The Beach at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

"The only property that rivals Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort is its sister property, the newer Rasa Ria which is about an hour from the airport but does have a long, sweeping deserted beach"

"Location isn't the only plus here: This family-friendly property features a private swath of white-sand beach, an enormous infinity pool complete with water park, and an eight-pavilion spa on its own private island"