langkawi magazine

Reviews SECTION

The Datai Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

Located on the mystical Malaysian island of Langkawi, The Datai is an idyllic retreat. Surrounded by centuries-old virgin rainforest, the resort is edged by a secluded cove of white-sand beaches washed by the peaceful waters of the Andaman Sea, and it's easy to see why this award-winning destination was named as one of the Worlds Top 100 resorts by Conde Nast Traveller.

The Datai is superlative, offering a mix of guest accommodation all of which are beautifully appointed and boast spectacular views from private verandahs. There are 54 spacious rooms split into two wings, which are linked by a large, aquamarine pool, as well as18 suites, and 40 self-contained villas, built high up in the tropical rainforest like a Malay village, and accessed by a series of pathways scattered throughout the forest. Four of the villas have private, 3x4 meter plunge pools. Restaurants include The Pavilion, situated in the rainforest canopy, which serves traditional Thai cuisine; The Dining Room with more western specialties, and The Beach Club where guests can enjoy alfresco dining by the sea.

Some guests, like Jodie Foster who stayed here while filming Anna and the King, come for the wild scenic beauty of Langkawi (this is the largest in an archipelago of more than 100 islands), as well as for the championship golf, water-activities, tennis, jungle trekking and mountain biking. Other guests, however, are drawn to the resort's piece de resistance: The Mandara Spa.

The Mandara Spa Its name is derived from an ancient Sanskrit legend of a sacred mountain from which flowed the water of life - the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. And while the promise of immortality is still a legend, it's a concept that the Mandara has embraced by incorporating a unique and exotic blend of treatments that reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of those ancient times, with the soul and ritual of Asian culture. Situated at the end of a winding, forested walkway about 130 metres (328 ft) from the beach, the spa welcomes you with instant release. The air is filled with intoxicating aromas of spices, fragrant flowers and pure essential oils and immediately, you're offered a chilled face towel soaked in cucumber and peppermint, and ginger tea - a quietening before you are lead down a private path to one of four Spa Villas.

Separated from each other by lush, jungle foliage and the sounds of a nearby mangrove stream, the villas are a destination unto themselves, offering a double treatment room fragranced with lemon grass, lime leaves, and star anise, as well as indoor and outdoor showers, a steam bath scented with jasmine buds, an outdoor oversized terrazzo bath and private relaxation area. Specializing in Balinese and local treatments, the array of services combine the spirit and traditions of Bali with the mysticism of Langkawi's ancient rainforests. As a result, you'll find therapies that might use Bali coffee in a stimulating massage, or body scrubs made up of fresh clove, cardamom, ginger and galangal (said to improve circulation), as well as herbal scrub using tongkal ali leaves, reputed to contain nature's Viagra, among other properties. One of the ultimate indulgences is the four-handed Mandara Massage, where two therapists simultaneously coddle you with a body scrub, a rhythmic, synchronized body massage, and a simultaneous facial and reflexology treatment.

Deluxe spa combinations with names like Rainforest Harmony and Ultimate Indulgence also beckon with the promise of an enchanting experience. Which, of course, is what the entire Datai resort is all about.

Langkawi