The Datai, Langkawi

BY ANTONIA PEARCE

Eco-luxury at its most divine and a percentage of your room fee goes towards saving the rain forest…

The Datai hotel, on the island of Langkawi, has all the marks of an imperial residence. Baroness Thatcher is a fan and the hotel has since remained a beacon of luxury for over fifteen years. Away from the dynamic, yet increasingly western, magnetism of Kuala Lumpur; Langkawi is an island with a gentle almost mythical appeal. Few locations in the world can boast such an exotic mix of virgin rain forest and tranquil beach. However, this is exactly the juxtaposition that has made the Datai; the place to vacation. The hotel’s grand interiors are off-set by two Trojan style horse statuettes and a lily-pad pool in the open-plan lobby. Upon which, the architecture opens up to reveal the pool, a variety of tree tops and the misty Andaman Sea.

The private beach at The Datai

It is quite extraordinary that a place as beautiful as Langkawi is not completely overcrowded with tourists. Instead there is a quiet, loyal (albeit, rather glamorous) visitor who returns year after year. Romantics and nature lovers should stay in the villas nestled deep within the rain forest. Standing high upon wooden stilts, with cozy interiors and dark wooden shutters; they act as cosy, private retreats. That said, the sound of the rain forest takes a little getting used to. I was reduced to calling the reception and asking nervously for someone to check for creepy crawlies under my bed!

However, I awoke to the sound of the stream and careful beams of sunlight shining through my window and soon felt ready to explore the island.  To get a feel for the landscape and culture of Langkawi, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the islands two great passions; nature and gourmet cuisine.

For the natural world, I turned to the Datai’s resident naturist: Irshad. He is a man adept at inspiring wonder in even the most cultivated of urban dwellers. With a hypnotic tone he makes the rain forest come alive with colourful birds, numerous creatures and tales of miracle plants.

Irshad’s nature walks can be completed early in the morning or at dusk and should be followed by a meal in one the hotels excellent restaurants. For an unforgettable taste-bud experience try the cooking lesson (held every Friday) in the Pavilion restaurant. Here guests can learn the art of Thai cooking. Finally, one of the hotel’s greatest joys is the spa. Located deep within the rain forest and by a freshwater stream. Loose yourself in tranquility baths filled with rose petals and enjoy expert Abhyanga massages.

As a result of good food, sunshine, Irshad’s education and lots of walking: I felt full of energy and happiness. Bliss achieved, I set off for a walk on The Datai’s private beach and moved into the crystal clear ocean delighted in a  paradise found.

www.ghmhotels.com