I first became addicted to yachts when I went to Langkawi’s 6 star resort The Datai in 1994
We arranged for a 1 day private yacht cruise to nowhere and hired a supremo chef who made me the most exquisite Roti Jala with Duck Curry, downed with a Penfolds Grange 1990
The beach of Datai Bay is the perfect venue for a yacht charter in Langkawi. Our yacht had a butler on board. The bay itself has superb, pristine beaches and is surrounded by tropical rainforest
Dinner on the yacht started with 1990 Dom Perignon en Double magnum which was accompanied by Greek style Pili Pili prawns lightly garnished with garlic. The champagne was pristine – clean flavors and a full mid palate ending with a caramelized note
The main course was Lobster Thermidor and Wagyu Beef grilled on a charcoal fire. The accompanying wines were Superb. The Chateau Margaux, though a bit young in 1994 had seduction and grit rolled into one. The merlot was the perfect ingredient to seduce any woman. The second wine was Chateau Haut Brion Blanc 1989 which was a absolute stunner. This nectar of the gods is only made in good years and is absolutely difficult to acquire at a sensible price
Jean Delmas, the administrator of Chateau Haut Brion, conlmpared the 1989 blanc to a great Grand Cru white Burgundy and I concur with him fully. The Lobster Thermidor was a perfect choice by the chef. It had been caught earlier in the morning. Only 600 cases were made of this deep yellow, gold colored masterpiece, and it showed the drinker what the humble grape could be converted into with expert winemaking. The minerals and honey flowed freely in the mid palate totally seducing the drinker
Dessert was fresh peaches served with Lavender ice cream. This was accompanied by a 1986 Chateau d’Yquem, which, according to Robert Parker was the best wine produced since the legendary 1937. Hazelnuts, Vanillin and Apricots dominated the mid palate. This liquid wonder can be cellared till 2040!
The Datai Langkawi has just undergone a $60 million renovation which started in Sep 2017 and Iam certainly going to go back and hire a yacht once again. Three of the Rainforest Pool Villas have been added to the existing five, all located along the Datai River which runs through the 750-hectare rainforest
Another new addition is the 5 bedroom The Datai Estate (spanning over 3,500 square metres). It is one of the largest villas of its kind in Asia
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