Teluk Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
Rainforest canopy resort
Timber pavilions rise directly from the virgin rainforest canopy, stepping down a forested ridge to the sands of Datai Bay.
“The Datai Langkawi manages the almighty feat of blending the best, most understated luxury with authentic natural wonder.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Stilted timber villas and open-air pavilions elevated high into the rainforest canopy.
Remarkable
Dedicated twenty-four-hour villa butlers and beach attendants serving fresh towels and sorbet.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Forbes Travel Guide, The 50 Discovery and Wallpaper*.
Perhaps the most luxurious of these resorts is the Datai, set back from the impossibly pure white sand beach, a short walk uphill into the dense and unspoiled jungle.
“after a tip-to-toe refresh – led by Lefort – the legendary 121-room property has reopened to include a re-shape of the lobby, entrance and landscaping”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Datai Bay curves along Langkawi's quiet northwest coast, looking across the Andaman Sea toward the islands of southern Thailand.
The rooms
Rainforest villas stand on stilts amid the dense canopy, while Beach Collection villas open directly onto the sand.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The rim-flow pool sits beside The Dining Room, looking out over the rainforest canopy toward the Andaman Sea.
The spa and gym
Open-air spa villas beside a stream host herbal flower baths, and the gym looks straight out across the sea.
Restaurant
The Pavilion
The restaurant stands on 30-meter stilts above the jungle canopy, serving authentic Thai dishes under warm lantern light.
The spacious rooms…feel like an extension of the jungle with pitched wood ceilings, contemporary furniture and a sense of elegant simplicity.
At the table
The Gulai House serves traditional Malaysian recipes inside an open-air timber kampung house deep in the rainforest.
How it began
Architect Kerry Hill designed the property in 1993, constructing the stilted frames around the forest without felling mature trees.
“Overlooking the still waters of Langkawi's Datai Bay, this resort blends bohemian vibes with full immersion into lush island life.”
Good to know
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The Datai Langkawi
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Langkawi
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.