Whether you’re after a quick n’ easy inner-city sanctuary, a relaxing beach retreat or an isolated island adventure, this svelte list of top Southeast Asia flop-spots has your escape needs covered. Bring on the sun, sand and salutations!
Amanusa Nusa Dua, Bali
Best for: Lounge lizards
One of Bali’s oldest retreats consistently stays ahead in the retreat race with its palm-fringed secluded grandeur, effortless flair and tip-top service. There’s an epic toe-dipper, tee-rific golf course and sea-and-be-scene beach club. For your own private relaxation station, book the spacious, 2700sq ft Deluxe Suite with creamy neutral textiles, ocean vistas and a plush outdoor cabana, or max out with the three bedroom, bi-level villa replete with sprawling lap pool and manicured gardens. Kawasan Bali National Golf & Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali. amanresorts.com
Como Shambhala Estate, Bali
Best for: Wellness warriors
Health and wellbeing are central to this feel-good flop-spot flaunting an unbeatable position overlooking the Ayung Gorge in beautiful Begawan Village. In case the estate’s verdant surrounds were not zen-inducing enough, you can book in for multi-day wellness programs, which includes time with a personal spa consultant, delicious raw-organic eats, yoga and fitness classes, plus chill time in the sacred spring water vitality pool. Bliss. Banjar Begawan, Ubud, Bali. comohotels.com
Nihiwatu, Sumba
Best for: Adventurists
What better way to escape it all than on horseback riding along the sun-splashed shoreline of Indo’s isle of Sumba? Located on one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, this chic eco-playground is set amid 2.5km of pristine white sands and touts a smorgasbord of wholesome pursuits, including surfing, fishing, diving and downward dogging. Want to up the adventure ante? Check yourself into the retreat’s flora-engulfed, wood and bamboo-clad Mamole Tree House, replete with traddy Sumbanese carvings and antiques, plus it’s own personal infinity pool. Desa Hobawawi, Kecamatan Wanukaka, Sumba. +62 361 757 149. nihiwatu.com
The Siam, Bangkok
Best for: City slickers
If you’re looking for a sanctuary without the schlep, try this heavenly riverside residence situ’d right on the Big Mango’s Chao Phraya. Butler service, a dinky plunge pool and stellar Opium Spa spoil, vintage Deco Bar and teak treat Chon Thai restaurant keep you lingering, and spacious, monochrome suites and villas seal the deal. Our pick: opt for the heavenly Pool Villa Courtyard outfitted with antiques from the owner’s private collection, plus your own teeny private pool and idyllic tiled patio. 3/2 Thanon Khao, Dusit, Bangkok. thesiamhotel.com
Capella, Singapore
Best for: The aestetically inclined This peeper-ific palace of ecru, teak and copper has been tickled with the Norman Foster style stick. The opulent, heritage-spangled Colonial Manor suites sport sleek, chocolate woods and stately furnishings, or go for the ultra-mod Two Bedroom villa-thriller mimicking the curves of the main building’s exterior. If you do manage to tug yourself away from your chamber, you’ll also find cascading pools, chic bruncher The Knolls, swish Auriga Spa and airy Bob’s Bar with endless sea views (thankfully, sans oil tankers). 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore. capellahotels.com
– Published 16 November 2016.
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