Avillion Port Dickson review: Why this rustic seaside resort lures us back again
Water chalet, spa facilities, high tea, bar, KTV, pet farm, gym and pool in Malaysia – a mere four hour drive from Singapore. What more can one ask for?
Avillion Port Dickson Review (Malaysia) – On our way home to Singapore after a month-long motorbike trip in Malaysia, we couldn’t resist returning to Avillion Port Dickson. With its overwater chalets, petting farm, sunset-view pools, and spa, this rustic beachside resort easily tops our 14 stays across the country.
Kick back and surrender to the allure of nature. Avillion Port Dickson’s relaxed vibes belie all the modern comforts any traveller can wish for. Whether you prefer cocktails by the pool, buffet spreads, a rejuvenating massage, or a petting farm, this romantic getaway delivers.
The resort offers:
- Two swimming pools, including an adults-only pool framed by palm trees
- Two bars, one by the poolside, another with night views
- Spa and sauna overlooking the Andaman Sea
- Buffets and Afternoon high tea with local and Western fare
- Water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking
- A petting farm with daily “Feed-a-pet” session
- Fully-equipped gym and playground
- Karaoke room and retail shop
Nearby, a mere five minutes drive away, lies the Army Museum Port Dickson. However, with so many things to do, we found no need to step out of the beach getaway for our stay.
Family and couple-friendly facilities at Avillion Port Dickson
This beach resort caters equally well to honeymooners and families. Its Premium Water Chalets, Water chalets, Garden chalets, and Superior rooms match different needs and budgets.
Families with children get to enjoy the playground, family swimming pool, karaoke and its wide range of buffet, high tea and ala carte food options. Honeymooners and couples would adore the ‘Adult Only’ pool, surrounded by tall palm trees, as well as the bars and spa facilities.
Dining at Avillion: From local delights to high tea by the sea
Naturally, all that relaxation works up an appetite. Amongst its Asian and Western options, we picked local delights such as Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ikan Bakar, Udang Kam Heong – hearty, flavourful and absolutely satisfying.
For those with a sweet tooth, Avillion’s Afternoon High Tea is served at the beautiful lounge area featuring floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlooking the splendid Andaman Sea.
The two bars offer a decent range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We had supper with beer at the bar, overlooking the swimming pool.
Avillion spa and petting farm: Relaxation and wholesome fun
The first time we stayed at Avillion, we opted for the spa package and was not disappointed. But what brought back sweet memories was the petting farm in the resort. There is a daily Feed-a-pet session every morning for the peacocks, chickens, birds and tortoises. We had a fun time seeing the peacocks show off their beautiful feathers and a couple of chickens puffing up their chest, strutting around with pride.
A dreamy wedding and photography venue
The romantic resort offers wedding photography packages for those on the look out for photoshoots with idyllic settings. How can you not fall in love with the surroundings? Swaying palm trees, rustic wooden chalets and dark wood furnishings, water chalets with the constant splish-splash of the sea waves, on top of the amazing sunrise and sunset.
For those who did not opt for the water chalets, there are deck chairs available at selected lookout points to view the sunrise and sunset. Kudos to the thought that went into the management’s minds.
There’s even a mini trail you can take and learn about local trees. Amongst the trees, we spotted a little hut named the Author’s Recluse. It is indeed the ideal setting for some quiet and slow time nestled right in the embrace of nature. Why not put those bubbling creativity to good use?
On weekends, musicians serenade hotel guests with traditional music outside under the pavilion. There’s even a shop equipped with beach wear, sunscreen and more for your water activities should you forget to bring any. They even offer hotel guests a free gift with your visit!
Avillion’s facilities and surroundings offer great respite from the hectic city life. But what about the rooms?
Staying in a water chalet: Comfort meets coastal views
We opted for the water chalet, what else?
With its 50 square metres space, it comes with an outdoor shower area with an open roof overseeing the clouds, a bath tub, two hand wash areas, a super King bed, a spacious day bed, as well as a balcony overlooking the Andaman sea.
Of course, the usual toiletries, bedroom slippers, hair dryer, dressing table with mirror, cupboards and a luggage rack are present. There’s more than adequate space for the two of us plus our luggages.
The bed provided a much-needed good night’s rest. It was so comfortable and spacious that I did not notice any movement from my partner, who usually flips and turns regularly throughout the night. From our balcony, we witnessed the sparkling sea under the afternoon sun – an ideal spot for some quiet time, soaking in the sea breeze.
No problems with wild animals
Being in the midst of nature, we had some initial concerns about pesky mosquitoes and monkeys. We were pleased to be unbothered by mosquitoes and monkeys in our room even though we were surrounded by the rainforest and the sea. While monkeys wrecked havoc on the roof of another resort, we experienced only tranquility and a peace of mind here.
To my relief, there were no disturbances from wild animals at this water resort. On the contrary, showering under the open roof was a joy, especially with the lingering aroma of the toiletries.
Minor drawbacks: Room for improvement
However, there were a couple of areas where Avillion could do better. For resorts with swimming pool facilities, I’m always surprised they do not provide bathing robes for guests to use to-and-fro our rooms. This is a common pain point of mine at various accommodations across the world. Fortunately, pool towels were available.
When we first arrived, sweaty and smelly from a motorcycle ride, all we wanted to do was to take a shower and change our clothes. But the bath gel was empty. This was promptly addressed when we got back from our lunch. There were also a few ants at the handwash area upon our arrival. Thankfully, the ants did not linger once we settled in.
Would we return to Avillion Port Dickson again?
There was little to fault, from Avillion’s facilities, service and food. Apart from some housekeeping oversights, everything else we experienced reflected thoughtful planning and attention to details.
Having stayed at 14 other accommodations around Malaysia during the past 29 days in Malaysia, and at other Airbnbs and hotels in Port Dickson, we give Avillion a big thumbs up. Yes, we would definitely opt for Avillion again should we return to Port Dickson.
Ready to indulge? Experience it for yourself and book at Avillion Port Dickson’s official website, Booking.com, or Agoda.com.
READ Where we had the best sleep that we almost missed our hotel breakfast.
READ Our recommendation for the aromatic kaw kaw coffee in Seremban, Malaysia.
