Among other key goals, the luxury resort aims to achieve zero-waste status by the end of the year
When The Datai Langkawi reopened in December after an extensive renovation project—its most substantial enhancement since its opening in 1993—some had remarked how, at a glance, not much has changed. But that was partly the point. “The vision was very clear from the start and even before renovations commenced,” shared the resort’s general manager Arnaud Girodon, adding how they had intended to maintain the signature “Datai DNA” and celebrate its unique location on Datai Bay, which National Geographic once declared one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
They had even appointed its original designer, Didier Lefort of DL2A in France, to lead the project. He stressed how the refreshed look is purposely unassuming, from the structure’s natural finish and artwork to the ergonomic design of the bath tubs.
Nature also forms the base of the spa and well-being programmes, which include specially crafted holistic activities and wellness and beauty treatments complemented by internationally renowned experts Bastien Gonzalez and Phyto5.
The most significant aspect of the redesign, however, are even less obvious, but they are the most remarkable and necessary. The resort's renewed commitment to protect this unique natural habitat made sustainability a key component to its strategy, which included an obligation to consume less energy, water and single-use plastic.
Recycling and upcycling plants, a bottling plant and a permaculture garden have been created, alongside initiatives to protect the coral reef and surrounding areas. These include its Fish for the Future initiative, which involves building artificial reefs monitored by its dedicated group of marine biologists from The Nature Team; engaging the local community and its fishermen; and a Coral Nursery where corals are to be transplanted back into the ocean when they mature and can be propagated.
(Related: How This Private Island Near Singapore Is A Champion For Sustainability)