Langkawi ~ Datai & Tanjung Rhu Beach

� Stay-in Datai � Dining & Entertainment � Stay-in Tanjung Rhu � Air Hangat �

DATAI BEACH

Approaching Teluk Datai, the road curves and climbs. At the top is a view of over the ocean and a couple of secluded coves. In the distance, several islands dot the horizon. The entire view across the bay to Thailand is spectacular.

The Datai Langkawi, and other private villas are located here and if you continue past the resort, you'll find yourself at a headland overlooking the bay. A short trail through the jungle leads down to the sea. No real beach exists there as such, however the breath-taking sight that awaits is well worth the effort.


Stay-in Datai
At the far northwest corner of the island, shrouded in rainforest with echoing birdcalls and overlooking a private bay is the original Langkawi gem, The Datai. The villas are not as large as some of the newer properties coming up on the island but they are stunningly sited, utterly private and upscale. There is �hotel� style accommodation as well in the main building.



For sheer indulgence, The Datai is hard to beat. Rainforest walks, mountain biking and The Spa will keep you entertained and satisfyingly exhausted. At night, when the lights come on, igniting the forest canopy, the resort looks its picture-postcard best. The elegant main pool at the upper level is only for those 16 years and above. Read your book unmolested here. The lower level beach club pool is livelier and it fronts a gorgeous white sand cove, shared by the neighbouring sister property, The Andaman.

The Andaman is a more vertical structure, though not a high rise by any means. The sweeping high-ceiling lobby lets in light and sea breezes, and permits wonderful views of the bay. Far below, the blue mosaic pool flows through the forest. From here you appear to float above the green canopy. The resort is contemporary chic with traditional flourishes. There is a spa on site.

Dining & Entertainment
The Pavilion offers fine Thai cuisine. As it is situated opposite a rainforest, you can enjoy the sounds of nature in the background as you eat. If buffet style is your thing, The Dining Room offers a great variety of food for both lunch and dinner.





TANJUNG RHU & NORTHEAST

Also known as Casuarina Beach, Tanjung Rhu is a beautiful, secluded white sand bay lined with Casuarina trees on the north-eastern tip of the island. The sea here is sheltered by the curve of the bay and, with its shallow waters, is unusually tranquil, reminding one of a lagoon. It's a quiet enclave with just a couple of resorts providing peace and tranquillity.

During the low tide, it is possible to walk across a sandbank to the nearby islands of Pulau Pasir and Pulau Gasing a few metres away. Make sure you remember the tide! It is not advisable to attempt it during monsoon season. Go island hopping, take day trips to offshore islands or explore some of the local attractions...

Stay-in Tanjung Rhu
On the far northeast tip of the island is the secluded Tanjung Rhu Resort set on a broad spread of dazzling sand. The place is delightfully laid back, yet brisk. The main ensemble is circular with a small �lagoon� pool at its centre and lots of tropical foliage. Rooms are smart, with wooden floors and large windows to prise open that extra view. Suites are delicious � woody and stylish with louvered shutters. Stepping out and around the property brings you to an attractive beachfront swimming pool, seaside dining, and the resort�s trump card, the Jiva Rhu spa where you might try anything from traditional Malay massage to hot stone therapy and exotic scrubs.

Last but not least, making a hushed entry along Tanjung Rhu with its signature blend of service and style is the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Moorish in design with a vivid all-embracing leitmotif drawn from the Alhambra in Spain, from the latticed windows, framing archways and reflective pools to the mirrored walls, oil lamps, palm trees and stark mud-wash walls � is unlike anything you�ve seen before in Asia.

The menu at The Saffron is original and personal with a Mediterranean style of cooking combined with a hint of Asian flavours. The seafood is particularly good. Serving sumptuous international cuisine, bistro-style The Sands features an impressive wine list and is adorned with local artefacts. Nestled on a quieter stretch, Rhu Fine Dining is creating a buzz in the food scene. With its intimate atmosphere, this establishment offers a touch of class and a tinge of romance
as well as excellent food.

In the East lies the wildly atmospheric timber lodge Barn Thai in the eastern mangroves where, you get good Thai food and a genuine swamp setting. Watch out for the monkeys who will rummage through your things in a flash. A five to eight-minute brisk walk along a stilted wooden walkway will get you there from the main road. You cannot drive in.