Mutiara Beach Resort Penang heralds a new standard for Asian resort hotels.

A landscaped driveway leads gradually up to the granite-rendered porte cochere. Here, royal blue flooring sets the pearly white resort in harmony with the emerald green garden, turquoise blue sea and baby blue sky beyond.

Inside, gleaming marble floors reflect the sparkles of magnificent chandeliers styled in the likeness of wau bulan, or Malaysian moon kites. Softly-textured walIs extend the feeling of spaciousness. Plush carpets, local kain songket fabrics and capic shells add to the lustre of the lobby.