A luxury island resort in the midst of the South China Sea that can only be reached by boat
Fringed by a golden beach and backed by lush rainforest, Gaya Island Resort is a welcoming and romantic retreat set on an exotic island in the midst of the South China Sea. Surrounded by a wealth of coral reefs for diving, indigenous flora and fauna for guided nature walks, and with an award-winning spa in a unique mangrove setting, four restaurants, and a lounge bar overlooking the pool, it has a real back-to-nature appeal.
With its exotic island ambiance, Gaya Island Resort is a magical blend of stylish comfort and natural beauty – totally conducive to utter relaxation. Nestled within the rainforest are 121 Hill Villas with a variety of views including mangrove, canopy, tropical rainforest and Mount Kinabalu in the distance.
Settle into one of the spa’s six treatment rooms for a sleep inducing massage after a guided meditation session. Go diving and discover the tropical marine life in the coral reefs, learn about Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre’s turtle and conservation efforts and dine at Fishermans Cove for the freshest seafood dishes on the rooftop under a starry sky.
Spacious air-conditioned villas feature a private verandah with large daybeds and a separate living room whilst ensuite bathrooms have an oversized bathtub.
Accommodation
Bayu Villa
Situated on a gently sloping hillside amidst lush rainforest, these inviting villas offer a peaceful setting with leafy views ranging from the rainforest canopy to the tropical mangroves. The Bayu Villas feature King-size beds and are walking distance from the resort’s pristine sandy beach. Connecting rooms are available for families. Average room size: 47 square metres.
Canopy Villa
Featuring a King-size bed or twin beds, Canopy Villas sit in a peaceful setting on the hillside, nestled within lush rainforest and tropical mangroves. These villas offer a beautiful outlook and are walking distance from the resort’s pristine sandy beach, with a selection of rooms that are located closer to the resort’s main facilities. Average room size: 47 square metres.
Kinabalu Villa
With views stretching across the South China Sea, and where the silhouette of Mount Kinabalu can be seen on a clear day, these Kinabalu Villas provide the best views in the resort. Connecting rooms are available for families. Average room size: 47 square metres.
Suira Suite
The Suira Suite is one-of-a-kind haven, perched on the hillside with two levels and offering uninterrupted views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu from a large outdoor verandah with daybeds. This luxurious two-bedroom suite features relaxing lounge and dining areas on the ground-floor, and a pantry which leads onto an outdoor deck. The spacious bedrooms on the first floor both come with en-suites and a decadent outdoor bath on the balcony provides breathtaking views. Average suite size: 188 square metres.
Facilities & Activities
A Celebration of Flavours and Aromas
The regional cuisine and exquisite fresh seafood prepared by the skilled chefs is a play on the senses, setting the stage for guests to recount the day’s adventures with family and friends, new and old. Be it dining at leisure on your personal verandah space in-villa or a picnic at your chosen nook or the simple pleasure of gathering around a crackling barbecue pit on the beach at dusk, these experiences form another facet of treasured memories to take home. Three restaurants sit within the resort, as well as a pool bar and lounge.
At Feast Village, savour a vibrant, interactive dining experience that offers diverse cuisine from the Asia-Pacific region. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the dynamic open kitchens showcase a bakery, Japanese/Korean, Asian and Western selections. The location by the lap pool offers stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding beach.
Situated on the rooftop with a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu, Fisherman’s Cove features a unique symphony of seafood themed dishes crafted by Chef Wai, the pioneer of this locally and internationally acclaimed restaurant, which focuses on sustainable fishing practices and the freshest ingredients. The seaside restaurant welcomes children aged 12 years and above for the comfort of all our guests. Dress code for adults is resort smart casual.
Surrounded by an ancient rainforest, the two-storey Omakase Japanese restaurant is perched on a hillside with a stunning view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. Three Japanese omakase-style dining experiences are available under one roof ranging from teppanyaki, shabu-shabu and nabe. These heart-warming dinners will delight guests of all ages.
