Langkawi, Malaysia: The Datai reopens after $83 million renovation

There must have been a fair bit of wailing and gnashing of teeth in 2017 when the much-loved and lauded Datai - one of the Leading Hotels of the World - announced it would be shutting for an entire year for a renovation. The 25-year-old resort on the Malaysian island of Langkawi has a devoted clientele, many of whom have been back at least five times.

There must have been a fair few sighs of relief in January, then, when The Datai re-opened and unveiled its $US60 million ($A83 million) renovation. The essential structure, spirit and signature luxury of the award-winning resort remain blessedly unchanged. The renovation remains true to the original, environmentally-sensitive concept designed by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill. The resort still spills down through wild-life rich rainforest to a beguiling beach on the Andaman Sea. It still has about a gazillion warm and welcoming staff. It is still understated and stunningly beautiful.

As you might expect, however, for $US60 million and a year of downtime, there are plenty of improvements and discreet additions. The interiors of the rooms and villas have been fulsomely renovated by the French designer Didier Lefort, who worked with Hill back when The Datai was born. An elegant nature centre has been tucked into the trees behind the beach; the Beach Club and pools have been rejuvenated. This is to name but a few. The Datai in 2019 is notably refreshed yet remains the same easy-to-love patch of paradise it has always been.

Canopy Deluxe rooms start from RM2500 a night; villas from RM3200. See thedatai.com

Lissa Christopher stayed as a guest of the Datai Langkawi.