The Datai Langkawi

The Datai Langkawi has a beautiful tropical setting on the idyllic island of Langkawi, nestled in lush rainforest and fringing a beautiful white-sand beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea. Datai Bay has been named one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic Traveller. 

This award-winning hotel is eco-friendly without stinting on style, and takes inspiration from Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage, using local woods. The rooms, villas and suites are like little pockets of luxury in the heart of the jungle, and from bed to bathtub, you can enjoy unspoilt views of the spectacular natural surroundings.

The Canopy Deluxe rooms are in the main house, built of black shale rocks, with balconies looking out over the treetops and the exotic birds. The gorgeous Datai Suite has two bedrooms, plenty of space and premium views, and is ideal for those seeking more space. The standalone Rainforest Villas and Rainforest Pool Villas are raised on stilts in the heart of the rainforest, some alongside a stream, where you can watch monkeys leaping from tree to tree.

The one and two-bedroom Beach Villas are right on the secluded beach, surrounded by tropical gardens and overlooking the Andaman Sea. Decked out in stone, wood and glass, they have private pools and sundecks and direct access to the white sands. There's also the five-bedroom Datai Estate Villa, which is rather special, with three large living/dining rooms, two pools and a private chef. Both the Beach Villas and the Datai Estate Villa have butler service, complimentary mini-bars, afternoon tea and limo transfers. Relax by the pool and order a drink from your butler.

The resort's many restaurants serve an enormous range of Malay, Thai, Indian and Western fare, and the magnificent accompanying views add the Datai touch of perfection. Try authentic Malaysian fare at the Gulai House, which is modelled on a traditional Malay kampung house, where you sit on hand-woven pandan mats.

Enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast in the elegant Dining Room, which is also a fine-dining French fusion restaurant - a special spot for dinner - while the Lobby Lounge, which gazes over the rainforest and the sea, offers drinks and live music in the evening.

Savour exquisite Thai dishes by candlelight at the Pavilion restaurant, elevated high up in the rainforest canopy, and at the exclusive Beach Club, you can dine down on the shore, under the stars - including wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean specialities, with sunset cocktails a must. The Datai knows how to please the palate - our top tip on a hot day is the refreshing iced watermelon.

The state-of-the-art fitness centre, two tennis courts, award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, beautiful pool and wide range of non-motorised water sports will keep even the most active busy, and while they’re happily rushed off their feet, there’s plenty of ways to put yours up.

Relax by the nearby waterfalls or on the private beach, or, under the rainforest canopy, or enjoy the spa’s repertoire of massages, scrubs and facials, inspired by ancient Malay healing rituals, as the river trickles by. The standard of service here means it's a great place to be pampered. This is one of the most amazing spas we've ever had the pleasure to sample; you can expect to see jungle life from the semi-open walls of your elevated treatment room.

This is a wonderful setting to be surrounded by nature. A 750-hectare ancient rainforest and a beautiful beach form a rather impressive back garden. Swim in the streams or snorkel in the sea, or walk the numerous trails that snake their way through the rainforest, and keep an eye out for dusky leaf monkeys, Sunda flying lemurs and tokay geckos. Head to the Datai's Nature Centre to find out more about the local environment and its colourful inhabitants from resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak, and enjoy excursions that capture the nature and wildlife in Langkawi. 

You can also charter the Datai's exclusive yacht, the Naga Pelangi, which is inspired by traditional wooden schooners, for a scenic sailing trip around Langkawi's coastline.