(Part one of our review of the Luxurious Danna Hotel in Langkawi.)
The time involved with running probably the most popular online luxury magazine in the world means that my wife Natasha and I rarely get the chance to do travel features for Luxurious Magazine. It was almost 18 months ago that we first spoke to the nice people at the Danna about making a visit, and at long last we made the commitment to go. Filming, writing and photographic pressures coupled with tight schedules dictate that we don’t usually get a chance to appreciate all the facilitates and ambiance guests do when we do a feature. This time, with the kind co-operation of the The Danna we made sure that we would.
It was time for a long overdue Godbold travel feature, an opportunity to escape from the day-to-day hustle, stress and pollution of our busy island and we were desperate to find somewhere peaceful and quiet, but as ever, not willing to compromise on quality and our extremely high standards. Feeling nostalgic for the bygone days and looking to broaden our horizons we decided to pay a visit to the world-renowned island of Langkawi and see if the highly touted Danna Hotel could provide all it seems to promise.
We undertook an adventurous journey on the ferry from the mainland, a ride in a taxi finally arriving at The Danna to be greeted by spectacular scenery. Gleaming-white Colonial styled building glowing in the hot tropical sun nestled in a picturesque Mediterranean-style harbour surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. You would be forgiven for thinking you were in the middle of the French Riviera if it wasn’t for some cleverly incorporated echoes of Malaysian styling that blended in harmoniously with the classical neutral feel of the Colonial architecture.
After a warm greeting by management and staff, we were led into the spacious reception area. To help us to freshen up after the journey, we were offered a customary signature drink paired with a cool face towel and rejuvenating shoulder massage all performed by The Danna Spa staff. Having had the weight literally lifted off our shoulders we were shown to our room, or should I say rooms, where the baggage arrived shortly after.
Accustomed to only the best accommodation, we were delighted to be given the Countess suite which proved to be the perfect place to unwind after our journey.
Coming through double entrance doors you first walk into a huge living room and your eye is immediately drawn to the majestic views over the Andaman Sea. The room is neutrally decorated and in-keeping with the Colonial style. Like the rest of the hotel premises, it has marble-tiled floor throughout with the exception of the bedroom where the marble is replaced by polished wood. It is beautifully furnished with a marble sideboard and dining table and chairs, a huge wooden-framed mirror, a beautiful desk, a big flat screen TV with separately controlled satellite channels from the identical one in the bedroom, excellent tea and coffee making facilities and a large balcony with a set of outdoor table and chairs to enjoy the views over the bluer-than-blue swimming pool and the golden beach.
Through another set of double doors you find yourself in the bedroom that boasts an impressive-looking and more importantly immensely comfortable four-poster king size bed. The custom-designed pillow-top mattress, multiple oversized feather-down pillows and duvet really do the trick, turning the bed into a luxurious haven that makes you relax and drift away minutes after your head touches the pillow.
There is a second large balcony off the bedroom with a huge cushion-loaded comfy day-bed. On the opposite side of the bedroom there is an extensive dressing area with ample storage space and two double wardrobes finished with beautifully carved Asian inspired lattice effect doors. Opposite the wardrobe you’ll find the Pièce de résistance – a massive marble-tiled bathroom, bigger in size than some regular hotel rooms, housing a superb walk-in rain/power shower, a large circular sunken Jacuzzi surrounded by marble and louvered shuttered windows, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views over the sea and the nearby marina. Overall it was one of the most beautifully designed suites we’ve encountered on our global travels.