The Datai Langkawi
Langkawi, Malaysia
At a Glance
Encompassed by 10-million year old rainforest, the Datai feels like an exclusive hideaway floating amid the canopy, on the edge of one of south east Asia’s most breath-taking beaches.
Datai Bay’s idyllic white sand beach is awarded by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches worldwide.
Look out for dusky langurs, tokay geckos and sunda colugos on your walk to breakfast amidst the ancient rainforests wealth of flora and fauna.
The hotel itself fits harmoniously within its setting, with plenty of natural materials and open walkways.
The spa is no exception in the Datai's harmonious existence within nature; the well-being philosophy embraces the age-old traditions in Malay culture of healing found in the rainforest.
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Langkawi has a coastal tropical climate year round, with temperatures ranging from 23°C in the early parts of the year to 34°C towards the end of the year. The wet monsoon season is from April to October making the best time to visit from November to March. The rain starts falling the whole month of June. If you are wary of crowd the try to avoid the Malaysian school holidays as the island becomes very busy during these periods.
Insider's View
As the sun sinks low over Datai Bay, indulge in some amazing cocktails looking over the swimming pool.
Set on the most stunning stretch of beach, I would often walk the length of the bay during my stay. It is absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear waters and I definitely felt like I walked off all the delicious food I indulged in!
Take the Naga Pelangi, a traditional wooden 97 foot Malaysian junk schooner out to sea for sunset.
Upgrade to a Beach Villa for an extra special experience.
A stay at The Datai is much more than just a beach break with its beautiful setting amongst the rainforest, make sure you enjoy a guided rainforest walk in the morning and early evening.
Enjoying a delicious meal at Gulai House is a must, the fusion of authentic Malay with a dash of Indian cuisine creates phenomenal dishes and combined with the jungle rhythm around you it really creates the ultimate dining experience.
To start planning your holiday to The Datai Langkawi
Description
With a stunning rainforest backdrop, this luxury, well established hotel is consistently one of our favourites. With its excellent service, unique rooms, exceptional restaurants and superior facilities, The Datai Langkawi is the perfect beach retreat.
The island of Langkawi is located where the Straits of Malacca meet the Indian Ocean and the hotel is set in a private and calm bay, shared only by The Andaman. The Datai is one of the most luxurious resorts in Malaysia and provides an idyllic natural retreat tucked away within the depths of the rainforest on the north western tip of the island.
Set above a secluded white sandy beach, The Datai rooms, villas and suites are all decorated using natural timbers and premium furnishings. The rooms retain an authentic feel due to the largely wooden interiors whilst simultaneously ooze the sophistication often reserved for modern city hotels. Rooms range from spacious Deluxe Canopy Rooms with balconies overlooking the rainforest to elegantly designed glass fronted villas with private decking areas in addition to a 10-metre pool - the ideal choice for families or friends travelling together.
The Datai's restaurants are all in beautiful locations dotted around the resort and serve a delectable range of cuisines to suit one and all. The Gulai House, the hotels main restaurant is in the depths of the rainforest and serves authentic Malaysian cuisine whilst The Pavilion is an al-fresco restaurant perched on stilts above the rainforest canopy and serves exquisite Thai cuisine. Guests can enjoy delicious cocktails and freshly grilled seafood from The Beach Club or alternatively for special occasions private candlelit dinners can be arranged on the beach.
The Spa is beautifully integrated into the forest, overlooking a stream and is spectacular in its setting, design and range of indulgences. Signature treatments include a warm stone massage and Rainforest Harmony and all are designed to relax, rejuvenate and revitalise both the body and mind. A fully equipped gym and health club offering yoga, pilates and personal training is also available.
The Datai also has a local pristinely kept 18 hole golf course with inspiring sea views and there is a fleet of boats for island hopping, fishing and sailing. The three swimming pools, watersports facilities and mountain bikes should be enough to keep those who can tear themselves away from the idyllic beach busy whilst daily nature experiences can be arranged.
Accommodation
Located in the main building, the Canopy Collection rooms and suites feature a combined bedroom and seating area and have a balcony, with views across the rainforest to the Andaman Sea beyond.
Villas are much larger with enhanced facilities such as DVD player, Bose sound system and Lavazza coffee machine. Lofty thatched roofs and polished wood enhance the enormous bedrooms, with equally expansive bathrooms attached. These private villas are dotted throughout the rainforest providing a truly immersive experience.
