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A myth-enshrouded island covered in a virgin rain forest that teems with wildlife. Mangroves with a labyrinth ofsecret water channels, mesmerizing limestone formations, pristine beaches… All within reach! A decade ago a secret hideaway for those in the know, Langkawi is now a sought-after destination among luxury travellers who enjoy the island’s exquisite choice of award winning resorts that lure with inspired architecture, sophisticated interior design, gourmet dining, lavish spa rituals and truly personalized service.

Wondering where to stay? Whether you associate vacation with a tranquil escape, a horizon-widening adventure or a pure indulgence, one of the following resorts is exactly what you are looking for!

LUXURY DESTINATIONLANGKAWI Text & Photos | Kamila Delart

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Hidden deep in a 10 million years old rainforest, overlooking a dreamy bay with a pristine sandy beach, The Datai lures with breathtaking nature and stunning architecture by Kerry Hill. Resembling a majestic fortress, the main building is made of black shale rocks and exposed timber wood with a graceful patina of time.

Veiled by dense foliage, the rainforest villas are set on a mountain slope, rising on stilts above the purling stream of Sungai Datai. And if you follow the path all the way to the seashore, you will discover magnificent beach villas surrounded by tropical gardens with private pools. Made of stone, wood and glass, they are the epitome of a sophisticated luxury with aninterior that blends contem-porary designer pieces with framed historical jewelry, aboriginal spears and exquisite antique vases.

If you rise early and stroll along the pristine coastline, you will find the sand adorned with stunning patterns. Made of tiny balls left behind by the Sand Bubble Crabs, the

evanescent art is of such a delicate beauty;your heart will ache when you see it washed away by the high tide. Heading to the remote rocky part of the beach, you will get to watch Long-Tailed Macaques hunting for crabs, see a group of Sea Otters basking in the sun and if you are really lucky, you may even spot a few White Dolphins joyfully jumping above the glistening Andaman Sea.

Savouring a delicious meal at‘The Pavilion’, an award-winning restaurant that resembles a giant bird nest elevated high in the tree tops, you are likely to spot a few adorable Dusky Leaf Monkeys curiously peeking from a nearby bush. And your dining experience at the iconic ‘Gulai House’ will be accompanied by a symphony of crickets, frogs and jungle birds.

To truly experience the healing power of the surrounding nature, indulge in a Ramuan Ritual at ‘The Datai Spa’ that incorporates potent medicinal jungle plants following ancient recipes of local shamans. One with nature and in harmony with the eternal pulse of life, you will be leaving filled with serenity and inner peace.

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Set on a stretch of a white sandy beach surrounded by spectacular limestone formations and a mangrove labyrinth with secret water channels, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi enchants with stunning elements of Moorish architecture, featuring soaring walls in warm terracotta hues, airy courtyards, reflecting pools and plentiful fountains.

Pathways made of reclaimed railway sleepers lead through beautifully landscaped gardens to lavish beach villas and charming two-storey Melaleuca Pavilions that boast marble bathtubs built into arched nooks with skylights and exquisite antiques, handcrafted hanging mirrors and fine local art. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtak-ing views of the natural surroundings, making the lush tropical foliage and the constantly changing colour of the sea part of the ambiance.

If you are looking for a leisurely time, you can relax in one of the dreamy cabanas at the Quiet Pool or enjoy a sunset cocktail in the Rhu Bar’s Mogul swing. But the resort offers also a variety of activities. The ‘Rainforest Immersion’ excursion will take you on a boat to the deserted island Pulau Langgun with prehistoric oak leaf ferns and deep rock cavities hollowed by rain in the course of millions of years. Climbing moss-covered stairs towards the peak of a mountain and following a downhill path to the very heart of the island, you will discover a secret lake with rare dragonfly species dancing in a mating ritual above the water surface.

Exploring the mangroves along the Kilim River, you are likely to spot the stunning Stork-billed Kingfisher with bright blue wings, and see a Brahmini Kite dive deep into the forest to catch a lizard or maybe a frog. And as the tide begins to fall, and between the trees emerge tiny islands of swamp, you will get to see the bizarre ‘walking fish’ called Mud Skipper and hundreds of Fiddler Crabs ecstatically waving with their claws.

Inspired by the surrounding nature, the resort’s GEO SPA draws upon the abundant gifts of the Kilim Geoforest Park. Incorporating healing mud from mangroves, indigenous rainforest plants and the energy of primordial rocks and crystals, the holistic treatments aim to purify and nurture your body, illuminate your spirit and facilitate energy flow to help you achieve equilibrium. With a heightened awareness and the desire to explore the mysteries of life, you will depart looking at the world through different eyes.

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Overlooking a picturesque marina with white sails of luxury yachts proudly glistening against the emerald green Andaman Sea, The Danna revives the memory of a lavish colonial era and the hedonistic lifestyle of affluent traders and merchants who settled in the tropics centuries ago, chasing the dream of exotic fruits, aromatic spices and ships loaded with silk, pearls and tea.

Luring with grandeur and opulence, The Danna is built around a courtyard with lush vegetation, cascading fountains and a Koi pond, with an interior that astounds with soaring ceilings, towering pillars, and sparkling chandeliers. The black and white photographs along the corridors capture grand railway stations, horse-drawn carriages, gentlemen with elegant hats and ladies in corset-gowns with petticoats, bringing back the glory of a bygone era with a waft of nostalgia...

Celebrating the Afternoon Tea tradition introduced in the early 1840’s by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, the ‘Straits & Co’ tempts with delicious French pastries and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry marmalade accompanied by fine Dilmah Tea.

If you crave some pampering, you are sure to fall in love with the exquisite floral waters, nurturing lotions and creams gently applied to your skin at ‘The Danna Spa’. Or

you can spend the entire afternoon lazing around in one of the orbit loungers with a sea view. Bedded on soft cushions under-neath the shade-giving canopy of a foldable roof, with cold scented towels, drinks and snacks served at your whim, you don’t have to lift a finger.

After a leisurely swim in the resort’s 3-tiered infinity pool or a romantic horse ride from the Perdana Stables through the rainforest to the dreamy coastline, it’s time for a sumptuous dinner at ‘The Planter’s’ that revives the memory of decadent colonial banquets with skirts swaying to a piano music and diamond earrings sparkling in the light of chandeliers.

Leaning back in a heavy leather chair at the ‘The Drawing Room’, indulging in a glass of vintage wine with a fine hand-rolled cigar between your thumb and index finger, the colonial fantasy may seem so real, departing in a carriage accompanied by a butler will appear as the only bearable way to leave…

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Still wondering at which of these stunning properties to stay? They say that once you taste the pure mountain water of Langkawi, you are bound to come back over and over again. The perfect excuse to experience them all…

www.thedatai.comT +604 9500500 reservationsdatailangkawi@dataihotels.com

www.fourseasons.com T +60 4 9508888 reservations.lan@fourseasons.com

www.thedanna.comT +604 9593288 info@thedanna.com