Discover sustainable luxury at this breathtaking rainforest retreat

From its immersive rainforest experiences to its circular food production methods at The Garden, sustainability is the driving force behind every aspect of The Datai Langkawi.

Set amongst an ancient, biodiverse rainforest and located on the white sands of Datai Bay, the eco-luxury retreat has been at the cutting edge of sustainable travel since it first welcomed guests more than 30 years ago.

By working closely with local communities, social enterprises and environmental initiatives, the resort offers guests a truly regenerative experience that has a tangibly positive impact.

All visitors can expect to feel totally immersed in nature. The award-winning biophilic architecture emphasises the breathtaking rainforest surroundings, with each of the 121 rooms, suites and villas offering views of the lush landscape.

Home to an impressive range of species including dusky leaf monkeys and Sunda flying lemurs, and a diverse selection of flora and fauna, The Datai Langkawi is a veritable paradise for nature lovers. What’s more, the resort’s latest curated experience offering takes this connection to the next level.

The Consciously Datai Package gives guests the opportunity to experience nature in a way that is not just personally life-affirming, but that also contributes to the resort’s vital regeneration projects.

The Consciously Datai’s curated selection of regenerative experiences has been designed to give guests a deeper insight into The Datai Langkawi’s sustainability initiatives, complementing the resort’s exceptional array of experiences that support all guests in enjoying the natural beauty of the barely touched surroundings.

“Through immersing travellers in our educational experiences and sustainability practices, we've often found guests become strong ambassadors for regenerative travel, spreading awareness of the fragility of our ecosystems and humanity’s role in protecting them,” Stephane Duvacher, general manager at The Datai Langkawi, explains. “We're delighted to see the positive feedback from our guests who are eager to book the Consciously Datai package and experience our initiatives in terms of regenerative travel.”

These curated experiences offer guests the chance to gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of how the resort reduces waste at its very own sorting and upcycling centre, as well as its carefully cultivated permaculture garden, which employs zero-waste processes in tune with the cycles of nature to provide seasonal produce to the kitchens. Guests can also plant a sapling from The Datai Langkawi’s Native Tree Nursery in the surrounding rainforest.

For a wellness experience to remember, Consciously Datai guests can choose between a trek with The Datai Langkawi’s resident naturalist to the idyllic Crystal Creek, pictured main image, for a gentle dip in the natural pool’s tranquil waters; or the option to participate in a Mandi Embun (bathing in forest dew) ritual at the foot of the Machinchang mountains.

At The Lab, the resort’s dedicated sustainability centre constructed from recycled material, guests aged 12 and above can learn more about artisanal craftmaking and innovative sustainability methods at upcycling and recycling workshops. Guests can participate in soap making and candle making from recycled materials, with more experiences on the horizon. Local artisans are also regularly invited to showcase their work.

These are all part of the many practices that make up the resort’s multifaceted approach to sustainability which is laid out in The Datai Pledge.

Specially created in 2019 to formalise the continuous evolution of its environmental and community efforts, this ambitious programme focuses on conservation and sustainability through four fundamental pillars: Pure For The Future, Fish For The Future, Wildlife For The Future, and Youth For The Future.

Aligned with 14 out of 17 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to tackle climate change, reduce equality and improve wellbeing, the pledge is a testament to the resort’s holistic dedication to a thriving ecosystem and community.

The initiative has already hit some impressive milestones. Marine conservation dives have allowed the regeneration of Datai Bay’s coral reef with 22 coral frame structures; the team is working on a project to create wildlife corridors to facilitate safe passage for animals; and, in 2024, 96 per cent of the resort's solid waste was prevented from going to the landfill.

What’s more, The Datai Pledge worked with award winning wildlife photographer Peter Ong to release a limited edition of his book PRIMUS – The Primates of Peninsular Malaysia, documenting Malaysia's diverse and endangered primate species. Featuring awe-inspiring photography by Peter Ong himself and a foreword by renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, the impressive tome will transport you to wondrous rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia. One hundred hand-numbered copies and 20 lettered copies, each signed by the photographer and author himself, have been exclusively printed for The Datai Pledge. All proceeds from sales of these limited edition books go to The Datai Pledge programme to regenerate and support Langkawi's rich biodiversity. Guests can purchase the book at the resort’s boutique.

Sustainability and luxury travel can go hand-in-hand. The Datai Langkawi is a case in point: the meticulous care and attention given to its natural surroundings is also reflected in the treatment of its guests.

To learn more about the Consciously Datai experience and make a booking, visit here, and for more information about The Datai Langkawi’s dedication to the environment and local communities, visit here