Nestled in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, The Datai Langkawi is a captivating destination resort that blends into its natural surroundings. Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, the resort’s lush tropical rainforest embraces each room, suite, and villa, with private verandas and breathtaking views. This serene haven is where you can reconnect with nature and uplift your soul.

The Datai Langkawi offers the perfect escape and allows you to nurture to the fullest the well-being of your mind, body, and spirit. Datai Bay is rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic and, together with the resort’s surrounding jungle, is host to a wealth of wildlife. You may well spot Dusky langurs, Tokay geckos, and Sunda colugos during your stay.

More than 25 years have passed since The Datai Langkawi first welcomed guests. A homage to the work of the visionary architect Kerry Hill, it all started with the discovery of the Datai Bay and a view so breathtaking that he fell instantly in love with the place on his first site visit with fellow designer Didier Lefort.

The magic of Datai Bay is so inspiring that on entering this ancient wilderness, Hill secretly wondered whether moving one single stone would be sacrilegious and realized that the only way to build a resort in this mesmerizing setting was by honoring its natural setting.

His proposal to set the main building on a forest ridge 40 meters above sea level and 300 meters back from the beach was initially met with bewilderment. Surely, a seafront resort with direct Andaman Sea views would attract many more visitors? But Hill stood his ground, determined to preserve the pristine beauty of the coastline and unveil the hidden treasures of the rainforest.

Rather than using heavy machinery, trees were felled by trained elephants, and the wood reused in the construction. Where a clearing had to be made, new trees were planted immediately. The construction materials were chosen to align with Hill’s vision for the architecture, celebrating Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural heritage but, primarily, to give the resort a sense of belonging to the jungle. This approach was truly visionary, at a time when green initiatives and sustainability were not even part of the world’s vocabulary.

The Datai Langkawi was born. Since then the iconic property has featured in myriad lifestyle publications and coffee-table books. It received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, inspiring the work of fellow architects worldwide.

In 2018 the Datai Langkawi embarked on an extensive renovation, the most substantial enhancement project since its opening in 1993. To ensure the resort retains its much-loved ‘Datai DNA’, the management once again appointed Lefort of DL2A, the renowned architect and interior designer (who supported Kerry Hill on the original scheme) to lead this ambitious project. 

The refurbishment included renovations to the resort’s guest rooms, suites, and villas and the construction of a newly dedicated nature center underpinning the resort’s increased focus on sustainability. The resort’s commitment to well-being was also increased by additional spa villas and a health club by the beach. The property’s landscaping was upgraded to enhance the authentic rainforest arrival experience.

The refreshed look and feel of the resort offers guests nature- and culture-based experiences, promoting its Malaysian hospitality roots to the world and reaffirming The Datai Langkawi as Malaysia’s most sought-after luxury destination resort with unrivalled and unique experiences. 

THE CANOPY COLLECTION

Situated in the main buildings, the beautiful Canopy Collection rooms and suites are a delightful way to experience The Datai Langkawi and its stunning views and award-winning architecture. A good choice for guests who like to be near the spectacular Main Pool, The Dining Room, and The Lobby Lounge.

CANOPY DELUXE – The Canopy Deluxe room is 63 square meters in size and is located in the main building. An outdoor balcony looks out onto the rainforest. The room comprises a combined bedroom and living room furnished with a king-size bed or twin beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linen, a writing desk, vanity table, and two daybeds.

The bathroom and dressing room feature a separate shower and lavatory area, bathtub, and a twin-basin vanity with personal grooming kits. Complimentary amenities include a one-time minibar per stay (excluding spirits and snacks), tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, and an IPTV.

CANOPY PREMIUM – The Canopy Premium room is 63 square meters in size and is located on the top floor of the main building. The balcony affords delightful views of the lush surroundings. The room comprises a combined bedroom and living room furnished with a king-size bed or twin beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linen, a writing desk, vanity table, and two daybeds.

The spacious bathroom and dressing room feature twin wardrobes, a separate shower and lavatory area, a bathtub, and a twin-basin vanity with personal grooming kits. A set of binoculars for viewing flora and fauna is a special addition. Complimentary amenities include a one-time minibar per stay (excluding spirits and snacks), tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, and an IPTV.

CANOPY SUITE – The Canopy Suites are sized between 109 to 125 square meters and located in the main building. A spacious veranda looks out onto the rainforest. The suite features a large bedroom with a separate living and dining area and is furnished with a king-size bed or twin beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linen, a large daybed, writing desk, and a vanity table.

The bathroom and dressing room feature twin wardrobes, a separate shower and lavatory area, a bathtub, and a twin-basin vanity with personal grooming kits. Complimentary amenities include a minibar (excluding spirits), tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, and an IPTV.

