Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to win an essay-writing competition, and the prize was a complimentary 2-night stay at LaVilla by Holiday Villa Cherating**, a beachfront villa with a private pool! I was thrilled, of course — until I saw the booking deadline.
The voucher was only valid for a short window, and the only dates I could make it work were in December. If you know anything about Malaysia’s east coast, you’ll know that’s smack in the middle of the monsoon season. Still, I figured, how often do you get a free villa with your own pool?
So off to Cherating I went, rain clouds and all.
** Since September 2024, LaVilla by Holiday Villa Cherating is officially known as ViVilla by Holiday Villa Cherating.
A bit about Cherating
Located in Pahang, about a 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Cherating is one of Malaysia’s oldest beach resort towns. It’s known for its wide beaches, surfable waves (in the right season), and a sleepy charm that makes it feel like time moves just a little slower there. It’s also home to a turtle sanctuary, a few laid-back cafes, and plenty of resorts lining the coast.
Cherating may not be as lively or as popular as Langkawi or Perhentian. If you’re expecting nightlife or high-end shopping, this isn’t the place. But if you’re looking to disconnect for a while and listen to waves crash outside your window, it certainly delivers.
First impressions of LaVilla by Holiday Villa Cherating
LaVilla is part of Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating, but tucked away in a more private, exclusive section of the property. Rarely do I ever get to stay in the “exclusive section” of anything, so being whisked away to the private LaVilla wing of Holiday Villa Cherating felt like a huge upgrade in life.
It felt like a mini tropical sanctuary. There was greenery everywhere, and bursts of color from neatly manicured flowers lining the pathways. Everything looked well cared for, and the landscaping gave it a peaceful, almost spa-like atmosphere.
Check-in was smooth. The staff were warm and professional, and of course, they offered to carry our bags, but that’s a service I always decline because I take pride in bringing only one small backpack wherever I go. Perhaps I’m not cut out for this exclusive, pampered lifestyle after all!
We were also assigned a designated car park, just a few steps from the villa area. That meant we didn’t have to walk through the main resort or the reception area every time we came and went — which was super convenient.
The villa
The villas were wooden and built in the style of traditional Malay houses. It really added to the sense of place — like I was actually getting a taste of local life in Cherating, but with a few upgrades (like air-conditioning and a plunge pool).
We got the one-bedroom villa, although they also had bigger ones with two and four bedrooms.
The first thing that greeted us as we walked through the door was a cozy little lounge setup, featuring a flat-screen TV, a two-seater wooden daybed (I think that’s what it’s called?) that looks like a cross between a couch and a pangkin (traditional Malay bench), and a matching coffee table.
In keeping with the villa’s theme, it was entirely wooden, so while it matched the aesthetic beautifully, it probably wasn’t the sort of couch you’d want to lounge on for hours with a book or binge-watch Netflix. Still, it was charming in its own nostalgic, kampung-house way.
As you walk further in, just behind the partition is the bedroom with a large four-poster bed, complete with sheer white drapes hanging gently from the frame. It added a romantic, almost colonial-era charm to the space, which would be perfect for a honeymoon. The bed itself was spacious and firm, with crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows.
There was also a wardrobe with bathrobes, slippers, an iron, and tea / coffee-making facilities provided — little touches that made the stay feel just that bit more luxurious.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the bathroom came with a bathtub, as it had been a while since last I had a warm bubble bath.
The toiletries were all provided, so you could actually get away with not bringing any of your own. There was conditioning shampoo, bath gel, soap, dental kits, shower caps, cotton buds, and a sewing kit.
Off to one side of the lounge area was a compact dressing table, complete with a mirror and a small stool, perfect for doing makeup or just organizing your bits and bobs.
And right next to it, which I hadn’t noticed before, was another ensuite bathroom! This one didn’t have a bathtub — only a shower area, toilet, and washbasin, but it was great for a quick wash after a dip in the pool, so you wouldn’t have to walk dripping wet across the bedroom.
Never had I stayed in a room meant for two people that had two bathrooms! But it sure was a thoughtful addition. No more fights over who got to use bathroom first.
Outside on the verandah were two chairs and a small table, if you’d like to have a cuppa while enjoying the views of the gardens or watching your kids play in the pool.
