Rainforest retreat at The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia

Jungle for the jet-set

Style Jungle for the jet-set
Setting Ritzy rainforest retreat

Surrounded by lush rainforest and drenched in glamour, Langkawi boutique hotel The Datai is a standard-bearer for luxury hotels in Malaysia. Whether you’re here for the glitz, the golf, the gourmet dining or a memorable family getaway, The Datai is a welcoming retreat with a classy contemporary edge.

In the know

Sleeping The Datai is home to 112 sleekly styled rooms, including 18 suites and 40 villas. All suites and villas have sexy Bose sound systems. The spacious End Suites have movable partitions separating living and dining areas; the Pool Suites have private plunge pools and are well placed for the beach. Baby cots and beds for up to two children aged below 12 are provided for free, so you can easily squeeze a small family into one of these abodes.

Activities Kids of all ages will love the jungle tours led by the hotel’s naturalist, Irshad, who’ll point out myriad monkeys (including cheeky grey ones and shy dusky leaf monkeys), as well as wild boar, flying squirrels and monitor lizards on rambles through the rainforest. For sports fiends, tennis courts and watersports beckon. Teens might be keen to tee off at the Gunung Raya Golf Course, go diving or head out for a mountain biking mission. If you need rainy-day distractions, steer the kids towards batik painting sessions and the child-friendly DVD collection while you abscond to the day spa.

Splashing The stunning upper pool area looks down on the hillside towards the beach and is restricted to over-16s. Nearer the private beach, the Datai’s second pool has a more relaxed, family-friendly splash-about vibe.

Feasting The Dining Room serves perfectly pitched Malaysian and Western cuisine, while the Pavilion is a beautiful, stilted restaurant amid the rainforest canopy that cooks up authentic Thai treats. Children’s menus and highchairs are available at each of the eateries. For an authentic experience, try the Malaysian Heritage dinner, a traditional meal served family-style, available on Friday nights for two or more people. If you’re in search of quiet drink à deux, at 8pm the Lobby Bar becomes out-of-bounds to under-12s and mixes its signature champagne cocktails until 1am.

No need to pack Baby cots, playpens, highchairs, monitors, car seats for private transfers, and beach pails and shovels.

Time-out With its day spa, adults-only pool and golf courses at hand, a stay at the Datai lends itself to a balance between family and me time. Take turns to watch the little ones, or arrange babysitting with hotel staff, which starts at RM10 an hour, increasing to RM20 for more than one child.