THE DATAI SUITE – The Datai Suite is 378 square meters in size and is located on the far end of the main building. The suite offers an elevated luxury experience and comes with 24-hour butler service. It offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the Andaman Sea that are best enjoyed on the large outdoor private veranda that fringes the suite. The expansive living and dining area features executive writing desks, a daybed, a dining table seating six, and a butler pantry. The suite compromises two luxurious bedrooms with a king-size bed and twin beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linen. The living room also includes a large daybed which can accommodate one adult or two children under 12.

There are two spacious en suite bathrooms, a dressing area, and a guest bathroom. The room rate is inclusive of complimentary airport transfers, a minibar (excluding wines from the wine cellar), daily signature breakfast, and afternoon tea.

THE RAINFOREST COLLECTION

Tucked deep inside the lush tropical rainforest and vegetation that covers The Datai Langkawi grounds, the elegant Rainforest Collection villas stand proudly on stilts above and near a stream that runs through the property. A true escape into nature.

RAINFOREST VILLA – The 32 Rainforest Villas are raised on stilts and are situated in the heart of the tropical rainforest. They are connected to the public areas by a series of pathways.

The Rainforest Villa is 123 square meters in size. Raised on stilts it is situated in the heart of the rainforest and is connected to the public areas by a series of pathways. The villa is furnished with a king-size bed or twin bed dressed in Egyptian cotton linen, a large daybed, writing desk, vanity table, and a spacious bathroom. Complimentary amenities include a one-time minibar per stay (excluding spirits and snacks), tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, and an IPTV.

RAINFOREST POOL VILLA – The 8 Rainforest Pool Villas are raised on stilts and are situated in the heart of the tropical rainforest. They are connected to the public areas by a series of pathways. The Rainforest Pool Villa is 175 square meters in size, with a 10-meter pool by an extended deck and outdoor living area with sun loungers. Located in the heart of the rainforest alongside a stream, it is connected to the public areas by a series of pathways.

The villa is furnished with a king-size bed or twin bed dressed in Egyptian cotton linen, a large daybed, writing desk and vanity table. The spacious bathroom includes its own wardrobe. It is ideal for honeymooners.

Complimentary amenities include a minibar (excluding spirits and snacks), tea and coffee making facilities, a personal safe, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, and an IPTV.

THE DATAI ESTATE VILLA – The Datai Estate Villa is designed for guests seeking a rarefied hospitality experience. At 3,500 square meters with five bedrooms, it is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. Situated in the rainforest, it is just a short walk to the beach. The Datai Estate Villa comprises two spacious living rooms and two dining rooms, a lounge with a bar, five bedrooms each with a balcony, two connecting pools, and outdoor dining facilities.

There is also a flexible space that can be adapted into a children’s playroom, a spa treatment room, or a small gym, according to guests’ needs. The villa includes the services of a 24-hour in-villa butler and a private chef. The room rate is inclusive of complimentary airport transfers and a bar (excluding wines from the wine cellar), as well as daily afternoon tea and an à la carte breakfast from The Beach Club.

THE BEACH COLLECTION

Located directly on the pristine white-sand beach of Datai Bay with the ancient rainforest as a backdrop, each of the 13 One-Bedroom Beach Villas and the one Two-Bedroom Beach Villa are fully enclosed within individual lush gardens that open on to the beach and appeal to guests seeking private accommodation with full butler service.

ONE-BEDROOM BEACH VILLA – The One-Bedroom Beach Villa is 350 square meters in size with an outdoor lounge that leads directly to the beach. This villa offers an elevated luxury experience and comes with 24-hour butler service. The bedroom features a king-size bed and a daybed.

There is a separate open-plan living and dining room with high timber ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable sofa seating, and a dining table seating four. The bedroom opens out onto a private sun deck and a 10-meter pool. There is an en suite bathroom with a standalone bathtub, a separate shower, and WC area, twin vanity, walk-in wardrobes, and dressing areas. Amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, multipurpose charging ports, IPTV, a personal safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a bar with complimentary drinks (excluding wines from the wine cellar). The room rate is also inclusive of complimentary airport transfers, daily signature breakfast, and afternoon tea.

TWO-BEDROOM BEACH VILLA – The two-bedroom Beach Villa is 750 square meters in size, with a spacious outdoor deck and dining area. This villa offers an elevated luxury experience and comes with 24-hour butler service. The master bedroom features a king-size bed, and the second bedroom features twin beds and a single daybed. The villa compromises a separate, open-plan living and dining room with high timber ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and comfortable sofa seating. The outdoor dining area seats eight. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom that includes a standalone bathtub, a separate shower, and WC area, and a twin-basin vanity with personal grooming kits. Amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, multi-purpose charging ports, IPTV, a personal safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and a bar with complimentary drinks (excluding wines from wine cellar). The room rate is also inclusive of complimentary airport transfers, our daily signature breakfast, and afternoon tea.

DINING

The Datai Langkawi offers a diverse choice of dining experiences inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. These are played out in unique settings, many with spectacular views that enhance the serenity of the natural environment.  

