WOOOSH. The silhouette of something dark swoops across the inky canvas of the jungle. Despite the enthusiastic ramblings of my dinner partner seated across from me (and who’s obviously oblivious to the unfolding scene behind her), I couldn’t help but be distracted. What was THAT? I think to myself, suddenly getting the heebee-jeebies.
“You saw?” Someone’s deep voice slices into my agitated thoughts, nearly causing me to jump out of my skin. Hesitantly, I turn and find myself looking into the bemused eyes of The Datai Langkawi’s resident naturalist, Irshad Mobarak. Judging by the sweat stains on his ‘jungle’ ensemble, I guessed that he’d probably just completed the day’s evening walk with guests around the resort’s lush complex.
“Something flew. Hantu?” I exclaim, half-jokingly. A hearty chuckle ensues, making me feel like I’d made the stupidest statement – EVER. His voice lowering to almost a whisper, the rugged conservationist, who leads a team of passionate naturalists and marine biologists here on this fair isle, explains patiently: “That was probably the flying squirrel or the colugo.”
Anticipating my “the colu-what?” he elaborates: “It’s a gliding mammal. Colugos spend most of the time curled up in tree hollows or just hanging under branches. They come out at night to forage, just like the flying squirrels.”
“Irshad, come and meet…” a female voice interrupts our conversation, motioning him to join her at another table at the far end of the restaurant. Irshad nods obligingly. “No hantus,” he says, chuckling, before throwing me a jaunty wave and disappearing into the folds of some foreign guests still reeling from their magical sunset cocktail experience earlier.
Datai DNA
“No hantus!” Irshad’s cheeky parting words to me the night before come to mind as the distinctive high-pitched siren of a singing cicada accosts my ears. It’s incessant, like a fire alarm that refuses to be subdued. “Ah, some male looking for a mate,” I muse, recalling an explanation given to me during breakfast.
“Phissshh”, a rustling sound coming from somewhere in the trees makes me forget the siren momentarily as I apprehensively brace myself for some mischievous macaques to come hurtling out. I’ve already seen a few of these playful primates and heard their high pitched cries since I arrived here but today, I ain’t in no mood for any monkey business!
Mere seconds of vigilance feels like hours but thankfully, my fears are unfounded. Once again the butterflies dance their merry dance around the flowers and the forest is calm save for that fervent mating call of the lovelorn male cicada.
Reassured, I turn to lock the door to my rustic rainforest villa located just a buggy ride away from the resort’s beautiful main lobby area with the blooming lotus centrepiece, for my ‘appointment’ with sunset (yes, the sunset!) at the beach, which I’d been informed isn’t to be missed. Tearing myself away from my luxurious abode (and Netflix on tap!) isn’t easy but when there’s so much to discover and explore, staying in shouldn’t be the only item on one’s agenda!
It’s good to be here at last, I think to myself, waving away the offer of a buggy ride by a passing resort staff, preferring instead to take a leisurely stroll down the winding pathway to the white-sand beach of Datai Bay, which incidentally was voted one of the World’s Top 10 Beaches by National Geographic. With the breeze caressing my face ever so gently, and nature’s eclectic orchestra serenading my ears, the balmy evening is certainly a wonderful time of the day to enjoy The Datai’s verdant surrounds.
Hook, Line and Sinker
With its ancient rainforest, prehistoric mountains and magical mangroves, Langkawi had always been a favourite playground of mine over the years. Suffice to say, I’ve marveled at just how rapidly the island has grown, ever since it was declared a duty-free zone in 1986 by our present Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Holidays to the north would always include Langkawi where I’d spend my break alternating from one resort to another. But somehow, I’d never made it to The Datai, which, with its location all the way in the more secluded Teluk Datai, seemed too far from the madding crowd for one seeking a huge dose of island bustle.
That said, the one time I’d wanted to come, having just spent an idyllic few days vacationing at the neighbouring resort, I was informed by a friendly local that it had closed for renovations and wouldn’t be opening any time soon. I can still remember the feeling of disappointment that washed over me that afternoon as I lounged like a whale by the pool, slurping my mocktail complete with a bright fuchsia cocktail umbrella stuck into it.
Fast forward a year later and a dear friend’s invitation to see a ‘new’ Datai sounded like music to the ears. “It’s going to be amazing,” she’d exclaimed before proceeding to share about its numerous environmental initiatives, knowing full well that THAT would be JUST the bait to reel me in. I was caught – hook, line and sinker!
The newly-opened The Datai Langkawi, which closed its doors to guests for a major 12-month refurbishment exercise (costing a whooping US$60 million), is truly every nature lover’s dream. Nestled in a 10-million-year-old rainforest, which is home to a wealth of amazing biodiversity of flora and fauna, The Datai has made a name for itself ever since its inception in 1993 with its understated designs that pay homage to the coastline, rainforest and local culture.
As the famed French interior designer Didier Lefort says: ““It’s important to maintain a deep connection to the original vision of a luxurious retreat seamlessly integrated into the 10-million-year-old virgin rainforest. The approach marries simplicity, modernity and creativity with inspirations from the local environment, culture and materials.”
Its 121 rooms and villas, all with captivating views of the lush tropical rainforest, with some blessed with a breath-taking vista of the Andaman Sea with Tarutao Island on the horizon, have been refreshed with lighting enhancements and a warm, sophisticated colour palette, adds Lefort. Meanwhile, the addition of the latest technology ensures that guests get to enjoy the ultimate in contemporary comfort.
