The Datai Langkawi
Nestled in the heart of an ancient rainforest, The Datai Langkawi is a captivating beach 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 resort in Malaysia offers the perfect escape and allows you to nurture 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, some of which is endemic to the area. 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 but realised that the only way to build a resort in this mesmerising setting was by honouring its natural setting.
His proposal to set the main building on a forest ridge 40 metres above sea level and 300 metres 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 sparingly, and the wood was reused sustainably 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 Langkawi 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 been featured in a myriad of lifestyle publications and coffee-table books. It received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001, inspiring the work of fellow architects worldwide
The Datai Langkawi embarked on an extensive renovation in 2017 and 2018, 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 Didier Lefort of DL2A, the renowned architect and interior designer (who supported Kerry Hill on the original scheme), to lead this substantial project.
The refurbishment included renovations to the resort’s guest rooms, suites and villas and the construction of a newly dedicated nature centre underpinning the resort’s increased focus on sustainability. Our commitment to well-being is reflected by the addition of new spa villas and a health club by the beach. Moreover, the resort’s landscaping has been upgraded to enhance the authentic rainforest guest experience.
The refreshed look and feel of the resort offers guests nature- and culture-based experiences, promoting our Malaysian hospitality to the world and reaffirming The Datai Langkawi as Malaysia’s most sought-after luxury destination resort with unrivalled and unique experiences.
