Luxury & Nature Hand in Hand - The Datai Resort, Langkawi

There are not many places in the world where nature and the modern world happily co-exist. As the human race constantly seems to strive for better, bigger, more and richer, nature's place within our planet increasingly seems to get ignored.....only no one seemed to tell that to the Datai Resort on the island of Langkawi. 

 Beach at the Datai Bay Resort, Langkawi

Langkawi is situated off the north western coast of Malaysia and is a relative stones throw from the country that governs it and Thailand, slightly further north.

What sets the Datai apart from other, similar high end resorts is it's closeness with nature. The idea that we can live alongside our natural habitat around us is entrenched in the ethos of the resort and has helped them develop a stunning environment for people to enjoy holidays in.

The hotel complex tumbles down the side of a rainforest, opening out onto the stunning Datai Bay beach with glorious views of the Andaman Sea and to Thailand beyond. 

Tree top hotel suites at the Datai Resort

Guests can choose to book beautifully furnished hotel suites called their "Canopy Collection" or, alternatively, an exclusive rainforest or beach villa which come with the option of a private pool.

As you make your way around the resort on wooden boardwalk paths, you get a sense of how much consideration was given to the wildlife and their natural habitat during the construction process. Jungle dwellers are visible at all times of day and night but because guests are restricted to where they can venture, it feels like a very happy relationship between humans and wildlife.

The Datai takes their nature very seriously. Activities include morning beach walks with the resident Marine Biologist, nature night walks and trips to the islands mangroves. You can consider yourself unlucky if you don't have the chance to get up close and personal with the islands ever curious monkey population!!

One of the Datai's pools with stunning views across the Andaman Sea.

For sports and fitness enthusiasts, the hotel features two pools - one in the main complex and the other beach side. There is also a fully equipped gym while at the nearby Els Club Teluk Datai, you can play golf in stunning luxury on a course designed by Ernie Els. The Els Club also features two tennis courts.

As you would expect, watersports are also available with sailing, kayaking and windsurfing available on a complimentary basis.

The lobby bar and lily pad frog pond

The Datai excels with its culinary offerings as well. They have excellent Thai and Malaysian restaurants which also run fun and inventive cookery classes. Additionally, they have more relaxed dining options at the Beach Club and the Lobby Bar. The standard of food on offer is exceptional and all of the restaurants are complemented with an outstanding selection of world wines and other premium alcohol.

For those special occasions, there is also private dining options, including an unforgettable candlelit dinner on the beach overlooking the bay. The level of staff service and attentiveness is nothing short of outstanding.

Private candlelit dining on the beach

The Datai is not a budget option for a holiday but it is a truly unforgettable experience. There is something magical about being so close to wildlife and the Datai have been able to develop an outstanding resort with full respect for the nature surrounding it.