For 10 months there have been furtive rustlings in the undergrowth of a 10 million-year-old virgin rainforest. Of course, many of those rustlings are from the numerous wildlife in the area, such as the hornbills and macaques.
But some of them were also from Didier Lefort of Paris-based design studio DL2A, as now, following an investment of US$60 million – and a 10-month renovation which started in September 2017 – the Datai Langkawi in Malaysia has unveiled its refurbished interiors and exteriors.
The three-minute video shows what guests can expect in the new resort, and a glimpse of how the property, which is integrated into a, will look once it reopens in July 2018.
“We have a duty to preserve the legacy of this extraordinary resort and the time was right for a major refurbishment, over two decades since it was built,” said general manager Arnaud Girodon.
The renovation is the most substantial enhancement since the resort’s inception nearly 25 years ago. Lefort, who along with Australian architect Kerry Hill, was responsible for the original designs launched in 1993. The works include a remodelling of the interiors of the guestrooms, suites, villas and public areas.
Three of the Rainforest Pool Villas have been added to the existing five, all located along the Datai River which runs through the 750-hectare rainforest featuring a deck and pool.
Another new addition to the resort is the five-bedroom The Datai Estate (spanning over 3,500 square metres). It is one of the largest villas of its kind in Asia, comprising living rooms, games rooms, 24-hour butler service and a private chef.
Furthermore, a new nature centre, inspired by tribal bamboo longhouses, is being created to offer new opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in nature. The centre will be run by a team of naturalists and marine biologists led by Irshad Mobarak, the resort’s resident naturalist.
It will house a library as well as a tea corner offering a range of traditional Malay tisanes beneficial to health, allowing guests to explore the medicinal properties of local herbs. Mini laboratories will enable guests to discover more about the marine and rainforest environment that surrounds them and will allow them to participate in conservation and scientific research activities.
“We are now ready to embark on a new chapter”
“We are confident the new incarnation of The Datai Langkawi will broaden its appeal across continents and generations whilst delighting our loyal repeat guests, many of whom see this as a second home. We are now ready to embark on a new chapter for The Datai Langkawi and are looking forward to the journey,” Girodon added.
Further additions include the expansion of The Datai Spa (shown above) with a dedicated Bastien Gonzalez manicure and pedicure studio, an extension of The Pavilion (shown below) and The Dining Room restaurants, plus the rebuilding and relocation of the Fitness Centre for those who want to squeeze in some workout while on vacation.
For ultimate relaxation and adventure, you can book The Datai once again starting July 2018.