Other enhancements include the addition of three new Rainforest Pool Villas to join the existing set of five and the all new, 3500 sq ft, The Datai Estate. Comprising five bedrooms, guests get to enjoy a full butler service, private chef and the use of two connected pools. It’s undoubtedly one of the largest villas of its kind in Asia. Other additions to the resort include the expansion of The Datai Spa with a celebrity Bastien Gonzalez salon and a dedicated The Nature Centre, led by renowned naturalist and author Irshad Mobarak.
“The vision was very clear from the start,” chips in the resort’s charming general manager, Arnaud Girodon. “We wanted to refresh the spaces whilst maintaining the signature Datai DNA. We made sure local materials and inspiration from the environment, surroundings and culture were used so that our regular guests would still feel at home when they return.”
Adding, the Frenchman says: “We’ve also made sure that we continue to preserve what our guests have always loved about the resort as well as create incredible new experiences for them to discover.”
Experiencing The Datai
NATURE
Led by renowned naturalist and author Irshad Mobarak, the new Nature Centre is equipped with mini laboratories for guests, young and old, to discover more about the marine and rainforest environment that surrounds them. Guests can also participate in conservation and scientific research activities. According to resident naturalist, Irshad Mobarak, the Nature Centre embodies The Datai’s brand DNA of ‘Man and Nature in perfect harmony’. Guests have the opportunity to discover the unique flora and fauna of Teluk Datai through fun, educational nature walks and other activities led by the Nature Centre team, while learning more about conservation.
The Nature Centre - The design of this open-air structure is inspired by a tribal bamboo longhouse. There’s a library full of references to the natural world of Langkawi and Malaysia, as well as a lounge for guests to listen to stories from the wild by Irshad and his team. Delight in the Tea Corner that serves specially curated teas by Dr. Ghani, Langkawi's well-known traditional Malay medicine guru, using herbs and spices native to the rainforest.
Nature activities – In addition to the many activities at The Datai Langkawi, the newest trail – The Rimba Trail – allows guests to enjoy an informative walk that takes them from a coastal forest to a 70-metre-long elevated walkway over a mangrove habitat. The journey continues through a lowland rainforest, the highlight of which is a 23-metre-long, 18-metre-high Canopy Walk. There’s also a selection of nature activities for children.
SUSTAINABILITY
To protect its unique natural habitat, sustainability is a key component of the resort’s strategy with a strong commitment to using less energy, water and single-use plastic. For example, guests are provided with stainless steel drinking flasks for excursions to replace single-use plastic water bottles; sustainable bamboo toiletries are used in all rooms; and drinking straws are made of 100-per cent natural bamboo or stainless steel. The Hotel produces its own water from the newly-introduced water bottling plant.
The delightful Permaculture Garden meanwhile is a self-sustaining, zero-waste, organic food production system. Visitors can discover how saplings and seeds are saved at the Seedling Hut and learn about permaculture in the Outdoor Classroom. At the Organic Wealth Centre, organic waste is transformed into nutrition for the garden at the Worm Farm, where the worms decompose buffalo manure and food waste to produce bio-fertiliser.
WELLNESS
In harmony with the resort’s unique natural surroundings, well-being at The Datai Langkawi means embracing the healing properties in plants found in the rainforest in accordance to age-old traditions and philosophies of the Malay culture known as Ramuan. A unique Malay concept, Ramuan is referred to as the gathering of medicinal plants in its purest essence.
The Spa, situated along a small winding stream surrounded by the sounds and subtle aromatic scent of the rainforest, focuses on aligning wellness with nature. There are five treatment villas and one studio here. The philosophy of beauty through health is complemented by the international expertise of Bastien Gonzalez and Phyto 5. The former is renowned for his exceptional virtuosity and approach to hand and foot care, while Phyto 5’s innovative skincare is said to deliver the ultimate holistic skincare experience.
DINING
Helmed by Executive Chef Stephen Jones and Executive Sous Chef Jérôme Voltat, guests get to enjoy a diverse selection of cuisine, inspired by regional flavours and centred on locally-sourced ingredients.
The Gulai House – This award-winning restaurant nestled deep in the rainforest serves authentic Malaysian cuisine. The restaurant is reminiscent of a traditional Malay kampung (village) house where diners can either bersila (sit on the floor) as they dine or feast seated at the rustic dining table.
The Pavilion – This signature Thai restaurant is set in breathtaking surrounds, overlooking a serene tropical vista. Situated atop 30-metre stilts with views of the rainforest, Thai cuisine is celebrated with freshly harvested exotic herbs.
The Dining Room – A contemporary space with a lovely ambiance that serves up a lavish spread for breakfast. The restaurant transforms into a romantic venue come evening when French fine dining offerings make up the menu. Wine aficionados will love the restaurant’s exclusive wine collection from its walk-in wine cellar.
The Beach Club and The Beach Bar – One of my favourite dining options, here’s where you can while the day away sipping signature cocktails and savouring fresh seafood, served from an outdoor show kitchen and an open grill. Come evening, bask in the glow of the sunset as it lights up the horizon with striking hues of red and orange. The Beach Club restaurant transforms into an elevated seafood grill restaurant by dinner time with tables set on the various decks where guests can listen to the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
The Lobby Lounge – Overlooking the Andaman Sea and the rainforest, this open-air lounge is great for chilling. Light snacks are available throughout the day and a premium selection of teas is served during the afternoon high tea. Cocktails, refined spirits and champagne are available in the evenings accompanied by a tapas menu and live jazz.
For details or reservations, visit www.thedatai.com, email reservations@dataihotels.com