Michelin-Starred Culinary Icons Return to the Rainforest for an Unforgettable Gastronomic Journey
Datai Langkawi, Malaysia’s iconic luxury rainforest resort, proudly announces Part II of Chef Series 2025: The Gold List, the second part of its annual culinary extravaganza. The resort will host some of the world’s most talented and acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs. Just imagine the setting – overlooking the absolutely beautiful Datai Bay and surrounded by the ancient rainforest of Langkawi… I hope you can already imagine it
Part II: The Exceptional List Continues
The Gold List continues its tradition of bringing the best culinary talent to the heart of nature. The chefs will create exclusive menus that harmoniously combine their distinctive styles with the natural richness of the resort. One detail worth mentioning is the inclusion of ingredients sourced from Datai’s own zero-waste Permaculture Garden.
The line-up includes:
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18–19 July 2025: Chef Gert De Mangeleer, Hertog Jan at Botanic, Belgium (Two Michelin Stars)
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4–5 December 2025: Chef Thibaut Gamba, Logis De La Cadène, France (One Michelin Star)
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13–17 January 2026: Chef Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, UK (Three Michelin Stars)
Celebrity chefs will host culinary experiences in several of The Datai’s exclusive settings: The Dining Room, The Beach Club and the resort’s newest addition, the Gadis Pulau catamaran – a 17-metre vessel offering sunset cruises with Michelin-starred appetizers and champagne along the magical coastline of Langkawi.
Meet the Chefs
Chef Gert De Mangeleer
18–19 July 2025
Together with sommelier Joachim Boudens, chef Gert De Mangeleer gained three Michelin stars in just five years for creating the original Hertog Jan, which is credited with revolutionizing modern Belgian cuisine. His seasonal omakase-style dishes at Hertog Jan at Botanic combine hyper-local produce with Japanese influences. A daring, sophisticated, and engrossing culinary experience is promised when he appears at The Datai.
Chef Thibaut Gamba
4–5 December 2025
Under the tutelage of renowned chefs Pierre Gagnaire and Thomas Keller, Chef Gamba delivers sophisticated French elegance to the table at the exclusive Logis De La Cadène in Saint-Émilion, France. Owner Hubert de Boüard will make a special appearance to enhance the experience, and his cuisine will be matched with fine wines from Château Angelus for The Chef Series.
Chef Alain Roux
13–17 January 2026
With timeless French classics, the renowned Alain Roux of Britain’s The Waterside Inn carries on the Roux family tradition. During a unique five-day stay, he will celebrate the long-standing quality of Britain’s oldest three-starred restaurant with degustation meals, a catamaran sunset canapé cruise, and outdoor seaside feasts.
This project continues the tradition of past editions, which included the late Michel Roux, OBE, Michel and Sébastien Bras, Angela Hartnett, and Ana Roš, among other culinary icons.
Visitors are encouraged to experience a unique culinary adventure where top-notch food and Langkawi’s untamed beauty collide, resulting in memories that last long beyond the final taste.
For more information and bookings for The Chef Series 2025 – The Gold List, visit:
www.thedatai.com/events-and-occasions/the-chef-series