The Datai Langkawi, where the rainforest meets the ocean – just beware of the monkeys

Hang on, isn’t this old news? Admittedly, The Datai Langkawi first opened its proverbial doors (the open-air lobby has none) back in 1993. However, it has changed hands several times since, and was subject to a number of fillers and face­lifts, not all of them enhancing, until its current owners undertook the task of return­ing the rainforest resort to its former glory.

How have they fared? Architect Didier Lefort, who assisted the late Kerry Hill (the man behind Aman Resorts’ timeless appeal) with the original design, assumed aesthetic authority over the extensive US$60 million, 12-month renovation, which was completed in December. Dated details were stripped away and refreshed; local materials and an understated approach to interiors were employed; respect was paid to the jungle surroundings. Ceilings soar, four-poster beds are dreamy and balconies are overlooked only by the Datai’s primate inhabitants. Beyond the accommodation, additions include The Beach Club, The Nature Centre and The Datai Estate.

The Datai Estate? A sprawling 3,500-square-metre, three-reception room, five-bedroom private villa, complete with butler, chef and two interlinked pools, The Datai Estate is something to behold. It can be divided into two smaller but still spectacular villas, each with its own pool, should five bedrooms exceed your requirements.

And what of the other rooms? There are 121 in total, including those in the Canopy Collection, situated in the main building at the apex of the enclave, from which the sightline extends over the treetops; the Rainforest Villas , some with infinity pools, set deep within the trees; and the Beach Villas, each with its own pool and butler, located where the jungle gives way to white sand.

Regardless of where guests choose to lay their handmade rattan sun hat, they are advised to lock all doors when not in use to stop mischievous macaques, who have learned how to turn external handles, from making themselves at home.

Accommodation sorted and monkeys at bay, what is there to do all day? First things first, set that circadian rhythm to island time. Two pools, one exclu­sively for adults, invite idle afternoons, as does the sun-dappled beach, where sand bubbler crabs significantly outnumber people. Water sports are taken care of and spa treatments incorporate the Malaysian philosophy of ramuan, or harnessing the power of plants to complement natural beauty. On hand to help achieve holistic wellness is the A-list-approved mani-pedi studio Bastien Gonzalez, which counts supermodel Naomi Campbell and tennis player Novak Djokovic among its clients.