Location
It is hard to find worthy superlatives to describe this resort, often ranked in the top 10 hotels in the world. Its position, elevated and slightly back from the beach means that is virtually invisible from the sea and in keeping with its tropical rainforest environment.
The resort exudes class from the moment you step through the lobby between two beautiful wooden horse statues. The service is impeccable, the food sensational and the standard of all the rooms extremely high and adorned with good old fashioned charm rather than chrome and glass.
Quite simply, a visit here will be something you never forget and you will be one of a select few who are fortunate enough to stay at this exclusive hotel.
Rooms
The 2 main accommodation types are Deluxe Rooms and Villas making up 80% of the hotel. There are then various specialist rooms and villas such as the Corner Suites in the main building and Pool Suites down by the beach. All in all there are rooms to suit most tastes and starting at 62m2 for the Deluxe, you will not be short of space to relax in.
The Villas start at 93m2, Suites in the main building 109m2 – 250m2, and Pool Villas and Suites are 120m2 – 165m2. Finally there is the piece-de-resistance, The 3 bedroom Villa Hutan. Perched higher up the hill for amazing views of the bay, this is a private residence to match all others but with all the benefits and service of one of the top 5* hotels in the world.
All rooms feature:- 37” Flat screen TV, DVD player, BOSE stereo, Lavazza coffee machine, free internet connection, private bar, balcony, 2 day beds and IDD phone. Additionally the large bathrooms house a dressing room, luggage space, twin vanities, shower, separate bath and Moulton Brown bathroom products.
Villas also have some decking with sun loungers and are of course detached. Pool Villas are the same but have a plunge pool with built in Jacuzzi and day beds.
Spa
Integrated into the rainforest down towards the beach, The Spa at the Datai is an homage to Balinese spa treatments more than anything else and why not – these are the best practitioners of them all. Most of the treatment rooms are quite open to nature but blinds can be rolled down if you like be more enclosed.
The signature treatment is The Datai, a 4 hand massage using a multitude of styles from around the globe including Swedish massage, Lomi-Lomi, Shiatsu and Thai.
Warm stone massages are also on offer and of course a traditional Balinese therapy. Before you start, choose your aromatherapy oils and afterwards a choice of body scrubs to leave you very refreshed and exfoliated in this lush oasis of a spa.
If you would like to try a different ambience, guests of the Datai enjoy the option of using the Spa at the Andaman, Datai’s sister hotel. This has a totally different position perched high on the hill with sea views from some of the treatment rooms.
Dining
Four main dining options give you a great choice of venue here. The Dining Room is the all day eating option and where breakfast is taken. Later in the day it serves western specialities and local Malay cuisine.
On the other side of the pool, The Pavilion serves excellent Thai food, all al fresco.
Away from the main building is The Gulai specialising in Malay and Indian curry, again in an open air setting.
The Beach Club is down by the sea and lower pool and is good for lunchtime snacks of all sorts from nasai goreng to club sandwiches but is more formal in the evening.
For drinks, The Lounge Bar swings into action at 8.00 pm for cocktails and any other refreshment you may want.
If you want to try some other options, like the Spa, the restaurants at the Andaman are also open to Datai guests and this gives you another 3-4 options including Japanese, Continental and BBQ .
Other Facilities
2 swimming pools (lobby level for over 16’s only), health club with gym, 2 tennis courts, water sports (snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing), library, duty free boutique and jungle trekking. Scuba diving can also be arranged.
Finally, the 18-hole Championship Golf Course deserves special mention. Situated a couple of minutes from the resort, this beautiful course built around a 1,000 year old rainforest, has impeccably manicured fairways and greens but like the equally aesthetic Augusta, is deceptively tough. Clubs can be hired.
Final Word
If you’re looking for high class accommodation near one of the quaintest half moon bays in the world, then The Datai is a match for anywhere on the planet. Add to that a great Spa, sumptuous food, attentive service and a boutique island with lots more to offer and you have a great luxury holiday in the offing.
For more information about this hotel please download our printable PDF Fact sheet from here
