Set in virgin rainforest with direct access to a pretty, white-sand beach on a magical island off the coast of west Malaysia, the Datai Langkawi became one of Southeast Asia's most coveted luxury retreats soon after opening almost two decades ago.
The setting remains just as beguiling, but the opening of 14 beach villas this month provides a new level of barefoot luxury for visitors to jungle-cloaked Langkawi.
All 124 guestrooms, suites and villas at The Datai are located in the rainforest and feature verandas with peaceful views of the forest or Andaman sea. Privacy is a key attraction here - guests are rarely disturbed by anything noisier than the odd monkey or two - and a hallmark of the new villas.
Featuring natural materials of wood and rattan, the cool interiors sport all mod cons: flatscreen TV, Bose sound system, iPod docking station, free WiFi and a complimentary mini-bar (beer and non-alcoholic beverages).
The larger resort features two lovely swimming pools and an award-winning day spa with open-sided treatment pavilions nestled beneath the rainforest canopy.
WHERE TO EATIn-house, guests can tuck into Malaysian, Indian and Thai dishes, as well as Mediterranean-influenced fare, at a variety of venues including a beach club and The Pavilion in the treetops.
Executive chef Jakub Mares, whose CV includes stints at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant and as personal chef to Pope Benedict, oversees the lot. Guests and visitors from outside the resort tend to make a beeline for the Datai's signature Gulai House, located in an open-sided, kampung-style building in the heart of the rainforest. Try the sample platter, or campur-campur, of soft-shell crab, satays and mango salad. At the Beach Club, the ginger-steamed garoupa with sambal is popular.
DON'T MISS
A round of golf at the nearby 18-hole championship course designed by Ernie Els, which is being upgraded and will re-open later this year.
A round of golf at the nearby 18-hole championship course designed by Ernie Els, which is being upgraded and will re-open later this year.
STAND-OUT FEATURELovely views from the bed and bathtub and a design that welcomes the prevailing sea breeze.
CONCIERGE'S TIP
Enjoy a ramble with the resort's resident naturalists. Early morning and after-dark walks are popular and there's jungle trekking for the fit.
Enjoy a ramble with the resort's resident naturalists. Early morning and after-dark walks are popular and there's jungle trekking for the fit.
BEST RATE
Beach villas published rate: 9500 ringgit (about $3000) per night. Better deals for longer stays. Family packages and 20th-anniversary celebration offers available. Seven-night Deluxe Room packages from about $2650. More: + 60 4 959 2500; dataihotels.com.
Beach villas published rate: 9500 ringgit (about $3000) per night. Better deals for longer stays. Family packages and 20th-anniversary celebration offers available. Seven-night Deluxe Room packages from about $2650. More: + 60 4 959 2500; dataihotels.com.
