The Datai Langkawi

The Datai Langkawi, a five-star resort in the Langkawi rainforest

The Datai Langkawi is a five-star beach resort located in the heart of the tropical rainforest on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia. It presents itself as a romantic and tranquil retreat that allows guests to reconnect with nature in a serene natural setting. The complex was designed by architect Kerry Hill together with architect and interior designer Didier Lefort, and opened its doors in 1993. Twenty-five years later, Didier Lefort led the resort's renovation, redesigning all rooms, suites and villas to make the most of the natural surroundings.

Accommodation: 121 rooms, suites and villas

The resort has 121 rooms, suites and villas, all with views of the tropical rainforest, and some with views of the Andaman Sea and Tarutao Island on the horizon. The accommodation offering is organised into three collections: The Canopy Collection, The Rainforest Collection and The Beach Collection.

Restaurants and dining experiences

The dining offering includes several venues: The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room, The Beach Club and The Beach Bar, The Lobby Lounge and private dining options. The culinary proposal combines Malaysian traditions with other international cuisines, in settings with views that reinforce the serenity of the natural environment.

Spa and well-being

The spa and well-being area is structured around The Spa, holistic and well-being activities, the Pulih - The Datai programme and The Datai Fitness Journey. The well-being offering is presented in harmony with the resort's natural surroundings and makes use of the healing elements of the rainforest.

Nature and sustainability

The resort sits beside a ten-million-year-old tropical rainforest, with rich flora and fauna among which dusky langurs, tokay geckos and Sunda colugos can be spotted. A private footpath at the complex leads to the white-sand beach of Datai Bay, which the company itself describes as one of the world's top ten beaches according to National Geographic.

Sustainability is channelled through The Datai Pledge, a programme of initiatives whose stated aim is to conserve and strengthen natural resources and reduce environmental impact. The programme is developed along several lines: Solutions-led Storytelling, Pure For The Future, Fish For The Future, Wildlife For The Future, Youth For The Future, Community Outreach, Our People, Our Partnerships and Impact Reports.

Facilities and activities

Among the facilities and activities available are the beach, watersports, pools, The Health Club, The Boutique, The Atelier, The Garden, The Lab and The Nature Centre. The experiences offering includes nature, sustainability, golf at The Els Club Teluk Datai, cooking classes, tennis and padel, and sailing.

The Els Club Teluk Datai golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course, described by the company as one of the best in Malaysia, located five minutes by car from the resort.

Events, weddings and celebrations

The resort has spaces and programmes for events and special occasions, such as Serenity - The Datai Well-being Series, The Chef Series, Tiger Express 2027, weddings and bespoke meetings and events.

History and cultural links

The resort celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2023 with a series of special events and residencies organised in four chapters dedicated to community, arts and culture and nature, which concluded with a finale called '30 Years of The Datai'.

In the cultural sphere, the resort houses an interactive gallery with black-and-white photographs by photographer SC Shekar, created to commemorate the 30th anniversary. In addition, Malaysian fashion designer Alia Bastamam presented her Resort 2023 collection, titled 'Oasis', at The Datai Langkawi in October 2022, with a capsule of six looks inspired by the resort. The complex also hosts the 'Galeri Khazanah', a virtual art gallery by Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund, which showcases Malaysian cultural heritage through local artists.

Location and access

The resort is located at the northwestern tip of the island of Langkawi, off the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. It is about a 40-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport and a short flight from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The company also operates an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Location and contact

Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia