Langkawi, Malaysia: Malaysia’s legendary The Datai Langkawi has been named one of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ by internationally renowned Time Magazine. Championing the groundbreaking hotels, restaurants and attractions that have wowed industry peers and offer visitors an experience unlike any other, the prestigious annual list is chosen by editors and correspondents around the world as well as industry experts, based on key factors such as quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence.
This prestigious accolade follows The Datai Langkawi’s recent recognition at National Geographic Traveller’s ‘Big Sleep Awards 2019’, saluting the best new tastemakers, trendsetters and game-changers in the business across 16 categories. Named in the top three under the ‘Grand Redesigns’ category, The Datai Langkawi is commended for its mesmerising nature and visionary architecture, nestled in the heart of an ancient rainforest.
The iconic resort unveiled this year its newly refurbished interiors and facilities following a comprehensive 12-month renovation programme, spearheaded by Didier Lefort of award-winning Paris-based design studio DL2A, who was responsible for the original designs back in 1993. The Datai Langkawi was also recognised in Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘2019 Hot List’, the highly renowned and respected annual awards list that recognises the best newly opened and renovated properties around the world. The accolade underscores the resort’s thorough commitment to today’s luxury traveller, wherein meaningful experiences, profound authenticity and privileged insights into new cultures serve as the true impetus for travel.
“We are honoured and proud to be recognised by such prestigious and internationally influential publications. This recognition serves as a motivation to continuously provide our guests with exceptional experiences that reflect our unrivalled setting in the ancient rainforest and pristine beach,” said Arnaud Girodon, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “With our renovation, our aim was to preserve the elements our guests cherish at the resort whilst ensuring beautiful and comfortable ‘hardware’. This is all complemented by incredible new experiences for them to discover,” Girodon added.
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The renovation has seen a complete overhaul of The Datai Langkawi’s interiors and guest rooms, suites, villas and public spaces. As well as the new The Datai Estate Villa, three Rainforest Pool Villas have been added along Datai River, supplementing the existing five Rainforest Villas, featuring an impressive deck and 10-metre pool. The lobby and landscaping have undergone the most dramatic and notable change, whilst a brand new The Nature Centre is run by a team of naturalists and marine biologists led by Irshad Mobarak, the resort’s highly regarded resident naturalist. Built in a bamboo structure, The Nature Centre is inspired by traditional Malaysian longhouses and is the start of the mangrove and jungle walks that lead to the Canopy Walk, a 15-metre high suspended bridge within the canopy.
Inspiring Travel Company (01244 355527; www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk) offers seven nights at The Datai Langkawi from £1,735 per person based on two adults sharing a Canopy Deluxe including daily breakfast, return economy class flights and private transfers. Price includes a stay seven, pay five offer and 25 per cent discount on accommodation. Saving up to £1,100 per person. Book 30 days in advance.
ABOUT THE DATAI LANGKAWI
One of the world’s most stunning resorts, The Datai Langkawi, is situated on the northwest tip of the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Located in an ancient rainforest rich in wildlife and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay awarded by National Geographic one of the Top 10 Beaches worldwide, the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture, understated elegance and Malaysian hospitality. All of the 121 rooms, villas and suites at The Datai Langkawi, including the five-bedroom The Datai Estate Villa, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
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Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest and located directly on the coastline, the dining outlets which include the award-winning The Gulai House, The Pavilion, The Dining Room and The Beach Club, pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary traditions of the region and beyond. Bespoke facilities include
The Nature Centre, an educational facility home to resident naturalists and marine biologists, and The Spa featuring Ramuan treatments, a Bastien Gonzales mani:pedi:cure studio and Phyto 5 facials. Leisure facilities include three pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre at The Health Club; an array of wellness activities including silat and yoga, retail outlet The Boutique stocked with items of beauty within the region, a reserved space to showcase local arts and talents at The Atelier, as well as one of the most scenic golf courses in the world designed by golf legend Ernie Els, The Els Club Teluk Datai. The Datai Langkawi is managed by Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd, an investment holding company incorporated to develop, manage and operate hospitality and attraction destinations.