And of course, the highlight of the villa was your very own private plunge pool, literally steps away from your door. It wasn’t huge, but big enough for a soak or a floating lounge session.
There were plenty of shrubs and leafy plants around the villa and the pool, so you’re (partially) concealed from view, giving you that little bit of extra privacy.
Facilities
Though LaVilla offers private tranquillity, you’re also welcome to enjoy the broader facilities at Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating. We didn’t use any of these shared amenities, but just know that they are available to make your stay feel more fun and convenient.
Swimming & play areas
- Two swimming pools: A larger adult pool for relaxing swims, and a children’s pool complete with slides and paddling areas.
- Outdoor jacuzzi: Located near the pool deck for a relaxing soak after a swim.
Games & sports
- Game area: Includes a pool table and table tennis for friendly matches. It’s a great spot to unwind when the weather isn’t cooperative.
- Fitness center: A small gym for stretching or cardio workouts.
- Tennis court, a basketball court, and even a sepak takraw court.
Spa & wellness
- Amoaras Relaxation Spa: Offers a range of treatments, including Balinese-style massages, facials, and pedicures. Ideal for when you’re looking to truly unwind.
- Sauna: Also available within the resort wellness area, perfect for post-pool winding down.
Dining
Even though LaVilla provides room service, you’re free to enjoy all the dining options at the main Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Cherating. Here’s a full rundown of what’s available:
Beach Restaurant
This all-day spot serves Malaysian and Chinese cuisine in an open-air, beachside setting. They offer:
- Buffet breakfast (6:45 AM – 10:30 AM),
- Buffet lunch (12 PM – 2:30 PM),
- Buffet dinner (7 PM – 10:30 PM),
plus a snack menu available from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Mario’s Steak House & Italian Restaurant
For something a bit more upscale, head to this cozy, softly-lit spot offering:
- Over 40 Italian dishes,
- A decent wine list,
- A vibrant terrace bar with happy hour (5 PM – 8 PM),
- Dinner service from 7 PM to 10 PM
Fun Pub & Karaoke Lounge
Located onsite, this lively spot is open from 5 PM till midnight (or 1 AM on Saturdays), offering drinks, karaoke, and a lively evening atmosphere.
The beach
Cherating Beach isn’t the most stunning beach in Malaysia. If you’re expecting turquoise water and powdery white sand like the Perhentians or Redang, you might be a little underwhelmed.
The sand here is more golden-brown, and the sea tends to be a little murky, especially during the monsoon season when the waves are rough and the currents stir up the seabed.
During our stay in December, the beach took on a moody, dramatic character. The skies were overcast, the waves loud and restless, and the wind strong enough to whip your hair into knots.
It wasn’t exactly sunbathing weather, but it was oddly soothing to watch, and we were lucky it actually didn’t rain at all.
There were hardly any people around, which gave it an almost cinematic feel. Just us, the wind, and the roaring South China Sea.
One thing that caught our attention during our beach walk was the abundance of sea foam. It was everywhere, lining the shore in rather unsightly bubbly patches.
Sea foam forms when organic matter in the water, like plankton, algae, or dead plant material gets agitated by strong waves. The proteins and lipids act like a natural soap, trapping air and creating foam. It’s not dangerous and pretty common during stormy seas or after heavy rain. Still, it looks a little odd if you’re not used to it. It was our first time seeing anything like that.
So no, Cherating Beach isn’t postcard-perfect, but it has its charm. And during the right season (March to October), the beach transforms into a much friendlier place, ideal for swimming, surfing, and sun.
The resort provides plenty of sun loungers facing the beach, so even if you’re not planning to swim, you can still sit back and enjoy the sea breeze with a book or a drink. On clearer days, I imagine it’d be a lovely spot to catch the sunrise, or just zone out to the sound of waves.
Final thoughts
Even though I went during the “wrong” season, I honestly enjoyed my stay at LaVilla. The moody weather added to the atmosphere in its own way. It was a relaxing, slow-paced trip — a chance to unwind, enjoy the villa’s amenities, and just… do nothing for a while. And isn’t that the point of a getaway?
Would I go again? Yes, but maybe during the dry season next time (March to October) to really take advantage of the beach.
If you’re planning a romantic trip, a honeymoon, or just want to treat yourself, LaVilla by Holiday Villa Cherating is a solid choice, especially if you catch a promo. Or, you know, win a writing competition.
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