George Town Penang’s “Miami Beach” is one of the few parts of Malaysia’s cross-cultural island and culinary hot-bed where you can actually kick back on the sand.

The new DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang joins a small number of mid- and high-rise hotels that poke above jungle-fringed coves, offering 316 rooms and suites—simple but comfortably furnished in sandy shades, polished woods and Peranakan patterns—that start from B2,171 a night.

Take the free shuttle bus if you want to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and the foodie paradise of Gurney Drive. Head in the opposite direction and you’ll get to Batu Ferringhi’s popular night market.

The hotel itself boasts a spa, fitness center, pool and even a teddy bear-themed museum.

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