THE GULAI HOUSE  – Treat all five senses at this award-winning restaurant serving authentic Malaysian cuisine. Tucked deep in the rainforest, The Gulai House’s traditional Malay kampung house style of decor, with its floor seating (bersila) area, rustic dining tables, and subtle lighting, complements the natural environment and enhances any dining experience with its charming, magical atmosphere.  Be enchanted by the captivating sounds of forest wildlife while savoring dishes from The Gulai House’s local authentic menu and enjoy pairing with an exclusive selection of wines. This is a true dining experience not to be missed.

THE PAVILION  – The beautiful Pavilion appears to float on the canopy of virgin rainforest thanks to its situation atop 30-meter stilts, which allows far-reaching views over the rainforest. The award-winning Pavilion restaurant serves traditional Thai cuisine nightly in an open-air setting.  Created by our passionate, Thai chef, the menu celebrates exquisite Thai cuisine cooked with the natural flavor of freshly harvested exotic herbs. An experience not to be missed, especially if you are lucky enough to catch sight of one of the elusive Colugo (Flying lemur) and enigmatic Giant flying squirrel in the surrounding treetops.

THE DINING ROOM – On the same level as the Main Pool, with indoor and outdoor seating areas overlooking the rainforest, The Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When having breakfast during fruiting season, catch the Great hornbill feeding on the Strangling fig tree’s bountiful fruits.

The Dining Room is where you will find the resort’s lavish signature buffet breakfast, with a made-to-order juice bar, and it is also an ideal venue for a quiet lunch. The ambiance and mood changes subtly in the evening as the restaurant becomes a romantic fine-dining experience, with candles reflecting off the pool, and signature dishes influenced by local ingredients. The menu is complemented by an exclusive hand-picked wine selection from the resort’s walk-in wine cellar.

THE BEACH CLUB AND THE BEACH BAR  – The Beach Club is the place to enjoy a convivial and cheerful atmosphere. It comprises a lounge bar by the beach and a casual-dining restaurant. You can have a drink and appreciate the freshly made, hand-tossed pizza or the catch of the day. It also features an outdoor show kitchen with fresh seafood cooked on the open grill. The Beach Bar, with its shaded seating area under trees, overlooks the turquoise Andaman Sea with Tarutao Island in the distance. Guests can spend the day here swimming in the pool or sea, and there are plenty of deckchairs for a read or a nap, allowing you to switch off or tune in to all that happens in this gorgeous beachfront spot. The Beach Bar is the perfect place to sip The Datai Langkawi’s signature cocktails and enjoy delicious light snacks before dinner while watching the beautiful sunset.

THE LOBBY LOUNGE  – Overlooking the Andaman Sea and the rainforest, this open-air lounge is the ideal place to relax and take in the panoramic view of Tarutao island on the horizon.  The Lobby Lounge offers a premium selection of teas served during afternoon tea, a range of splendid cocktail selections, wine, and champagne. To round off a perfect Datai day, savor one of The Lobby Lounge’s selections of single malts, gins, and fine cigars.

SPA AND WELLBEING

In harmony with the resort’s unique natural surroundings, wellbeing at The Datai Langkawi embraces the ever-expanding healing found in the rainforest with its age-old traditions and philosophies of the Malay culture known as Ramuan. 

THE SPA  – The Spa is situated along a small winding stream surrounded by the sounds and subtle aromatic scent of the rainforest. Offering uniquely delivered treatments in a natural environment, The Spa experience induces a sensory journey of overall well-being through relaxation and rejuvenation.  Focusing on aligning wellness with nature, The Spa’s signature treatments incorporate the healing plants and herbs found in the rainforest; adopting age-old traditions and philosophies of the Malay culture known as Ramuan. In addition to 5 spa treatment villas offering Ramuan-based treatments, Phyto5’s innovative skincare delivers the ultimate holistic skincare experience, creating an equilibrium of inner wholeness and external radiance.  Manicures and pedicures using the specialist Bastien Gonzalez treatment range that focuses on the health and natural beauty of nails, hands, and feet are also available.

Nature Center & Activities – The design of this unique open-air building is inspired by a tribal bamboo longhouse. There is a library full of references to the natural world of Langkawi and Malaysia, a lounge for guests to sit and listen to stories from the wild by Resident Naturalist, Irshad Mobarak, and team. There is also a Tea Corner serving specially concocted brews created by the nature team with ingredients uniquely curated by the late Dr. Ghani, Langkawi’s well known traditional Malay medicine guru using herbs and spices from plants native to the rainforest. These concoctions are not only delicious but good for one’s health. An outdoor pavilion leads to a nature trail taking you on a journey through three different habitats, which culminates at the top of an emerging Strangling fig tree. From the restorative powers of walking along the resort’s trails to cooking with freshly picked herbs in The Dapur cooking class, all activities on offer are sensory pleasures.