The Datai

Looking down over a beautiful bay, the hotel has its own white sand beach with views across the Andaman Sea. Accommodation is in a collection of stylish guestrooms, many offering stunning ocean views.

Alternatively, luxurious villas made from local materials are dotted throughout the forest to enhance the sense of being completely alone and surrounded by wildlife - in a good way. Finally, the opulent beach villas offer direct access to the pristine sandy bay.

The villas are connected to the resort's central areas by a series of pathways, and the lobby, courtyard and area around the two swimming pools are suitably elegant.

Facilities at the hotel include an 18-hole golf course, an excellent spa set in among the trees next to a stream, and various restaurants including the atmospheric Gulai House, in the heart of the rainforest.

Activities include diving and snorkelling and boat trips around the islands. The retreat also boasts its own vessel which offers a new expedition-experience to guests. The Naga Pelangi, a traditional schooner, is available for exclusive charter to explore Langkawi's captivating coastline. With fine dining, beverages and massage facilities on-board guest can experience Langkawi's beauty from a maritime vantage point.