The enormous and beautifully designed Beach Villas boast huge gardens, oversized private pools and a private butler service.
| Canopy Deluxe | Each of the 44 Canopy Deluxe rooms are 63 square metres in size, and the combined bedroom and living room, contain either a king-size bed or a twin bed, private bar with coffee and tea-making facilities, writing desk, LCD flat screen television, a daybed and an out-door balcony with a view of the rainforest. The spacious bathroom and dressing room feature twin vanities, shower cabin, toilet, bathtub and ample luggage space. |
| Canopy Premium | The 11 Canopy Suites are located in the corner of the main building with spacious verandas overlooking the rainforest. They feature a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed, an expansive living and dining area, en-suite bathroom with twin vanities with its own wardrobe, a shower and a bathtub, and a private bar with coffee and tea-making facilities, a writing desk, LCD flat screen TV, a Bose sound system, Ipod , and an oversized daybed |
| Rainforest Villa | The 32 Rainforest Villas located in the heart of the tropical rainforest are set on stilts along the rainforest stream and are connected to public facilities by a series of pathways. These elegantly designed villas, each 123 square metres in size, incorporate either a king-size bed or a twin bed, an oversized daybed, dining table for two, LCD flat screen television, Bose CD sound system, iPod and private bar with coffee and tea-making facilities. An equally spacious bathroom includes an 8” rain shower, bathtub and twin terrazzo vanities with its own wardrobe. |
| One Bedroom Beach Villa | The One Bedroom Beach Villas, are located directly on the award winning beach of The Datai Bay surrounded by ancient rainforest. The Beach Villas are fringed by pristine beaches, fully enclosed and a lush outdoor garden. The generous floor size of each of the 13 one-bedroom villas at 350-square metres appeals to guests seeking private accommodation while maintaining closeness among loved ones. All beach villas offer a spacious and separate living room area featuring raked timber high ceilings, a relaxing and softly furnished open plan living/dining area opening to the 10-metre private pool and sun deck and lounge area that flows to a private grassy lawn directly to the beach and sea. All villas comes with a dining table for four, LCD flat screen television, Yamaha sound system, iPod docking station and private bar with tea and coffee-making facilities. An equally spacious bathroom includes a rain shower a designer stand-alone bathtub, en suite with double vanities. Guests can enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages (except imported mineral water) from the once daily replenished mini-bar. |
| Rainforest Pool Villa | The 8 Rainforest Pool Villas, located in the heart of the tropical rainforest are set on stilts along the rainforest stream and are connected to public facilities by a series of pathways. These elegantly designed villas, each 175 square metres in size feature a king-size bed, an oversized daybed, dining table for two, LCD flat screen television, Bose CD sound system, iPod and private bar with coffee and tea-making facilities, a shielded patio and a private pool. An equally spacious bathroom includes an 8” rain shower, bathtub and twin terrazzo vanities with its own wardrobe. |
| Canopy Suite | Each of the 10 Canopy Premium rooms are 62.5 square metres in size boasting delightful views of the rainforest, the swimming pool or the Andaman Sea. The Premium rooms are popular for those wanting to engage with nature from their own balcony, be it the cute and playful Dusky leaf monkey, the squirrels and colorful frogs. Examine the flora, fauna or the sea with binoculars! Premium rooms contain either a king-size bed or a twin bed, private bar with tea-coffee making facilities, writing desk, LCD flat screen television, a daybed and an out-door balcony. An ipod docking station is available for your choice of music entertainment. A spacious bathroom and dressing room features twin vanities, shower vestibule cabin, toilet, bathtub and ample luggage space. |
| The Datai Suite | The hotels only Datai Suite has fantastic panoramic views of the verdant jungle and sparkling sea beyond which you can enjoy from the balcony which extends the length of the suite. With fully equipped kitchen, dining area with dining table for up to 6 people truly make yourself at home. The bathroom has twin vanities and there is a walk in wardrobe with extra space for those with a little more luggage. With a king bedroom and 2 twin beds and total living space of over 200 msq this suite is perfect for families or groups. |
| Two Bedroom Beach Villa | For those looking for ultimate luxury and style this villa is situated right on the sparkling waters of the Andaman sea. For those look for the ultimate luxury escape this villa epitomises style; with full butler service, a 15 metre pool, indoor and outdoor natural rain showers, as well as the normal amenities. |
Childcare
The unique jungle surroundings of the Datai are good for children with activities designed around them. The End Suite works really well for families as up to two children can sleep comfortable in the adjacent living room. Please note that children are not allowed in the adult pool at the top of the resort or in the Lobby Lounge after 8pm.
Services
Transfers around the island are available at a cost as well as babysitting if it has been pre-booked.
Facilities
The hotel's four restaurants and bars offer a great range of cuisine. The Gulai House is an experience in itself, an open-air restaurant set in the forest serving Malaysia and Indian curries. The Dining Room is the main restaurant and it is here where you will enjoy your delicious breakfast buffet which has an array of different cuisines. Down on the beach you have the Beach Club which is great for freshly grilled seafood lunches and cocktails and there is The Pavilion which is a lovely spot for some Thai cuisine in the evening. In villa dining is also available as is private dining around the resort. There are three swimming pools including an adults only pool, a watersports centre for non-motorised watersports, fitness centre with personal trainers, library and the indulgent Spa. There is also an award-winning 18 hole championship golf course for budding golfers.
