I wish every morning could start like this….taking a dip in my private pool listening to the symphony of the rainforest - a melodic chorus of birds, chirping cicadas and the rustle of monkeys frolicking in the trees.
For one week, this was daily life at The Datai, a sublime resort nestled in the rainforest on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It’s a place to disconnect, switch off and be at one with nature. Where the most stressful decision I had to make was whether to spend the day up by the adult’s only pool or down on the beach, a sweeping bay of soft sand lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea.
The resort blends perfectly into its natural surroundings.
The accommodation varies from rooms and suites in the main building to private villas dotted in the rainforest or by the beach. On this trip I plumped for a rainforest villa. I am rarely moved by emotion on arrival in hotel rooms, but the sheer size and simplicity of my villa put a smile on my face. The canopied bed, huge bathroom with a side for him and a side for her and that pool set by a babbling brook.
It’s a simple life. Swim, gym, beach, pool, dinner. Repeat.
For days when I wanted to be a little more active there was stand up paddle boarding and other non-motorised water sports. Next door is the Els Golf Club which has some fabulous views. But my favourite pastimes were yoga by the beach and early morning walks with a naturalist.
The restaurants vary from candlelight tasting menus by the pool, grills at the Beach Club or a mix of Thai, Indian, and Malaysian, spread over thatched-roof pavilions in the trees.
Being in the rainforest you are surrounded by nature. Hornbills sweep past your private veranda, otters scoot across the beach and Dusky Leaf Monkeys sit next to your sun lounger as they feast on low hanging fruits.
The Datai is accessible but feels remote. You are cocooned in luxury, but it’s an unfussy place. Not flashy. Just laid back with great service and a back to nature feel where conservation and sustainability are key. To spend time here is a joy, a reminder of the beauty of nature. Guests come back time and time again, which shows the affect it has on you and I am already planning my return.
Please do get in touch if you’d like me to arrange a stay at the Datai for you. I know the best suites and villas and can arrange special benefits for you too with my great friends at the property.