Circled by lush rainforest and overlooking the Andaman Sea, this truly tropical resort is the jewel of Langkawi island – the serene sweep of Datai Bay opening up in front of a complex of sustainably designed buildings set on a natural forested ridge overlooking the endless ocean.

Accommodation showcases the very best of the resort’s location, be it the rainforest canopy or the glorious white sand beach, with villas perched on stilts above the forest floor. Cocooned in silence but for the soothing sounds of the rainforest, each room has its own private verandah to ensure you feel truly connected to this natural paradise.

The food offering at the Datai springs from nature’s abundance, with indigenous ingredients worked into mouth-watering Malaysian cuisine as well as globally inspired menus showcasing styles from across Europe and Asia.

Wellness is truly at the heart of the resort’s offering, with a world-class spa taking its cues from traditional Malay culture and traditions to offer a unique wellness journey designed to anchor you in your surroundings and leave you feeling at one with nature.

Located beside a meandering stream in the heart of the rainforest, the spa’s philosophy is to align wellness with nature, using the healing gifts of the rainforest’s plants and herbs, and interweaving the traditions of Malay culture, known as Ramuan.

There are five treatment villas, using Voya skincare, while manicures and pedicures incorporate Bastien Gonzalez treatments, focusing on the health and natural beauty of nails. The spa’s own products, Akar, have been created by the hotel’s wellness professionals and offer the fragrances and healing properties of the rainforest, mangroves and the sea.

Wellbeing activities include the Malay Wellness Journey, a combination of ancient rituals that features forest bathing and stream immersion followed by traditional massage, a nourishing lunch and breathing and stretching exercises.

The Holistic Pavilion offers classes including yoga, Pilates, and meditation, while two outdoor pools are situated overlooking Datai Bay, where fitness enthusiasts can enjoy watersports including windsurfing, snorkeling and body boarding.

Spa Facilities

Spa Products

Divided into three categories – canopy, beach and rainforest – the recently refurbished accommodation at The Datai has been designed with natural timbers, screened balcony doors to keep the passing wildlife safely outdoors, and crisp white bedlinen, with stylish decorative accents referencing Malaysian heritage and tradition. Every room offers easy access to the glittering pools and the private, sandy beach of Datai Bay.

Canopy Deluxe Rooms comprise a combined bedroom and living room with king-size or twin beds and separate lavatory and shower rooms, while five Canopy Garden Rooms, located on the lower floor of the building, have their own patio areas and daybeds.

32 Rainforest Villas are raised on stilts over sparkling streams with uniquely tropical views, and seven Rainforest Premium Villas provide 123sqm of living, sleeping and bathroom space with Anak Datai River views from private balconies.

Set discretely on the white sand of Datai Bay, 13 One-Bedroom Beach Villas (350sqm) and one Two-Bedroom Beach Villa (750sqm) open directly onto the beach and have private lush gardens as well as a 24-hour butler service.

Serving authentic Malaysian cuisine, The Gulai House has traditional decor and floor seating around rustic dining tables, with the sounds of the rainforest adding to a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the award-winning open-air Pavilion, which appears to float on 30m-high stilts above the rain-forest floor, delivers exquisite Thai food created by a passionate team from freshly harvested exotic herbs. Look carefully and you may even see one of the elusive colugos (flying lemurs) or an enigmatic giant flying squirrel pass by.

The Dining Room, located beside the resort’s main pool with backdrop of giant fig trees, offers a culinary canvas decorated with everything from international breakfasts and made-to-order juices in the morning to candle-lit ten-course degustation menus accompanied by a hand-picked selection of wines in the evening.

Overlooking the Andaman Sea and the rainforest, the Lobby Lounge provides afternoon teas, cocktails and a broad menu of tempting Champagne, spirits and wines.

Getting There