A Sweet Escape
Dian Pasquinal Kaur relished her experience at The Danna Langkawi, where Colonial-mediterranean inspired architecture, generous touches of luxe and warm Asian hospitality is a mainstay
The Danna Langkawi is the place to be for an unforgettable vacation
At high noon on the less frequented side of Langkawi, the sun sears with such intensity, but holidaymakers at The Danna Langkawi are oblivious to the heat, lounging by the poolside under their straw hats or dipping in the cool blue waters of what is said to be the island’s biggest infinity pool. The view from the poolside here is très magnifique, and just beyond the infinity pool, is the Andaman Sea. Not your wide-open type, the view is punctuated by a stretch of the manmade Naam Paradise 101 Island, where outdoor activities are the order of the day. The Danna Langkawi’s poolside is probably one of the most photographed spots on the resort—who can resist the different shades of blue that’s perfect for that #photooftheday. I couldn’t. Occupying part of one of the island’s two biggest marinas at Telaga Harbour Park, Langkawi’s most underrated luxury resort stands tall with its majestic, colonial white facade surrounded by the age-old, emblematic Mat Cinchang mountain range. And since it’s also nicely tucked away at a secluded bay, the gentle lapping of waves at the foot of the resort soothes the soul while the service warms the heart. For an unforgettable stay, the Princess Beach Villa or the grander Empress Beach Villa is highly recommended. These new villas come with top-notch furnishings, pool, a private spa area and dedicated Villa Host. It’s easy to see why the villas will leave a footprint in your heart.
For small families and couples, your interlude at the villa will be enriched with a good night’s sleep for the beds are oh-so-comfy, and when you arise, the option of having breakfast in-villa truly sweetens the deal. Throughout the day, there’s plenty to do if you’re not the pool- or beach-magnet type. Feeding the koi fishes near the lobby area was a favourite on my to-do list, just watching the school of koi follow me around made me feel so desired. I could spend hours just sitting here and watching the orange, red, white and yellow creatures dance in the water, but the heat eventually got the best of me. Also highly recommended is a visit to The Danna Spa, where I gladly surrendered to the skilful hands of therapists that specialise in Malay urut. The claim that the treatments will “engage all of your senses and restore balance to your body, mind and spirit” is certainly true, I definitely felt like my natural balance and energy was restored post-massage. And I love how they have a few treatments tailored specially for kids, how very thoughtful! Over dinner of lovely Italian dishes at Terrace, I met the hotel’s general manager Aamir Khan who brings with him many years of experience in the hospitality industry, specialising in luxury properties. He was with the hotel when the resort was being constructed, then returned to manage this property after a stint in Dubai. He couldn’t have said it better when he stated that: “The Danna Langkawi is a modern luxury resort that is below the radar—a hidden gem that’s very much loved by guests.” Dining options are aplenty, be it at the resort’s three restaurants, private dining at the beach front, poolside or rainforest garden as well as in-room dining. The recently refurbished Planter’s offers a smorgasbord of Mediterranean, European-inspired and Asian cuisine while local dishes steal the limelight at Straits & Co. The Terrace serves up scrumptious Italian fare for lunch and dinner; and this is where breakfast is also served. Having been spoilt silly at The Danna Langkawi, saying goodbye was hard. While there are plenty of good memories and photos to remind me of the good times I experienced, it’s The Danna stuffed toy squirrels that nurse the post-holiday blues. Just ask the resort about these cuddly creatures!
Editor’s tip: Babysitting services are available av at a nominal fee—so you can get ge some alone time with your better half