After 25 years in an expansive site of more than 46 acres, the Datai Langkawi is ready to reveal its newly refurbished interiors and facilities following a 12-month renovation programme.

Nestled in the heart of a ten-million-year-old rainforest, when the late Australian architect, Kerry Hill, envisioned the Datai Langkawi’s main building on a forest ridge 40 metres above sea level and 300 metres away from the ocean, it was initially met with bewilderment.

But he stood his ground, determined to preserve the pristine beauty of the coastline and unveil the hidden treasures of the rainforest.

Assisting him was designer Didier Lefort of award-winning Paris-based design studio DL2A.

The refreshed resort will offer guests nature- and culture-based experiences, promote Malaysian hospitality to the world and reaffirm The Datai Langkawi as an unparalleled luxury destination.

“The vision was very clear from the start,” said Arnaud Girodon, general manager of the resort.

“We wanted to refresh the spaces whilst maintaining the signature Datai DNA.

“We made sure local materials and inspiration from the environment, surroundings and culture were used so our regular guests will still feel very much at home when they return.

“We have ensured to preserve what our guests have always loved about the resort and also created incredible new experiences for them to discover.

“We are ready to embark on a new chapter for the Datai Langkawi and are looking forward to the journey.”

The resort has 121 rooms, suites and villas, all with enchanting views of the lush tropical rainforest, some with the breath-taking vista of the Andaman Sea with Tarutao Island on the horizon.

Helmed by executive chef Stephen Jones and executive sous chef Jérôme Voltat, guests will enjoy a diverse selection of cuisine, inspired by regional flavours and centred around locally-sourced ingredients.

To protect this unique natural habitat, sustainability is also a key component of the resort’s strategy with a strong commitment to using less energy, water and single-use plastic.

For example, guests are provided with stainless steel drinking flasks for excursions to replace single-use plastic water bottles; sustainable bamboo toiletries are used in all rooms; and drinking straws are made of 100 per cent natural bamboo or stainless steel.

In harmony with the resort’s unique natural surroundings, well-being at the Datai Langkawi means embracing the healing properties in plants found in the rainforest in accordance to age-old traditions and philosophies of the Malay culture known as Ramuan.

The spa is situated along a small winding stream surrounded by the sounds and subtle aromatic scent of the rainforest.

Focusing on aligning wellness with nature, the spa has five treatment villas and one studio.