Set in the heart of an ancient rainforest that cascades down to a crescent moon bay on the Andaman Sea, The Datai Langkawi is one of Malaysia’s rarest jewels. Cocooned in one of the resort’s one or two-bedroom Beach Villas, guests will discover a private tropical hideaway where time stands still; a traditional timber home with floor-to-ceiling windows affording close-up views of the sun-dappled forest.

Outside, lanterns light the way to your private swimming pool and terrace, where lazy afternoons are spent soaking in the tropical vibes while dusky langurs and colourful birds clatter through the branches overhead. For next-level luxury living, The Datai Estate Villa is one of the largest in the region; a resort-within-a-resort with five bedrooms spanning an enormous 3,500 square metres, which can be split into two separate villas.

All guest rooms have their own daybeds and private balconies, while shared spaces include a games room with pool table and standalone wet bar. Like the Beach Villas, The Datai Estate Villa has its own dedicated butler who can organise private chefs or poolside barbeques; an in-villa spa treatment; or a guided tour of the 10-million-year-old rainforest with a private guide from The Nature Centre.

Five minutes’ walk away, The Datai Langkawi’s spectacular beach has serious Lost World energy; a primordial landscape of pristine sands and dense forest fringing the gentle lagoon that’s protected as part of The Datai Pledge, a far-reaching commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and community integration.

www.thedatai.com