Discover a romantic boutique hotel on an island where time stops

Gem Island Resort & Spa is 20 minutes away by speedboat from the East coast of Malaysia and is situated on a private island. The island is surrounded on all sides by water with beautiful coral reef gardens and thousands of small multi-coloured fish that brush your feet as you swim in the sea!

Crystal clear water, 3 private beaches with fine white sand and the ever-present nature on the island make this intimate boutique hotel a true gem, a sentiment reflected in the name of the isle itself: "Gem Island"!

One hotel, one island

Gem Island Resort & Spa, with only 44 villas, is a romantic eco-minded boutique hotel with undeniable charm.

The decoration is tastefully inspired by local artwork and is crafted primarily with local resources such as wood or batik. The villas are spread out along the island's shore and have charming rooms with dark wooden floors and furniture, beds with white suspended mosquito nets, and a lounge area to enjoy a tea or coffee. The bathrooms are equipped with showers and decorated with natural stones in which you can find small fossil remains.

Each villa has a balcony facing the sea... Observe nature and let yourself be rocked into relaxation by the sweet breeze and atmosphere in hanging wicker chairs!

The Water Villas and Premier Villas (on stilts) offer unobstructed views of the sea and neighbouring island Kapas (500m away) where you may observe birds or, if you are lucky, small monkeys as well.

The Hideaway Suites have 2 views: on one side is the picturesque view of Kapas Island, and on the other, the coral gardens and beauty of the open ocean for as far as the eye can see.

The Tempting Experience: Helping save the turtles

Gem Island also houses a turtle hatchery to protect and grow baby turtles from harsh outside conditions. When the small turtles are ready, they are put back in the sea.

Help collect turtle eggs freshly laid in the sand of the beach or if you stay up late at night and the sea is calm, help release the small turtles old enough to face the dangers of adult turtle life on the beach and see them swim away into the sea. If all goes well, the turtles, having swum thousands of kilometers, will come and lay their eggs in this exact same location in 30 years!

Activities on-site: Spa services, scuba diving, beaches, and nature walks

Lazing on the beach can become a real hobby at Gem Island!

But should you be tempted to discover more, explore the beautiful coral gardens with the help of snorkeling masks and fins, or take a kayak and paddle over to visit the neighbouring Kapas Island.

The hotel also offers guided visits of the tropical rainforest and jungle and can help organise tours and transfers to and from the mainland.

Scuba diving excursions are organised to take you to special spots to further discover the impressive and beautiful marine life.

Last but not least, the Tusita Wellness Spa is located on the top of a rock ledge and allows you to enjoy open-air spa treatments with an amazing view and the relaxing sounds of the Chinese Sea lapping at the sand. Choose a Jacuzzi al fresco or enjoy a massage and spa treatment, of which choices are plentiful: oil and herb therapy, traditional Thai or Malaysian massages, energising massages, Swedish relaxing massages,or detoxification treatments.

Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is the closest coastal city (40 mins away by speedboat and car) and a full day should be set aside to visit its colourful local Malaysian market, the authentic China Town area, and the national museum.

Take a full morning to discover the mangrove by boat and visit the fisherman village of Dugun, with its traditional shipyard that still manufactures high-end luxury yachts by hand and without a single iron nail!

Guest comments

A magical stay in a small, very charming hotel ! Extra kudos goes to the chef who mixes everyday fresh ingredients to produce fantastic seafood dishes. It was like a second honeymoon! - O. van Grembergen (Paris)

Paradise on an island! We had the remarkable chance to collect baby turtles from the sand as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. Our honeymoon was perfect, just as we had imagined it! The turquoise water was an unbelievable 32°C! I truly recommend this island to fully revitalize yourself.