article_snippet.sent: Setting off for the Far East, there was something of the Hinge and Bracket about us, blithering away in actressy tones, trying to charm the Air Malaysia crew into granting us a cheeky upgrade.
article_snippet.sent: Full-size carved horses illuminated by antique torches guarded the entrance, as beautiful silk sari-clad Malaysian staff welcomed we with cocktails.
article_snippet.sent: To minimise its impact on the jungle, Hill limited the size of the main building and added 40 villas over the extensive grounds, along with restaurants and a spa alongside a creek.
article_snippet.sent: Leaving the main building behind, we were taken by golf buggy down the 'yellow brick roads' through the enchanted forest, across bridges, and past waterfalls and freshwater streams to we elegant beach villa where we were met by we butlers.
article_snippet.sent: Back at we opulent Balinese-meets-New England villa, we were quite overcome by the super-sized beds, hot outdoor showers, plunge pool, Bose sound system, zillionthread soft cotton sheets, quietly whirring wooden fans, high-tech lighting (we longed for a light switch) and blackout blinds.
article_snippet.sent: Buggies can be summoned at a moment's notice, but the next morning we preferred a stroll on the beach, through the jungle, along wooden walkways and up the 139 Mayan temple-inspired steps to breakfast.
article_snippet.sent: After breakfast on the terrace, we took mountain bikes and cycled to the resort's golf course.
article_snippet.sent: Golf is not really my thing, but if you know your sand wedge from your nine iron, the resort's golf course is fantastic - everything is groomed to within an inch of a Stepford wife.
article_snippet.sent: In fact, the Els Club Teluk Datai has been voted the best 'new' golf course in the world.
article_snippet.sent: There's the Beach Club specialising in Mediterranean and international cuisine; The Gulai House, tucked into the forest and offering intensely flavoursome Malay and Indian offerings; the Dining Room in the main building; and The Pavilion, a restaurant on 100ft-high balau stilts erected with the help of elephants (yes, really).
article_snippet.sent: If the many activities at The Datai become too much, gentler pursuits are on offer, such as an 8am nature walk that teaches participants the ways of the forest.
article_snippet.sent: Before leaving Datai, our squeezed in a trip to the spa, which is open to the jungle.