All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. It was called Datai , and it still exists today, not just as one of the best hotels in Malaysia , but in the world its devoted guests, some of whom have been staying since those early days in the s, would agree.
It set a precedent of what was to come; numerous noteworthy accommodation options have opened here since, but development restrictions โ much of the main island is a UNESCO -listed Global Geopark, after all โ has meant developments have been relatively slow.
A million-year-old rainforest is the backdrop, with monkeys hanging out on the side of roads. On first glance the Danna may seem big โ huge, in fact. Soaring ceilings and open-air corridors circle the plant-filled courtyard, and bedrooms are home to four-poster beds and marble bathrooms, with double sinks, bathtubs and rain showers kitted out with Jo Loves amenities. Black wrought iron balconies, marble topped sideboards and pretty shutters can be found in the main building, while the beachfront villas are vast of course , light-flooded spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and a more contemporary feel.
Their real wow factor comes in the form of the large private infinity poo l, with loungers, shaded cabanas and direct beach access. The frangipani-tree lined main pool is no disappointment, though. Some guests โ mostly young couples and families โ pitch up here all day, and who can blame them?
Strung along a mile-long stretch of sand on one of the prettiest coasts in Langkawi, the Four Seasons feels almost Maldivian in setting with its uplit palms, sandy cycle tracks and vast beachfront villas, with their private pools, hammocks and huge outdoor rain showers. Interiors here lean towards those of a Moroccan riad โ one on steroids โ with glossy ceramic vases bigger than your body, plus deep-blue and burnt orange exterior walls.
