam Restaurant and the Chin Chin Lounge Bar (formerly a 90 year old shophouse) make up for almost anything. – Time Magazine, Asian Edition. 22 December 2003.

Island Guide Langkawi
The lush grounds of stylish Bon Ton overlooks a rush titled take near enough to and far enough from the bustle of Cenang... Bon Ton's restaurant is one of the best on the island even if you are not staying you have to eat there.
– The Sunday Times UK - 18 May 2003

Lazy Days in Langkawi
Without doubt the coolest place to hang out on Langkawi is the cheap but ultra chic Bon Ton...
The Bonton also houses one of the best restaurants to be found on the island.
– The Guardian UK - 7 June 2003

Bon Ton Spot On
A 2 page article in the Sunday Naunce Magazine.
– The News straits Times Malaysia - 20 July 2003

Foodie Fusion
Even in the best, such as the Gulai House at the Andaman Hotel, The Nam Restaurant at the delightful little Bon Ton Resort or The Pavilion at the Datai, lunch or dinner will cost far less than you imagine and the service will be impeccable.
– Daily Telegraph UK - 12 Octocber 2003

Rainforest Retreats
The Bon Ton Resort on the other side of the island at Pantai Cenang, really is a little gem and likely to be unlike anything you will have come across before. Accommodation is in one of five antique wooden Malay houses relocated from other parts of Langkawi. The whole place has more the feeling of a club than a hotel...
If in a romantic mood as well you may be after spending a few nights tucked up in one of these wooden houses, book a sunset cruise on the hotel's own 60 years old, fully restored motor yatch Kanangra.
– Daily Telegraph UK - 12 October 2003

Chic Shack - Sweet and Simple - One to watch
The Bon Ton Resort may lack the opulence of the Datai, but its our pick for simple, no frills style and a warm service.
– Departures Magazine - New York Oct 2003

Quaint Quirks
One culturally significant attraction well worth visiting or backing a stay at is Bon Ton...
Staying in Bon Ton's unique homes, which range in ago from 60 to 100 years old is akin to entering a museum. The East-West cuisine restaurant does a busy trade, serving what is a arguably the island's best food, in an idyllic and idiosyncratic setting.
– Men's Folio Magazine Singapore - Jewel of the North - April 2002

The Closest Thing to Heaven. Bliss at Bon Ton
A 3 page article in the Saturday Weekender
– The Star Malaysia - 28 September 2002