Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu 4Q

The locally rated 5-star Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu is an oasis of stylish comfort in the heart of Kota Kinabalu's business, shopping and entertainment district. The hotel boasts stunning views of the city skyline and the South China Sea and has a rooftop sunset bar allowing you to drink in cocktails as well as the scenery.

The hotel underwent a complete refurbishment in the summer of 2019 and rooms are spacious, light and air-conditioned with stylish modern furnishings and come with complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television, telephone, minibar (extra charge), safe, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities and ironing facilities. Saga guests stay in city view rooms but you can upgrade to a sea view room for a supplement.

All meals are served buffet-style in the Latest Recipe restaurant, which offers local and international cuisine. Alternatively, for an extra charge you might wish to treat yourself to a meal in the a la carte Favola restaurant or perhaps sample some Asian street food in the Azure pool bar and cafe. Sunset drinks are available at the Rooftop @ Le Meridien bar. The Saga Lounge will be a place for relaxing, reading and enjoying a hot drink while the Latitude 05 lobby bar has a free bar for Saga guests open from 11am to 11pm serving local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

In addition to the beautiful outdoor pool there is a Jacuzzi plus a fitness centre and spa (treatments extra charge).

Manukan Island Resort 3Q

The resort of Manukan is an island encircled by a protected coral reef and is home to sweeping sandy beaches, a swathe of beautiful rainforest, a private beach and a choice of nature trails. Manukan is also one of five tropical islands which together form the marine park of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, within whose clear waters teem some 364 species of fish. Your island escape starts as you sail toward the resort, set against a backdrop of trees, on the island’s south east coast which boasts views of the mainland and other islands.

During the day relax around the outdoor swimming pool or savour the dedicated private beach for the exclusive use of island residents. At the end of the day, take it easy in one of the 20 air-conditioned lodges, all of which which include a private bathroom, television, telephone, safe and tea and coffee-making facilities or perhaps treat yourself to an upgrade to a hillside lodge.

Facilities include the P’rahu Restaurant which offers a selection of local and international food, served a la carte by waiters. Snacks are available all day while lunch and dinner are accompanied by included beer, house wine, spirits and non alcoholic drinks. The restaurant also has attractive outdoor areas where you can dine to the backdrop of the sound of waves on the shore. You may also like to try a barbecue lunch, sunset cocktail or dine in a Cabana on the beach (extra charge). When you need some refreshment, make your way to the free bar open from 11am to 11pm – perfect for a sundowner! or enjoy complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day.

Perhaps spend your free time snorkelling in the clear waters or arrange a 20-minute speedboat crossing back to the mainland where there is a golf course and spa.