NATURAL CONNECTION

The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia has recently unveiled fresh interiors and new amenities, 25 years after its opening in 1993. The property was designed by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, who chose to maximise the views of the Datai Bay from the treetops by locating its main building atop a forest ridge. The result is a tranquil experience with mesmerising views of the sea and minimal disruption to the tropical foliage. It also sets the scene for communing with nature—the resort hosts guided nature walks for guests and has built a new nature centre run by naturalists and marine biologists. Its updated interiors are the work of French designer Didier Lefort, who had collaborated with Hill on the property’s design from the very start. The new look includes refurbished interiors and amenities, as well as a collection of new villas and spa pavilions. The property is noteworthy for the variety of accommodation types: the Canopy collection of rooms and suites at the main building within reach of the lobby, dining areas and the main pool; the Rainforest villas set above a stream amidst the tropical forest; the Beach coastal villas at Datai Bay, with direct access to the beach and butler service; and a standalone five-bedroom villa known as The Datai Estate.