Having ended 2020 with several prestigious awards, from being listed amongst the 100 best luxury hotels and travel experiences from around the globe as part of The Ultimate Travel Guide 2020, Harper’s BAZAAR, to recognition by Condé Nast Traveler US in their 2020 Gold List of the Best Hotels And Resorts In The World, The Datai Langkawi aims to start the year with an uplifting outlook for 2021.
A project that holds a special place in the hearts of all resort team members was the production of the hotel’s first cinematic short film ‘The Datai Langkawi… Forever After’. An emotionally powerful retelling of experiencing an everlasting connection at The Datai, this film has been recognized by film festivals around the world. First, it was recognized in the category of Tourism Services at the Tourfilm Riga 2020, the International Tourism Film Festival of Latvia. At the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival, it was pronounced Best Film in the category of Tourism Services, and, to top it all off, it was recently named as one of the three Best Tourism Films in the world in the category of Tourism Services awarded by The International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT).
The outstanding dining at the resort has also been awarded by Tatler Malaysia, naming The Gulai House in the 'Top 20 Restaurants in Malaysia' by the T.Dining's Best Restaurants Guide 2020. Guests can experience authentic Malaysian cuisine at this kampung style restaurant nestled in the midst of the ancient rainforest. The venue also offers regular The Dapur cooking classes, to introduce the unique flavours and spices of selected Malay, Thai and Indian recipes to kitchen aficionados from around the world.
With wellness coming into particular focus this year, The Datai Langkawi has created an immersive ritual that will enhance guests’ feeling of well-being. The ‘Mandi Embun’ ceremony includes a series of ancient Malay rituals, from forest bathing with a trek through the jungle in the morning mist, to ‘Mandi Maul Hayat’ (loosely translated as ‘bathing in the fountain of youth’), a full-body immersion into a pristine rainforest stream, complemented with an ‘Urut Melayu’ treatment (a deeply invigorating massage, designed to help loosen sore muscles and encourage healthy blood flow) as well as healthy wellness cuisine. This half day ceremony has been recognized internationally for its unique qualities and was recently included in the top three Holistic Treatments of the Year, awarded by the Destination Deluxe Awards 2020.
Looking ahead, The Datai Langkawi will focus even more on its wellness and sustainability services. Promoting the experience of regenerative travel, it aims to continually engage with surrounding communities and the stunning environment of Langkawi island. The Datai has nearly reached its zero-waste-to-landfill goal, and implemented a host of measures on the ground such as upcycling workshops and extended guided nature walks, to help guests connect with and experience the dynamic qualities of the world around them and how it all interconnects and relates to each other. Further announcements of the enhanced outreach programmes at The Datai Langkawi will follow early in 2021.
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