When you need a break from the urban landscape, this luxe Langkawi resort is destination perfect.
When you need a break from the urban landscape, this luxe Langkawi resort is destination perfect.
If you want to get away from the city and immerse yourself in a lush tropical rainforest (but not Bear Grylls’ style), there’s a magical hideaway you can get to in under three hours. It takes about an hour and a half to fly from Singapore to Langkawi, and then a comfortable 40-minute drive from the airport to The Datai Langkawi.
Located on the northwestern tip of the island, the luxury resort offers city dwellers a respite, bringing them closer to nature – yet still providing all the trimmings for a world-class holiday.
The Datai is one of the few places to grant guests the best of both worlds – beach plus rainforest side by side – because of its strategic address in Datai Bay. The Datai is expansive enough to accommodate peace-seeking honeymooners, as well as families tapping into their sense of adventure. There are two separate swimming pools, an adult-only pool closer to the main building, and the family pool near the beach, so the kids can splash about all they want. accommodation wise, there are rainforest and beach villas, and also canopy rooms in the main building.
If you choose one of the villas, it’s hard to even want to get out, but when you do, you have a myriad of activities to take part in to discover more of the rainforest and island. a must-do are the nature walks (they’re easy and leisurely, just make sure to wear proper shoes) guided by resident Naturalist Irshad mobarak. We were amazed at what we learnt during the 1.5-hour morning walk – gaining an insight into the thriving plant and animal life, and discovering many plants and their medicinal purposes. You’ll probably also spot some varieties of birds, squirrels and monkeys. The night tour gives you a peek into the rainforest as night falls. Watch out for bats, flying squirrels, and the colugo, a gliding mammal with bat-like wings. Both young and old will be thrilled.
You canhear rustling leaves, singing cicadas and birds as the therapistrubs your aches away
If the jungle walks aren’t exercise enough, you can burn some calories (you’ll want to especially if you’ve had a wonderful malay-Indian feast at the Gulai house) on the award-winning 18-hole Ernie Els-designed golf course, practising yoga amidst the rainforest, or pick up a mountain bike to explore the island. For some further pampering, book a treatment at The Datai Spa, so subtly placed you almost don’t realise it’s there amidst the greenery. and what’s wonderful about this is it’s built for privacy yet is open… so you can hear the water running down the nearby stream, rustling leaves to singing cicadas and chirping birds, as the therapist rubs your aches and pains away. Bliss!
*The 3D/2N Datai Family Escapade starts from MYR4,360+ ($1,390), while the 3D/2N Datai Romance package starts from MYR4,800 (3D/2N). The Datai will be closed for 10 months from September 2017 for renovations, so if you’re planning a getaway, make your bookings soon at www.thedatai.com/langkawi/.
