The Danna Langkawi, Malaysia

Mathematically, there has to be a top 1% of hotels in the world. 

This establishment easily sits within this cohort. It is fabulous. Indeed, it is the finest hotel we have ever stayed at, and we’ve stayed in many top hotels around the world.

 We stayed for a week to celebrate my 60th Birthday and we couldn’t have chosen better. From our arrival, until our departure, the service, accommodation, cleanliness, food & drink, ambience and attention-to-detail were exceptional. 

Starting with the accommodation, we stayed in a Countess Suite overlooking the pool, beach and harbour, consisting of a very large living room, large bedroom with supering bed (with premium linens) dressing room with 2 wardrobes, large bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, robes, his & her’s sinks, large walk in shower and a separate wc.

The suite had two large balconies, one of them covered, both overlooking the pool and sea beyond it. 

There was a kitchen area adjacent to the living room, stocked with a minibar, Nespresso coffee machine (with complimentary pods, replenished daily) numerous bottles of complimentary spring-water, a fruit bowl replenished daily with fresh fruit and a cake stand which was restocked each afternoon with a mix of savoury and sweet treats freshly made in the kitchen. 

The cleaning regime at the hotel is immaculate. All public areas were spotless as was everything in our room. We used the hotel laundry on one occasion to freshen up a few clothes, and when they were returned the garments were like new - even removing a very tricky stain from a linen top. The main restaurant - Planters - has an extensive, multi-cuisine a la carte menu and is also where breakfast is served - again with an a la carte menu serving local dishes as well as traditional European breakfasts such as Eggs Benedict. There is also an extensive breakfast-buffet with a chef’s station for cooking omelettes, eggs etc.

 There is a second restaurant in the main building, “Straits & Co” which serves authentic Malaysian cuisine and a third, Italian restaurant, called the Terrace. All were excellent. A live pianist is often present in Planters for breakfast and dinner, and also in the Verandah Bar, during Happy Hour, before dinner. He was a delight to listen to.

 In every respect we found this to be an outstanding hotel. My wife and I don’t often re-visit holiday destinations, but we might just make an exception here as it was SO good.

I stayed here for 5 nights with my dad on a father son trip. It was the low season so the hotel was not busy, but that actually gave it a private chic resort vibe. We had a twin viceroy sea view room which was absolutely lovely and huge. The view from the balcony overlooking the massive pool and tranquil sea was glorious to wake up to everyday. The restaurants were fabulous , particularly the beef Wellington in the main restaurant. The staff was exceptional and the concierge helped arrange a lovely private catamaran cruise. This place is fantastic

The Danna is our ‘go to’ destination to relax and have pure quality time together. From the spacious rooms with deliciously comfortable beds and opulent bathrooms to The Verandah Lounge that serves one of the best Smoked Whisky sours in Malaysia (& beyond). We can indulge in days just getting in and out of the immense yet oddly tranquil pool or bobbing in the sea admiring the lush mountains and Colonial Style architecture. It comes at a price but we feel it is worth every bit of our hard earned currency. That is why we go back and why we recommend it to those we hold dear.

Super relaxing stay at the Danna with a comfortable room and good range of food and drink options. It's possible to stay in the hotel for the entire duration of one's stay but also easy to organise a Grab car to visit other local places. Two things stand out for me. The swimming pool is exceptionally nice for a hotel. It's a great size to have a proper swim and temperature was perfect - not to mention the views over the bay which are a lovely bonus. Swimming in the sea is only an option when there are no jelly fish warning flags but the pool was wonderfully clear and free of things that sting! The other point to mention is the staff. Everyone we met from collection at the airport through to check in/ check out, restaurants, bar and poolside were wonderfully friendly and helpful. I can't remember everyone's name but I can mention Kamal, Nabil, Syaza, Catrin, Nienie, Fatihah and Fuad (who clearly knows how to manage a top establishment). Diners with Gluten Free dietary requirements are well catered for - especially at breakfast when a specially prepared tiered stand is presented. Ladies - be sure to visit the ground floor loos between the Verandah Bar and Straits & Co restaurant. The room opens onto a beautiful pool with coy carp and lush plants and is a lovely surprise.

Truly outstanding. They really care about their guests and treat them accordingly. A Japanese speaking member of staff was particularly notable for going out of her way to be kind and helpful. Our stay at the Danna was something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Everything was exemplary, the room, the service, the common areas and the restaurants.