The Datai Langkawi

The Datai is undoubtedly one of the outstanding hotels in the world, in a beautiful rainforest setting by the sea. We soon understood why guests return time after time. As much as the scenery, the staff make The Datai what it is, and clearly take pride in their jobs: always on hand, immaculately turned out and - without exception - welcoming, friendly and efficient. Service was impeccable - intuitive but not pretentious. The resort is spread out and a bit hilly, with the main buildings up from the beach, but golf buggies will take you anywhere right away. Our Rainforest Pool Villa had a huge bedroom and sitting area, an equally large bathroom/dressing room, and masses of storage. Indoor and outdoor areas were kept spotless, and the included minibar and fruit bowl were restocked daily. A broken deck board was repaired only four hours after the room attendant noticed it. The only negatives were 1) numerous baffling switches for lights and fans, and 2) a duvet suitable for a European winter that necessitated turning down the temperature of the rather noisy aircon. Pillows were quite firm, but a pillow menu was offered. We’d intended to take part in some of the experiences, but ended up just ‘chilling’ for ten days. We were happy to spend time around our private 7 metre pool (30° plus) with only the sounds of the forest and the small river below. While there was less sun under the tree canopy than elsewhere, when it inevitably rained we had shelter on our veranda. Dining was a highlight, and we particularly enjoyed The Gulai House (Malaysian/Indian) and The Pavilion (Thai) where you could choose the spiciness level. Book them at least a day ahead. There was a vast choice for breakfast, and some days we had a late lunch and skipped dinner. You would have to be very big eaters for Half Board to be worthwhile. A nice touch was ice creams handed out at the poolside, and tap water is complementary with meals. When we stayed most guests were couples, plus a few families with generally well-behaved young children - The Datai isn’t really a resort for teenagers. One night however, a large group of children ran around a restaurant throughout dinner, then at breakfast again wandered about and helped themselves from the buffet unsupervised. Staff seemed embarrassed – so something to keep an eye on.

We stayed at the Datai for our honeymoon and it was everything we could have imagined and a lot more. Whilst the scenery, rooms and food are all absolutely incredible it's the service which truly makes this place unmatched. Every member of staff was completely delightful and tripping over themselves to ensure you received the best of service. Despite having not the best luck when it came to the weather our stay was completely magical and we hope to be able to return at some point in the future.

All good but remarkable is the personnel.

Absolutely beautiful long weekend at this amazing place which I’ve always wanted to go to. While i thought the lunches and the dinners were not great, everything else was perfect. The beach setting ,the views, the warm and generous welcoming and gorgeous staff . Our villa on the beach was out of this world. People couldn’t have done more to make us feel more welcome and comfortable. One of the chef special lunches was almost inedible. It was so sweet . The nasi Goring is dull. I do a better job myself and I’m not Malay. Perhaps they are trying to dull down the local food to suit boring European tastes? I kept picking up plastic waste on the beach which has probably blown in From another place. Perhaps the staff could be asked to look out and pick up and dispose of in order that the beach maintains it’s pristine fabulousness. Also, the chef special in the Thai restaurant ( “ chicken with a special gravy“) was exactly the same as the Thai chicken curry so we ended up having two of the same main in effect- which should’ve been pointed out to us when we ordered. Not wanting to end on that point, the place is amazing. I would definitely be going back and will dream about the Datai and langkawi ( not the airport tho) in the meantime.

We had previously stayed here around 15 years ago and it was as lovely as ever and probably better, amazing staff, just the most magical setting. 4 very special restaurants which we enjoyed absolutely delicious food in. Breakfasts are to die for, so much choice and everything beautifully presented. Can't wait to come back.

Best holiday ever …10 days of wonderful food, attentive service and sheer relaxation. The rain forest villa was a wow…attention to detail and very high service standards made our stay perfect.

Beautiful buildings and decor

After watching the BBC Amazing Hotel series, we decided to treat ourselves for a short stay at this hotel in October 2025. Despite its beautiful landscape surrounding, location in the ancient rainforest with to die for sea view from its bar area and a huge spread of delicious breakfast buffet, it failed to meet our expectation. Our stay was spoilt the minute we got to our room where we found a large crack in the bath tub. Having paid about £600 per night for the room, one would not expect to find a crack in the bath tub let alone a large crack which could easily cut! Following our complaint, we were allocated another room which was even worst with ants crawling in the bathroom, in the tea and coffee area and the tv not working at all. Whilst the staff were fumigating ants and in house technician fixing tv, we were left hanging around in the foyer area without any care apart from attracting the attention of many curious frogs leaping out of the squared lily filled pond onto the foyer considering it was late evening nearly 10 pm! This is not the service we expect from any hotel let alone a 5 star luxury hotel! Sad to say due to our unpleasant stay and inconvenience we had, this hotel resort is no where near deserving any decent rating let alone be claimed to be an "amazing" hotel. On that note we will not be returning!

Yes reading all the reviews it is truly a wonderful resort …the beach is beautiful with warm clear water with a tide,.we had a private pool villa (28) not private so no skinny dipping at midnight but as we hit rainy season very heavy we didn’t use but if out of rainy season and better conditions this wouldn’t have been acceptable if it says private it should be private so check that out …the villa was in itself gorgeous and well stocked with everything …the breakfast is superb lots of choice and buffet or a la carte offered ….now as I say we hit rainy season and 5 out of 6 days torrential rain so apart from spa and gym , little art class not a lot to do so be prepared with a good book to take time out ….room service is also superb as well as restaurants ….spa mmmm great I indulged in a full body scrub and massage heaven …..restaurants do get booked up so would advise booking as soon as you arrive for the choice ……we did have 1 spoiler of a birthday party that took up the beach bar pool area that wasn’t In keeping with rainforest nature tranquility..(happened to be the only dry day ) as in neon lighting sound system set up and fireworks from a boat in the sea that must have frightened the living day lights for the animals …..truly hope this isn’t a regular occurrence as in my opinion just went against the ethos of the datai ..

Amazing hotel. The service, food, private beautiful beach, golf buggies, Setting, Spa. Everything was perfect. We loved the spa very relaxing. Our cookery class in the Gulai house was really enjoyable. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff everywhere. Andreas, Kemal, Tina & of course Dr Richard were great just to name a few people. We ll be back.