www.casadelmar-langkawi.com

SURVIVOR (Langkawi)
The idea of being left on an isolated island to fend for yourself armed only with a Bedoin tent floored with Persian rugs, stocked with smoked salmon, Moet & Chandon and a few of life's other bare necessities may alarm some. Several of our hardier guests have however braved Casa del Mar's Castaway Picnic and have survived the experience. You will have to cope with complete solitude for at least 4 hours unless of course you call us on the phone, we have provided, to throw in the towel early or order more champagne.

Unplugged at the beach.
Does a good holiday include being still connected to the web? Stay in touch with friends… and work! The jury may never reappear on this topic. All we will say is that for those who regret not bringing their notebooks with them help is at hand. In addition to the static internet station, we now provide two laptops for use by guests in the lobby and wine room area. This is covered by our recently installed wireless and broadband so you can choose your favourite spot, order a glass of robust red and you're connected. First 30 minutes each day are complimentary after that a small Net-hog levy applies.

A twist in the tail.
Just trying to straighten out an urban myth and answer this f.a.q. "We in Langkawi do not eat cat's tails!" The absence or reduced stature of feline tails is as a result of a limited gene pool on the island. Some of the island businesses have opted to adopt and sterilize one or two cats to help control the moggy numbers. This is coordinated by LASS(IE) – Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary. Domino and Scrabble are two such examples you may have met during your stay. They have both been neutered and are in good health. Scrabble has less of a tail than Domino who has a small kink in the end of his. They are both fed before mealtimes to avoid loitering at tables and they do patrol the hotel perimeter to keep it "exclusive".

Shore thing
Zan and the boys in housekeeping have come up with the idea of converting our grown up Tonka toy – a 10 year old land rover defender retired from the Langkawi Quarry works – into a mechanized beachcomber. Fashioning railway sleepers and cast iron 10" stakes to create an implement seemingly inspired by a medieval weapon. Towed behind the land rover, the "rake" is surprisingly effective at picking up debris brought in on the high tide and gives the beach a silky combed feel you can now enjoy between your toes.

Truth about Cats and Dogs.
While Langkawi may be paradise for most of us, some of the animals on the islands have been known to come off second best to the traffic and development on the island. The fortunate among the injured and unwanted end up in the hands of those nice volunteers at Lassie (mentioned above). They have been known to stay up all night with a poorly pooch, mugged monkey or injured eagle to save and rehabilitate. With some recently aquired land, they urgently need funds to assist them with building facilities. If you are interested in finding out more about this and either getting involved or sending a donation then please do visit them at www.langkawilassie.com