Review: The Datai
The Datai review – in a sentence
The pre-eminent property on Langkawi, this is a very special and unique property – a true tropical paradise.
Design: 3/5
For me, the design of The Datai has to be split into two elements, really – 1) the overall architecture / the exterior aspects, and 2) the interior aspects.
When it comes to the exterior, the architecture of this resort is exceptional. The brain-child of Kerry Lee, the hotel has been very sympathetically "built" – and by "built" I sort of want to say "integrated", instead – into the local ecosystem. The result is a completely cohesive feel, where it's difficult to tell where the Malaysian rainforest and Andaman sea end, and where the resort begins! Highlights for me were the ornamental lily pond (teeming with wildlife) and the iconic mezzanine pool.
When it comes to the interior, though… I must admit dining rooms and bedrooms are very simple and understated (white linens, polished walnut furnishings), which is relaxing, but for my tastes doesn't seem to match the same elevated status of the exterior. Having said that, bedrooms are spacious, even in the entry level category (which I stayed in).
Food & drink: 4/5
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at The Datai. On offer are:
The Gulai House, nestled in the forest – serving Malaysian cuisine (I wasn't able to dine here as I didn't make a reservation in enough time)
The Pavilion, a stilted house by the main pool – serving Thai cuisine (I dined here and was impressed by the authentic flavours – the curries blew my head off, in a good way! – but service was sadly very slow)
The Beach Club, which overlooks Datai bay – serving casual fare (good for a low key lunch with epic views)
The Dining Room – serving breakfast (and more international fare in the evening, though I didn’t have time to diner here)
On my first evening I opted for the beach BBQ at the Beach Club, where there was a champagne reception followed by an up-market buffet situation. From memory I think I paid about £70, and was able to help myself to as much of the top notch fare as I wanted – I'm talking sashimi, lobster, etc. It was really fantastic, and dining on the beach by candlelight was so special. I really recommend if this option is available during your stay!
I should also mention breakfast, which is a vast offering of excellent quality. I was pleased to see that there were some healthy options, too (fresh smoothies, chia pudding) which I aways crave after a while away from home. On the less healthy side, you HAVE to try roti canai when in Malaysia. Drool…
The view from the Beach Club at The Datai, overlooking Datai Bay
Location: 4/5
From Langkawi airport, Datai bay is on the north of the island and is just over half an hour in a taxi from the airport along windy, Macaque-lined roads.
Datai bay is the best beach on the island and the hotel is thick in the ancient rainforest – you really do feel like you're a world away from home!
To-do: 5/5
Additional amenities are where The Datai really shines – there is literally everything for you to do here, especially from a wildlife and ecology perspective (nature is a massive draw of this resort).
Staff go above and beyond to make your stay memorable, and encourage you straight after booking to download The Datai app (yes, really) so you can browse and book the huge range of activities.
My personal highlights included:
The Butterfly Walk
Spotting dusky leaf monkeys, all over the resort
Guided rainforest walks
… and that's about all I could fit in during a brief two night stay, alongside some R&R. But if I returned I would love to try the kayaking among the mangroves, and one of the cooking classes.
Reasons to book:
Situated in the most beautiful bay on Langkawi
Top tier service – complimentary little extras (ice cream cones, fruit skewers, etc.) as part of the poolside service; an extra elevated turndown service (lit candles, extra chocolates); etc.
More activities than you can shake a stick at
Strong focus on wildlife and ecology
Any negatives?
The only fault I can really find with The Datai is that there isn’t an abundance of authentic Malay cuisine, apart from one restaurant (which I wasn't able to try). It would be fantastic to see some more authentic flavours on offer throughout.
