The Datai Langkawi

“Third time here.. and it still feels like magic ✨”

This was our third stay at The Datai, and somehow we’re so glad we decided to return. Back for the third time, and it feels even more perfect now. The warmth of every staff member is what keeps us coming back, they make us feel so welcomed, like we’re homeee ❤️ And the food was still amazing, as al… more

This was our third stay at The Datai, and somehow we’re so glad we decided to return. Back for the third time, and it feels even more perfect now. The warmth of every staff member is what keeps us coming back, they make us feel so welcomed, like we’re homeee ❤️ And the food was still amazing, as always. One thing I truly admire is the Management. You can really tell how well the Management care for their people and it shows in the way of every staff hosts their guests with genuine smiles and kindness. As people say "when staff are well cared for and protected by management, they don’t just work - they serve with heart". You can really see the sincerity and pride in their face, and it shines through in every guest experience. The Datai is a beautiful example of that. 🤍 We'll definitely be back. 🤍 Shoutout to Encik Shaiful, Adib & Fadhlan (they still remember us!), Azhari & Faris from the Beach Club, the sweetest Anne Handalus, Wafiey, Pak Jo, Afiq and Ismail. THANK YOU for another beautiful stay! ❤️

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“Excellent.”

It’s easy to love The Datai. Having the sun, sea, and rainforest at your doorstep can make the most intolerable man personable. After my third visit, the love has become an understanding and appreciation. Too often, eco-resorts are mere tourist gimmicks, shining harsh spotlights on random trees for… more

It’s easy to love The Datai. Having the sun, sea, and rainforest at your doorstep can make the most intolerable man personable. After my third visit, the love has become an understanding and appreciation. Too often, eco-resorts are mere tourist gimmicks, shining harsh spotlights on random trees for a fleeting glimpse of nocturnal wildlife, or staff constantly shooing away the visiting monkeys. The Datai is different. It is a sanctuary for both man and wildlife. This trip, I had breakfast alongside a snake, a buzz of stingless kelulut bees, and a front-row view of dusky leaf monkeys (my favourite). This resort understands that we aren’t here to claim territory over nature, but are merely on a side quest to live harmoniously among those in the trees. Needless to say, every stay here has been incredible, and I count myself incredibly fortunate to keep experiencing it. (PS: I left a Google review about two years ago pointing out the unchanging breakfast menu, and I’m thrilled to report that it has indeed been revamped. The Escargot Egg and Langkawi pancakes are absolute must-tries! Huge shoutout to Subra and the team for the stellar service.) Also pictured are our amazing dinners at The Gulai House and The Beach Club. Phenomenal food and impeccable service, as always. To (hopefully) the next time. This review is not at all sponsored, but The Datai is more than welcome to sponsor my next visit. 🙏🏽

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“Datai is home”

The datai is a special place for me. I remember arriving and experiencing a welcoming sense of peace warmth and tranquillity as i walked through the lobby on my very first trip.  I was amazed by its design. Its architecture.  Throughout the years these physical attributes have received design up… more

The datai is a special place for me. I remember arriving and experiencing a welcoming sense of peace warmth and tranquillity as i walked through the lobby on my very first trip.  I was amazed by its design. Its architecture.  Throughout the years these physical attributes have received design upgrades and refurbishment.  But at its core, it is the soft touches that remains, special.  The welcome on arrival. Being greeted by friendly and familiar faces. While enjoying the calm surrounds, the sounds of the jungle envelops you. The distant view gives you a thrill that you maybe in Malaysia, but yonder, those are thai islands.  Formality is always simple and effortless. Soon you are given your room keys.  Entering your accommodation. The familiar smell of wood. Lingering scent of their toiletries. Everything placed and laid out where it should be in the room. When it is time for the beach, staff is on hand to recommend the best spot where they will set up a deck chair anywhere along the bay for you. If resident otters were seen recently, they will ask you to keep and out for them.  When you finally sit down on your chair, you realise that someone had already placed refreshing ice water and a small snack on your table. Meal choices may be limited but any one of the restaurants will keep u well fed with fresh tasty and quality dishes. A little tip, the chefs are usually obliging and they can cook u a dish that is off menu subject to ingredient availability. And the waiters and restaurant managers have an uncanny ability to remember your food preference. The Thai pavilion never disappoints. They deliver consistently good comforting thai food, just like grandma's cooking. The beach club has an amazing grill and the bar makes wonderful drinks to match. The gulai house welcomes you like you are visiting your favourite neighbour. Then they start feeding you. And you don't want to leave.  In the evening, when most people are ensconced in their rooms is the best time to go for a walk around the property. Amongst the cool breeze, look up at the sky and be amazed at how many twinkling stars you can see. Just like how you felt when you were a kid.  Come morning, breakfast is always an experience. The chatter of fellow diners. The pitty patter of kids. The wonderful smell of coffee eggs pastry. The view out over the pool and tree tops.  If you breakfast more than once, don't be surprised if your favourite drink is served before you even order them. Eggs likewise. The whole crew is always well tuned out.  If you have time for a trip to the spa, be ready to make subsequent daily bookings till you check out. I've been lucky enough to experience this since my first trip in 1994. Every trip i make brings back that familiar feeling. That datai feeling. It is a feeling of being welcomed back home. By the resort. By the wonderful staff, who are like family. Too many to be named.  I wish this feeling never ends. I can't wait to go home again.

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“The Datai - where dreams come true!”

WOW! What an amazing hotel! We were so thrilled to reutrn to this oasis in the jungle with friends to celebrate my husband's special birthday. As you drive along the road to the hotel you know it's going to be special. Through the gates and you see immediately that this hotel treasures its locat… more

WOW! What an amazing hotel! We were so thrilled to reutrn to this oasis in the jungle with friends to celebrate my husband's special birthday. As you drive along the road to the hotel you know it's going to be special. Through the gates and you see immediately that this hotel treasures its location - a tropical paradise. Throughout our stay it was clear that caring for the environment was a genuine commitment here - with both celebration and repsect. The welcome we received was friendly with staff handling our check-in with effeciency and warmth. Our room had both an Asian chic ambience alongside a feeling that it merged with the rainforest. Little details enhanced our experience - plentiful bottled water, thoughtfully themed bathroom products and lots of space. Above all the cleanliness and attention to detail is exemplary. We loved the different dining options. Fresh, zingy flavours from the Thai Pavilion, authentic Malay cuisine at the Gulai House and a wide choice with amazing views at the Beach Club. A special treat was experiencing the Italian themed fine dining - a night to remember. As for breakfast - what can I say - I don't think I've experienced another one like it. I downed healthy daily chia type juices to justify eating the amazing pastries. You must try the salted caramel criossant - oh yes!! The adults only pool creates a haven of calm but equally we loved the buzz by the beach that absorbs families so well. Late afternoon beers and cocktails watching the sunset all created memories. The spa was my treat for my husband's birthday. I have never known anything like it. Individual villas poised by a river - I think he actually snored in contenment at one point!! All the staff have good English and are keen to make your stay memorable. We experienced genuine kindness and exceptional service from every department from housekeeping to grounds and restaurants. I don't know how they keep everywhere so pristine in the middle of a rainforest - I suppose it's their quiet, unobtrusive attention to detail. So, I guess you can say that my husband really had a birthday to remember and the number stopped mattering because we were just blown away by the Datai. I really hope that we can return again - it was so special and I can't thank the hotel team enough :-)

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