Activities
The Datai operates fantastic cooking group classes showcasing local ingredients and cooking methods as well as private options. Informative guided nature walks, private yacht charter, watersports, golf and mountain biking are also on offer. Also nearby is the Langkawi Cable Car which provides extensive panoramic views of the island.
Floorplans
Deluxe Room - The Datai
Superior Villa - The Datai
Pool Villa - The Datai
Corner Suite - The Datai
End Suite - The Datai
Pool Suite Bedroom - The Datai
Pool Suite Lounge - The Datai
Datai Suite - The Datai
Reviews
Amy Ropner (Staff)
The Datai is nestled in the most amazing location where the verdant rainforest kisses the Andaman sea; created so that it effortlessly seems at one with the nature around it.
A real highlight of the stay for me was the experiences on offer which were tailored to highlight the Datai, its location and its heritage. We enjoyed a fantastic cooking course in The Pavilion which floats above the rainforest, learning how to cook local yet simple dishes that can be enjoyed back at home when you want to bring the holiday back to life. Another experience not to be missed is the jungle tour where Ishad brings to life the jungle rhythm.
Clare Barratt (Staff)
The Datai is a lovely place to stay at in Langkawi and it is so much more than just a beach resort! There are nature walks conducted daily morning and night time! You can go into the jungle and trek to a gorgeous creek where you can spend the afternoon swimming and taking in the beautiful natural surroundings. The resident Naturalist, Ishad, is so knowledgeable and will enlighten you of the wonders that surround you. He will also take special care to make it fun for children too if they join. However, we must not forget that the beach too is spectacular. It is award winning which is no surprise as the sand is lovely and fine and the waters clear and with lots of sunbeds dotted along the beach it is an idyllic way to pass some time. The sunbeds arent close to each other either and you can always ask the attentive beach attendants to take a couple of chairs to a spot you fancy. I stayed in a Superior Villa which was wonderful, so spacious and located amongst the jungle like scenery. If you are looking to treat yourself stay in a Beach Villa, these were only built a couple of years ago and certainly have the wow factor with a large pool, separate living rooms and a huge master bedroom and bathroom and lots of outdoor space and you will also have a butler.
Katie Kennard (Staff)
Having heard so much about the Datai, I was just dying to see it for myself. It lived up to all expectations. Their beach which they share very amicably with The Andaman is stunning and endless. They pride themselves on their cuisine, having five restaurants, my favourite being The Gulan House serving Malay and Indian food. Is has a special spark about it and the food was so delicately prepared. The villas in the jungle are hugely spacious and if you opt for one of their Deluxe Rooms, make sure its one on the top floor as these offer the best views. Dont forget to try out their Golf Course, its also lovely for an evening walk for the non-golfers out there.
Olivia Smith (Staff)
The Datai is a wonderfully well-established resort on the island of Langkawi, set back from the beach on side of jungle-clad hill which leads down to the water. It is right in the middle of the rainforest which gives the most amazing atmosphere, being surrounded by native flora and fauna. As soon as you get there, you feel like you are right in the middle of the jungle with all the tropical wildlife noises around you and are then hit by the stunning views of Datai Bay. From the main reception area, you can either get a golf buggy down to the beach or walk down quite steep steps through beautiful rainforest. There are about 180 steps, which are fine on way down but a bit harder on the way back up! The property boasts the most amazing service, which is one of the things that make you really notice that this hotel stands above the rest and there are plenty of guests who go back year after year. The beach is diving, food exceptional and service flawless - making The Datai one of our favourites here at Scott Dunn.
Holiday Ideas
-
Epic Malaysia and Borneo
Gaya Island, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi
from £4100 pp inc flights & transfers for 13 nights
- A great adventure perfect for those wanting to combine fascinating wildlife with beautiful beaches
- Discover the diverse city of Kuala Lumpur from the mighty Petronas Towers to the local Batu Caves
- Langkawi offers the perfect respite at the end of your holiday. Relax on the white sand beaches or discover the underwater world in the calm waters
-
Malaysia Honeymoon
Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi
from £2800 pp inc flights & transfers for 8 nights
- Jump right into Malaysia’s vibrant capital city, dining at some of its critically acclaimed restaurants and sip cocktails at its dizzyingly high rooftop bars!
- Tantalise your taste buds with a guided foodie tour through colourful markets heaving with unusual produce and a heavy scent of sizzling smells
- Experience a real island paradise complete with stunning palm-fringed beaches, photogenic turquoise waters and unforgettable technicolour sunsets
Location & directions
Langkawi, Malaysia
Situated on the north western tip of Langkawi Island, The Datai is nestled inside an ancient tropical rainforest, 45 minutes from the main town, Kuah. The 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago lie some 20 miles off the northwest coast of Malaysia, in the Andaman Sea.
How to get there
Flying time to Langkawi is 55-minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, 30-minutes from Penang Airport, and approximately 90-minutes from Singapore Changi International Airport. Langkawi International Airport is located 40-minutes away by car from The Datai.
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