Monica Tindall
“We are created to live in harmony with nature.”
The Spa at The Datai Langkawi is one establishment that more than lives up to its slogan. Going beyond being just a catchy phrase concocted to induce a sense of wellbeing into the reader, the team at this Langkawi resort live, breathe and actively strive to wholly embrace their relationship with nature.
From villas enveloped by the jungle to organic products based on local ingredients to spa treatments embedded in the wellness practices of the island and regional community, The Spa Datai Langkawi views nature as essential to wellness, celebrating the gifts of the earth in everything they do.
The Spa Datai Langkawi – Treatments
Our spa journey at The Datai Langkawi begins in a pavilion for two shaded by a rattan roof and the natural foliage of the rainforest. The patio overlooks a small stream and the birds and cicadas are providing a complete soundtrack of natural harmonies. We fill out a short health questionnaire as we sip on a warm cup of lemongrass, lime and brown sugar tea.
Ronna explains our 120-minute treatment, the Holistic Harmony. We begin by choosing a scent we’re attracted to and an emotion we’re currently feeling. Our choices determine the colours and products assigned to our individualized program. Introduced to our surrounds and given a moment to transition from the outer world to the cocoon of the spa grounds, we next move over to our couple’s spa villa.
The Datai Langkawi Spa Villas
The shelter’s façade provides privacy from other humans but the back is open-walled with a wooden deck seamlessly blending into the surrounding jungle. Whatever spa package you sign up for, all begin with a 15-minute foot soak, gentle exfoliation and Malay herbal tea here on the porch.
A traditional Malay custom said to enhance relationships, the Mandi Bunga, marks the beginning of our signature spa package. Dressed in a sarong, our therapist gentle scoops water from a flower-filled tub over our bodies from head to toe and then we are encouraged to do the same to each other.
Refreshed (and now dry again), the pampering continues with a stress relief massage, using carefully blended oils and deep tissue massage to soothe away the stress from tension-bound muscles. We’re given a choice of music to accompany the treatment but prefer the sounds of the forest – no artificial nature track needed here!
A Phyto 5 facial incorporating ancient traditional Chinese medicine with “quantum healing techniques,” uses colour therapy and suction cups to rejuvenate skin along with organic facial creams and cleansers. The regular cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize is boosted by coloured lights and glass cups providing a soft vacuum effect over the face. The different hued lights are supposed to enhance our emotional state and the pulling on the skin is said to stimulate and balance the energy of our skin and body.
Tea and fresh fruit on the porch close the treatment and give us time to “reconnect with nature to reawaken our senses.”
Beauty Treatments at The Spa
On another day, I try a beauty treatment at The Spa at The Datai Langkawi. Bastien Gonzalez manicure and pedicure treatments draw on the creator’s extensive expertise as a French chiropodist. Gonzalez has designed and developed “luxury foot, hand and nail care treatments in which their uniqueness lies in the fusion of wellbeing and beauty.”
Having a manicure and pedicure already feels like an absolute pampering but having them performed by a doctor takes it to a whole new level! Founding themselves on the concept that healthy feet are beautiful feet, manicures and pedicures are designed to first give health and second give beauty.
All of the things you’d expect from a session are included such as exfoliation, hydration and massage. The most impressive part though is the doctor and therapist working in unison. While the doctor takes care of my feet, the therapist works on my hands. The treatment is timed so precisely that even the massage strokes work in symmetry!
Guests are encouraged to go “buff” foregoing nail polish for a more natural look where nails are filed and shined encouraging their natural beauty to show. Polish can be applied upon request but the podiatrist advises that it’s best left on for a few days or less. I’ve never seen my nails look so well, they literally shine after the session giving the appearance that I’m wearing clear nail polish.
The Datai Spa Prices
Bastien’s Manicure: 45 min, RM390
Bastien’s Pedicure: 60 min, RM520
Holistic Harmony: 90min, RM900
The Spa Datai Langkawi Review
A stunning natural environment, highly trained therapists and a good selection of both relaxation and beauty treatments, The Spa at The Datai Langkawi is an oasis of peace and health on the island.
Reasons to visit The Spa Datai Langkawi: incredibly beautiful open-air spa villas set amongst the rainforest with views over a small creek; quality and organic spa products; treatments drawing from local healing practices; manicures done by a foot doctor!
I love all that green, such a beautiful place!
What a great place to escape to as they are enveloped by the verdant and lush landscape!
Looks like a great place to kick back.
Coffee is on
I am always so jealous when I see your spa posts ! Have a good day. Cheers, Diane
What a lively getaway. I love the greenery, so soothing and calming.
Perfect place to relax indeed.
A great place for a retreat and relax.