Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Borneo Hotel

Borneo

Shangri-La takes on a literal meaning at the Rasa Ria Reserve, a tropical paradise and gateway to Borneo’s rainforests. Sure, the 3km private beach is a lure, as are the first-rate resort facilities, but what really sets it apart is the rainforest reserve at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, replete with hiking routes, canopy walkway and the opportunity to spot the enormous, alien-like rafflesia flower and native sambar deer. If all this adventure works up an appetite, there’s an array of cuisines on offer throughout the resort’s six restaurants – although it’s the local Malay dishes that stand out: Tuaran egg noodles, lobster curry laksa and nasi lemak – fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. Even the decor channels the lush Bornean backdrop, with natural wood finishes, nods to the local Sabah heritage and magical views across the tropical gardens immersing guests in all the wonder of the rainforest. Doubles from £150. 00 60 88 797888, shangri-la.com

Words by Rachel Walker