The five-star Datai hotel is situated on the northwestern tip of the Malaysian island of Langkawi and provides an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a centuries-old virgin rainforest. Sitting atop a secluded cove, it has its own white sand beach, where you can dip your toes into the blissfully warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Freestanding villas, all with spectacular views of the natural landscape from their verandahs, have been crafted from local materials. They are scattered throughout the forrest, connected to the resort’s central areas only by a series of pathways.
Two-thirds of the island is covered by hills and natural vegetation, making it the perfect landscape for jungle trekking and cook forest walks. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking, golf, tennis and water sports.
The walk along meandering jungle paths and across a mountain stream to get from the hotel to the spa starts your mental and physical journey of relaxation, and you’ll notice how the stress starts to ebb away at every step.
The Mandara Spa consists of four open-air pavilions, each with a spacious double treatment room, oversized terrazzo bathtub facing into a wall of jungle green, a timber deck over the stream, Twittering birds, rippling water and jungle music of the natural variety fills the air. Here is where the wold stops.
The ambience
Langkai is a mystical island which blends wild, scenic beauty and aquamarine seas with a past that’s steeped in mysterious legends full of romance. The Datai has harnessed this magical mood.
Regular guests
Hip, ‘in the know’ travellers from Malaysia and all four corners of the world.
Treatment menu
A host of modern, exotic spa treatments combine the spirit and traditions of Bali with the mysticism of Langkawi’s ancient rain forests, indulge in herbal scrubs made from coconuts, coffee and local herbs, or massage treatments for couples as well as individuals.
The treatment names themselves are otherworldly, Datai Dreams is 80 minutes of salt exfoliation and massage, the Rainforest Harmony is similar but with reflexology to boot, and the Langkai Luxury is almost two hours of exfoliation using gentle, natural ingredients, steam infusion, a warm floral bath and Balinese massage.
House speciality
The Mandara massage is an unforgettable experience, Two spa therapists work on one person in synchronized harmony and employ five different types of massage: Japanese shaitsu, Thai, Hawaiian lomi lomi, Swedish and Balinese.
Cuisine
Traditional Thai food is served amid the treetops in the open-air pavilion restaurant. Partake of Malaysian and Western cuisine in the Dining Room or try the lighter snacks and salads that are available from the Beach Club and Lobby Lounge.
Ideal for
Those looking for a quiet, peaceful beach holiday and completely natural spa experience.
What to pack
The appropriate gear for golfing, tennis, jungle trekking and deep sea fishing.
Contact
Jalan Teluk Datai
07000 Pulau Langkawi
Kedah Darul
Aman
Malaysia
Tel: +60 4 959 2500
Web: www.ghmhotels.com