The Malaysian resort opened its doors in 1993 and will mark its third decade with a programme divided into four "chapters". It has also launched its wellbeing series, Serenity, offering a series of residencies with holistic practitioners, including chiropractors, podiatrists and sound healers.
The first chapter of events takes place 10-19 March, under the theme Celebrating our Community. Through its conservation, sustainability and community support programme The Datai Pledge, the resort partners with the NGO Green Growth Asia Foundation. The team will host presentations and games highlighting the risks of climate change and microplastics.
Guests will also be invited to join artists the resort has partnered with over the years, including community project partner KanshaLife, learning about their craft during interactive workshops. They can enjoy an artisan food festival showcasing cuisine from Langkawi prepared by the resort’s culinary team and representatives of the local community, accompanied by traditional Malaysian live entertainment. There will also be a photography gallery and an exhibition about the resort’s origins.
The second chapter is Celebrating our Arts and Crafts from 23 June to 2 July, offering a series of events and fashion shows in partnership with Malaysian fashion designers, including batik painting workshops.
From 22 September to 1 October the Celebrating our Nature chapter will feature workshops, talks and nature excursions. Sessions will be led by social enterprise Gaia, which is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, and the NGO MareCet, which focuses on marine mammal conservation. Global tiger conservation charity Save Wild Tigers will also attend, and wildlife photographer Peter Ong will showcase his work and guide bird spotting excursions. A charity fundraising gala event is also planned.
The celebrations will conclude from 8-17 December with The Finale: Celebrating 30 Years of The Datai, which will feature artisanal bazaars, showcases and workshops. Guests can join the inaugural The Datai Classic golf tournament at the resort’s 18-hole course, and a gala event led by Michelin-starred chefs Michel and Sebastien Bras.
The resort will also offer its signature dining experience The Chef Series during 2023, featuring several Michelin-starred chefs.
