Words by Yasemen Kaner-White
This luxury hotel prides itself as much on its resplendent rainforest location, as it does on the part it plays with the Datai Pledge in protecting it and the wider environment. Expect a serene spa sitting alongside a winding river, creative cuisine from traditional Malay to Thai to western classics and an incredibly varied list of activities to partake in, from hornbill spotting with a resident expert, rainforest and natural spring bathing, dolphin watching, to making your own sustainable, upcycled mementos to take home. There’s every reason why this rainforest hotel is so renowned.
Hotel
The property is sprawling, with the villas weaved between imposing rainforest trees, the natural wood of the buildings seamlessly blending with their surroundings, and staff are always on hand to collect you in golf buggies, making it easy to get around. There are three pools to choose from, including the adult-only pool in the main building, which boasts a birds-eye view over the rainforest canopy.
The beach lays in front of the hotel, and just beyond is one of the pools, the recently renovated family pool and the bar, so swimming between the two is a breeze. Alternatively, you could order a fresh coconut and park yourself on a sun lounger, while watching the waves in peace.
The colourful Lab, made from 8,000 recycled bottles is where sustainable workshops are held, as well as showcasing the crafts of local artists. The edible garden is fun to walk around, identifying the herbs and other fresh ingredients which go into the delicious food, perhaps inspiring you to grow your garden’s contents, too.
The nature centre, near to the beach, is a portal of information for what activities are on, but is also a relaxing space to recline, read a book and look at the commissioned lifelike drawings inspired by the local habitat, from bats to birds. You can borrow a canoe from the hotel to self-explore or take a guide and manoeuvre through the majestic nearby mangroves.
Room
I stayed in the premium rainforest villa, from the rainforest collection, a luxurious residence raised on stilts with a balcony where it was wonderful to have a coffee in the morning, in total privacy, soaking up the sights and sounds of the surrounding ancient rainforest.
The interior is warm and inviting, natural chocolate coloured wood, from the flooring to the furniture and shutters, paired with crisp white walls and cream upholstered comfortable seating, beckoning you to grab one of the many books such as ‘Health and beauty from the rainforest’ to read.
The rather roomy white, black and wood bathroom, boosts a generous sized bath with bath salts at the ready for a long soak. Other accommodation includes the canopy collection which are ultra comfortable too and ideal for those who want to be within close proximity to the main pool and lobby lounge. Then there is the beach collection with direct access to a garden as well as the beach, and a butler can be booked too.
Food and drink
My first meal was at the Beach Club, and the special that day happened to be a delectable gigantic local wild prawn curry with jasmine rice, which set the standard high. The in-season fresh fish selection is wide and can be grilled with a choice of sauces with a side salad if you are after something light, though you may be tempted by the homemade ice creams. I can still remember the deliciousness of the coconut sorbet and lychee-rose water sorbet which cooled me down on a sunny day.
For a special evening, book a table at The Dining Room for a nine-course tasting menu where the talented chef Chai serves delicious dishes inspired by chefs he admires, such as a tasty tribute royale organic egg with truffle, jungle garlic and caviar, inspired by chef Michel Roux. The wine selection is commendable, too.
You can see southern Thailand from Langkawi, so Thai influence is expected. For true Thai tasting food in a fun atmosphere, head to their Pavilion restaurant, where I had my favourite pudding this year; a pandan crème caramel with a scoop of creamy coconut ice cream.
For mouth-watering Malaysian cuisine, head to The Gulai House restaurant, headed by chef Jais, whereby there is a buffet of authentic local dishes to devour as well as incredible Malay desserts, which they do so well. You can book a cooking class and eat the fruits of your labour, as well as take your new found skills home with you. In the nature centre you will find Malay herbal teas on offer including rainforest delight; an immunity boosting medley of mint, goji berry and pandan.
Spa
You cannot miss out on a traditional Malay treatment in the hotel’s spa. I went for the Tungku massage, ‘Tungku Batu’ whereby a river stone, lemongrass, galangal, pepper, cloves, cinnamon and ginger and other healing herbal ingredients used by Malay healers to reduce pain and increase circulation, wrapped in a cotton pouch is massaged onto pressure points. The treatment takes place in a private space which is open to the rainforest and a small stream, the water lapping acting as a lullaby, further enhancing the magic of the massage.
There is an extensive menu and even a seven-hour Malay Wellness Journey, Mandi Embun, emulating local wellness philosophies from mindful forest bathing, bathing in the crystal-clear natural stream, to a traditional massage in the serene spa.
To do
There is a host of excursions which take the environment into consideration, as The Datai is undoubtedly a leader in sustainable tourism. Take your pick from hornbill watching with an expert, by starting your day off at sunrise to the Gunung Raya where you’ll try and spot the islands three ethereal hornbill species, the Oriental-Pied, Wreathed and Great Hornbill. Another early bird activity is to join in a rainforest awakening, admiring the flora and fauna with a guide, and for a longer adventure try the journey through the forest, which is an informative walk, where you’ll identify herbs used in Malay medicine. The canopy walk is a must for epic views.
Walk along the beach with a Marine Biologist to boost your knowledge of the surrounding nature, or join the butterfly walk; though it would be a lucky day to spot all 530 species that live on the island. You can don a beekeeper’s outfit and get up close and personal with the pretty impressive busy bees for a unique glance into daily bee life and taste the honey straight from the hive at the end. It’s very memorable and children will especially love the upcycling workshop, where you make candles, beeswax covers and sweet-smelling soaps using sustainable ingredients. Though I’m not a child anymore, the workshop was a highlight!
In a nutshell
From the clown-faced adorable dusky langurs dotted around the property adding humour and colour, to the relaxing aura of the ancient rainforest, staying in The Datai is to truly be at one with nature and sustainably too, Their unique Datai Pledge through their various programmes and activities ensures the conservation of Langkawi’s fragile ecosystems.
Perfect for couples, families and solo travellers, it’s impossible to feel uninspired at The Datai with such a wealth of interactive activities in the beautiful natural surrounds as well as the variety of choice of delicious cuisine. There’s definitely never a dull moment at The Datai.
Factbox
A stay at The Datai Langkawi starts from £450 per room per night, bed and breakfast.
Address: The Datai Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4 9500 500
Website: thedatai.com
