Whether it makes a difference or not is up to you, just like some enjoy disneyland others do not. I am merely reporting what I know but it appears that its something many here would prefer not to know.

While its common for resorts to replant trees on a site stripped of vegetation for the construction works, its not so common to "plant" sand on the beach which already has sand on it.

I believe the trees in and around the Datai are not "imported" but were part of the original rain forest. Thats basically the main difference between the two resort; one thats as close to nature as possible and another as luxurious as man can make it possible. No right or wrong, you make the choice.