Overlooking the resort’s tranquil infinity pool and floating cabanas, the Pool Bar & Lounge with its al fresco location and natural light is the perfect place to relax after a swim or relish a casual lunch. In the evenings, enjoy sundowners and light refreshments as the sun sets over Mount Kinabalu.
At Tavajun Bay, a short 5-minute boat ride from the resort, awaits a tranquil private beach is perfect for relaxing under the tropical sun, lulled by a gentle sea breeze. Infused by local and international influences, lunch is a single dish meal made over charcoal embers which changes daily. Alternatively, simply pre-order a personalised gourmet picnic basket.
Spa Village
Spa Village isn’t just a place, it’s a philosophy. Here, the first breath of inspiration is drawn from the stunning scenery. Paradise itself provides the essential ingredients for all the treatments, and healing lore as old as the land is imparted into every encounter. Promising an experience that honours the healing traditions of the region, each Spa Village delivers an individual and authentic encounter combining the therapeutic properties of natural local ingredients and the healing practices of the area. Coupling these age-old practices together with modern approaches to health and well-being results in a tailored one-of-a-kind experience, delivering award-winning results to guests. Each Spa Village offers a consistently unique and uplifting opportunity for rejuvenation.
Set amidst lush mangroves, Spa Village Gaya Island is a tranquil hideaway surrounded by distinctive island flora and fauna. From the warm clear waters of Gaya and its rich lowland forests to the high altitude blossoms of Mount Kinabalu, our treatments utilise only the finest fresh local ingredients. A rich tapestry of spa programmes reflects the cultural healing traditions of Sabah’s many indigenous people. From the specialised rice scrubs and masques of the Kadazandusun to the age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads, Spa Village Gaya Island is uniquely rooted in ancient tradition while seeking to restore balance to the body and soul.
Activities
- Scuba diving and snorkelling
- Deep sea fishing
- Private dining experiences
Experiences
The Singgah Singgarung Night: gain insights into the Borneo way of life through a Singgah Singgarung prelude experience that showcases native arts, activities and delicacies before your tribal-style beach mangrove barbecue dinner. Melodious Kadazan music sets the mood as you feast on skewered fish grilled campfire-style and fresh produce served with the famous local rice wine, lihing.
Coral Garden Marine Expedition: another wondrous world lies beneath the gentle waves of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Explore the clear waters surrounding the Mamutik and Sapi Islands guided by our Resident Marine Biologist. Drift over lush coral gardens and discover the wealth of marine life amidst an array of hard and soft coral that form intricate and fragile labyrinths across the seabed.
Gaya Snorkelling Exploration: explore the hidden wonders of the marine world guided by our Resident Marine Biologist, and appreciate the need to protect our environment. Discover the beauty and intricate life beneath the sea without the use of fins to avoid damage to our house reefs. Snorkellers are limited daily to ensure that the marine life is not overwhelmed by human presence.
The Bajau Laut Beach Barbecue: inspired by Mat Salleh and his rebellion on Pulau Gaya, this beachfront experience draws from his Bajau Suluk ethnicity. Fresh bounty from land and sea grilled over hot coals served with vegetables and delicacies celebrates the cuisine of these sea-faring tribes. Wander the twinkling night sky through a telescope and pay homage to their nomadic nature.
The Borneo Culinary Journey: explore the depths of Sabahan cuisine with a cooking class hosted by the resort’s skilled chef. Experience an introduction to local ingredients and fresh produce followed by an interactive cooking session to provide insights into authentic recipes handed down over generations from various ethnic groups. The journey culminates with a communal-style tasting.
Map and travel information
Flight information
Fly directly from the UK to Kuala Lumpur and then on to Kota Kinabalu.
Transfer to Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort is on Pulau Gaya, within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park off the coast of Borneo. It is a 10 minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Jesselton Point is a 20 minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Email us
Visit
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH