The Datai Langkawi

About

Set within a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the northwestern tip of Langkawi, The Datai is a landmark resort celebrated for its harmony with nature and its thoughtful design by architect Kerry Hill and interior designer Didier Lefort. Originally opened in 1993 and meticulously restored in 2017–18, the property is built to sit gently within its surroundings, using natural materials and elevated structures that preserve the ancient forest. The atmosphere is serene and deeply immersive: villas are tucked among towering trees or positioned along the white-sand bay, wildlife roams freely, and every detail, from architecture to service, reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury and environmental stewardship.

Rooms

The Datai Langkawi offers 121 accommodation options across three collections: Canopy, Rainforest, and Beach. The Canopy Collection, housed in the main building, includes Deluxe, Premium, and Suite rooms ranging from 63 sqm to over 100 sqm, with balconies overlooking the rainforest or Andaman Sea. The Rainforest Collection features luxury villas raised on stilts among the trees: standard Rainforest Villas (123 sqm), Pool Villas with private decks and pools, and the grand Datai Estate Villa, which spans 3,500 sqm with five bedrooms. The Beach Collection includes one- and two-bedroom villas with direct beach access, offering a private, serene seafront retreat.  

Dining

Dining at The Datai Langkawi reflects its lush setting and multicultural spirit. The Gulai House, tucked deep in the rainforest, serves traditional Malay cuisine in a kampung-style house. The Pavilion, perched 30 metres above the forest floor on stilts, offers open-air Thai cuisine with views across the canopy.   The Dining Room, located near the main pool, provides a buffet breakfast and transforms at night into a fine-dining venue with a curated menu and wine cellar.   For a more relaxed vibe, The Beach Club and Beach Bar serve fresh seafood, grilled fare, and cocktails overlooking the Andaman Sea, while The Lobby Lounge offers all-day snacks, coffees, and evening drinks.  

Activities

Wellness at The Datai is deeply tied to nature. The Spa features treatment villas tucked along a forest stream, offering Ramuan-based therapies using indigenous herbs, VOYA facials, and signature treatments from the resort’s own Akar skincare line.   The holistic wellness programme includes forest bathing, yoga, Pilates, and a “Pulih” fitness journey combining spa rituals with personalised exercise.   The Nature Centre, designed as a bamboo longhouse, hosts naturalists and marine biologists, ecological talks, and guided walks along forest trails and through mangrove, beach, and canopy habitats.

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