We chat with The Datai Langkawi’s General Manager, Stephane Duvacher to find out what makes this Malaysian resort special
Where nature reigns supreme.
If you’re on the hunt for an eco-friendly hotel with an unmatched commitment to protecting its surroundings, then The Datai Langkawi needs to be on your radar. We recently sat down with the property’s GM, Stephane Duvacher, GM to talk about the Datai Pledge and exceeding guest expectations.
An interview with Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi
Hi, Stephane. Thanks so much for taking the time to discuss The Datai Langkawi with us. Could you please start by telling us a little bit about the history of the hotel. What makes the hotel’s location unique?
Langkawi is a mystical island of legends and natural beauty. Known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’, it was first formed some 550 million years ago, shaped by ancient geological forces. The Datai Langkawi is positioned within a lush, verdant rainforest teeming with wildlife and situated next to a pristine white sand beach in Datai Bay.
What was extraordinary at the time of the original creation of the resort was the vision of its architect, the late Kerry Hill, together with the designer Didier Lefort: Instead of building a traditional seafront beach resort that is clearly visible from the lagoon and would have had the potential to disrupt the natural beauty of the bay, The Datai Langkawi was built hidden within the rainforest, designed to blend with its surrounds. Sustainable materials were used in its construction and trees that had to be felled were re-used as support pillars and new trees were planted where possible.
This unique location in the midst of an ancient rainforest and bordering a 1.5km-long natural bay not only offers our guests an immersive experience in nature but also provides a serene haven where one can reconnect with nature and uplift the soul.
How does the property integrate sustainability and conservation efforts into its daily running? How can guests interact and support local communities during their stay?
Nature sits at the very core of The Datai Langkawi’s DNA. Sustainability and conservation permeate every aspect of our operation. The resort is designed to honour its natural setting and blend seamlessly integrated with the rainforest, committed to preserving the environment. Our private trust, The Datai Pledge, spearheads initiatives to support both the local ecosystem and communities.
We strive to achieve zero waste to the landfill on a continuous basis by increasing our recycling and upcycling initiatives at the resort – our annualised percentage of solid waste avoided from being sent to the landfill currently stands at 94%, and it stands at 100% for food waste. The initiatives include wastewater management, in-house water bottling, banning the use of single-use plastics, transforming food waste into soil for plant and herb cultivation, and upcycling materials like wax, plastic and glass.
Our sustainable food production starts at our Permaculture Garden, where we employ circular farming techniques to cultivate fresh produce for the kitchens and herbs for The Spa, using compost generated by the resort’s zero-waste processes.
Guests have several opportunities to engage with our sustainability initiatives. In partnership with the community, we have developed a range of recycling and upcycling activities and workshops for guests to promote ‘green living’. Guests can partake in activities and workshops led by local artisans where they are introduced to a medley of craft-making skills such as batik printing, recycled glass craft and more, whilst also learning how these activities contribute towards preserving our beautiful natural environment. Adoptions of a tree, coral, or dolphin are available for guests, as well as activities to deploy cameras to monitor wildlife, leaving a positive impact on the environment.
Moreover, we have partnered with a number of local non-governmental organisations and social enterprises to drive our sustainability goals. A share from all guest activities conducted at The Datai Langkawi, as well as from purchases at our Boutique, goes towards The Datai Pledge, and guests can contribute with an optional fee added to each night of their stay. These proceeds are then funnelled to our partner organisations to directly support their work – be it in their outreach work to the community such as creating a safe after-school space for underprivileged children, working with schools on the island to introduce a ‘green’ curriculum, or protecting endangered endemic wildlife species such as the hornbill or the mousedeer.
When did you start as General Manager and what made you excited to take the role? Tell us a little about your goals for the property moving forward.
I took on the role of General Manager of The Datai Langkawi in August 2023. The opportunity to join this celebrated resort was exciting for me, given its storied legacy and unique positioning as Malaysia’s iconic rainforest haven. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve always been driven by the challenge of elevating guest experiences to new heights. The Datai Langkawi’s commitment to excellence and its deep integration with its natural surroundings resonated strongly with my values and aspirations.
My goals for the property moving forward are centred around preserving and enhancing the resort’s renowned legacy. I am dedicated to upholding the exceptional standards of service that define The Datai Langkawi while continuing to evolve our offerings to inspire travellers globally. Key to this vision is the ongoing development of our sustainability initiatives through The Datai Pledge. This includes advancing environmentally friendly technologies and processes to ensure that our operations harmoniously coexist with the natural environment and support the local communities.
By focusing on innovation and sustainability, my aim is to reinforce The Datai Langkawi’s position as a beacon of natural luxury and regenerative travel. I am committed to fostering an environment where our team members are empowered to deliver service from the heart, ensuring that our guests continue to experience the extraordinary warmth and authenticity that have long been hallmarks of our resort.
Tell us a little about the different types of rooms on offer for guests?
At The Datai Langkawi, we offer three distinct collections of accommodations:
The Canopy Collection features 54 rooms and 12 suites, ranging from 63 to 125 sq-m. Located near the main building and close to the Main Pool, The Dining Room and The Lobby Lounge, this range offers immersive vistas of the surrounding rainforest. Among them, the 2-bedroom Datai Suite stands out as the largest with 258 sq-m layout (about the area of a tennis court), and it has panoramic views of both the rainforest and the Andaman Sea from its expansive veranda.
The Rainforest Collection consists of villas perched on stilts within the rainforest. This collection includes seven Rainforest Premium Villas that overlook the Anak Datai River which runs through the resort. Starting from 123 sq-m in size, all Rainforest Villas have a private balcony. Spanning 175 square metres, the Rainforest Pool Villa has a private pool on its extended deck and an outdoor living area with sun loungers. This range is ideal for those seeking privacy and seclusion. The jewel in the resort’s crown is of course The Datai Estate Villa, at 3,500 sq-m with five bedrooms, it is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The villa comprises two spacious living rooms, two dining rooms, a lounge with a bar, five bedrooms each with a balcony, two connecting pools and outdoor dining facilities. It also includes the services of a 24-hour-in-villa butler and a private chef.
The Beach Collection is set directly on the beach of Datai Bay. This collection offers thirteen units of one-bedroom Beach Villas at 350 sq-m and one two-bedroom Beach Villa at 750 sq-m, all with pools which are enclosed within private gardens for maximum privacy. The Beach Villas feature separate pavilions for bedroom and living room with floor-to-ceiling windows as well as an indoor/outdoor bathroom. These villas also include full butler service.
In your view, what makes a stay at The Datai Langkawi a memorable experience for guests?
Staying at The Datai Langkawi is unforgettable because it offers a unique combination of natural beauty, exceptional service, and cultural immersion. Nestled within an ancient rainforest by the Andaman Sea, our resort provides guests with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature in its most pristine form.
The heart of our resort is our passionate and dedicated team, who play a pivotal role in crafting memorable experiences through their genuine and warm Malaysian hospitality. In essence, The Datai Langkawi offers a blend of natural splendour, heartfelt service, and a profound commitment to sustainability, making every stay a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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