David Bowden reveals a selection of Asia’s most intimate locales – ideal for romantic rendezvous.
Asia offers many superb, intimate couples’ retreats – ideal for honeymooners or lovers who appreciate the meaning of Valentine’s Day, a special birthday or an anniversary beyond the hallmark and where emphasis is placed on personalised service, fine food and wines, sumptuous interiors and pampering spas – all essential components in the intimacy equation. Pack a generous supply of
Champagne, strawberries and chocolates – and little else!
If someone was to design an idyllic tropical island, they’d come up with Bali. This Indonesian gem has it all – beaches, mountains, mystical culture and first-class resorts and restaurants. The trendy end of town is at Seminyak and the Sofitel Seminyak Bali (www.sofitelbali.com) is as good as the resorts get here. Relax on black volcanic sands or laze around the pool with its stone sculptures. If you choose to stay here, the villas are the place for a truly private and indulgent escape. Sunken baths, cooling plunge pools, walled privacy, Balinese decor and tropical landscaping are featured in your own private domain. Le Spa features two spa villas and the best of Balinese therapies. Another luxurious option in this area is the new Anantara Resort Seminyak (www.anantara.com). Opened in early 2008, this contemporary all-suite haven was designed by architect Anthony Liu – whose firm TonTon created the super-chic Bale Resort (www.thebale.com) in Nusa Dua. Just a short stroll from Seminyak’s restaurants and boutiques, each of the 59 suites is a spacious 70 to 80 square metres. Opt for cocktails at the stylish rooftop bar – the oversized cushions are ideal for snuggling with someone special while watching the sun slip into the ocean.
Uma Ubud (www.umaubud.com) is one of several “natural” retreats in Bali’s cultural heartland of Ubud. Ubud has long attracted those seeking cultural inspiration and Uma Ubud is ideal for those looking to restore their physical and mental wellbeing. Rooms are suitably all-white, with the pool suites offering individual infinity pools. The Shambhala Suite even has a spa treatment area, offering the ultimate in privacy and pampering bliss for two.
Thailand is one of the region’s pioneers when it comes to intimate retreats, with Chiva Som (www.chivasom.com) in Hua Hin considered by many to be one of the world’s best spa resorts. Alila Cha Am (www.alilahotels.com) recently opened and is the chicest boutique resort along this developing beachside stretch – less than three hour’s limousine drive from Bangkok. Cha Am and the neighbouring royal town of Hua Hin have long been seaside holiday escapes for those in the know, but only recently discovered by international travellers. Everything Alila is associated with screams design and style – and this latest property doesn’t disappoint. Choose a private pool villa to hibernate with the one you care for most. Spa Alila offers a tantalising menu of wellness therapies and the best place to chill out is the appropriately named Chill Pool and Red Bar.
The ancient temples of Angkor have been well and truly discovered. And discerning travellers are now uncovering luxurious resorts such as the ultra-chic Amansara (www.amanresorts.com), to up their Cambodia experience. If your budget doesn’t stretch to Aman proportions, the Hotel de la Paix (www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com) in the centre of Siem Reap is worth considering. It may not boast a resort-like setting, but it certainly is urban style at its best. Sip a cool cocktail in The Arts Lounge while relaxing on one of the day beds and be mesmerised by the ever-changing bar lighting. The best rooms in the house are the duplex spa suites, complete with individual plunge pools on private terraces. The standard rooms in this deluxe boutique property are also excellent – opt for a courtyard room. All rooms combine the best of art deco design with traditional Khmer style.
In neighbouring Vietnam, the Victoria Resort Sapa (www.victoriahotels-asia.com) in the mountains 380 kilometres northwest of Hanoi, is an isolated retreat – ideal for relaxing in the cool mountain air. These mountains are home to some 30 colourful hill tribes, so gentle walks to various villages are the main activity. After enjoying the scenic hill trails, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese massage or reflexology treatment. For the ultimate in romance, ride the overnight Victoria Express Train from Hanoi. The journey and luxurious cabins are sure to get you in the right frame of mind for a romantic escape with a difference.
Luang Prabang recently made it onto the 2008 New York Times hottest destinations list. The hippest hotel is The Apsara (www.theapsara.com). A popular choice with design-conscious travellers, The Apsara has been described as the chicest place to rest your head in this heritage town. It offers a handful of spacious rooms, all decorated with intricate Lao textiles, four-poster beds and wooden period furniture. The corridors and guestrooms feature purple glass Buddhas and colourful hanging lights. Downstairs, a combined bar, restaurant and lounge is one of the town’s smartest chill-out spaces.
There are several remote islands around Malaysia perfect for a romantic retreat. Lankayan off Sandakan and the Sabah coast is about as remote as you can get. And while this appeals more to divers, the more accessible islands of Tioman and Langkawi may be preferred for short stays.
Japa Mala (www.japamalaresort.com) on Tioman is rustic and remote, while being fashionable and luxurious. Tioman’s isolation guarantees a sense of privacy rarely experienced in Asia these days. Guests can choose chalet or villa accommodation with sea views and jungle aspects, or even treehouses. All have interiors reminiscent of Asian island-style, many with personal plunge pools. While most guests come here to do – well - nothing, snorkelling, scuba diving and visits to the Samadhi Spa are options. The food is regional Asian with an emphasis on Indochinese delicacies. And Japa Mala is accessible to both Singapore and Malaysia by plane and ferry.
Langkawi is a little more than an hour’s flight from Singapore and not only does it feature duty free shopping but also some of the region’s – if not the world’s – best resorts. Check into The Datai (www.ghmhotels.com), Four Seasons Langkawi (www.fourseasons.com) or Bon Ton Resort (www.bontonresort.com.my) for heavenly surroundings, excellent service and some mighty fine food and wines – at duty free prices!
At the entrance to the Four Seasons, guests begin a journey that is as much one of indulgent relaxation and rejuvenation, as an exposition of Moghul and Malay village architecture. Little has been spared to create an indulgent beachside haven in the remote parts of Langkawi’s Tanjung Rhu. Each of the 91 villas and pavilions is so lavish, most guests check in and choose to stay put, soaking in Turkish-inspired baths big enough for two or lazing on the large lounges. Take time out to unwind in the resort spa, with its arches, pools and après treatments in secluded pavilions dotted on the mirrored surface of a small pond. Watch the sun sink into the Andaman Sea over a glass of Chardonnay at the Rhu Bar and then move onto seafood and Sauvignon Blanc at Ikan Ikan.
The Datai is hidden amongst ancient rainforests dating back millions of years, which meet the shallow turquoise waters of Datai Bay on a private beach. The 99-room Datai has perfected its style of proficient and friendly hospitality for savvy global travellers. Stay in recently-renovated villa rooms featuring local hardwoods and with oversized bathrooms. Savour spicy local cuisine in Gulai House, located between the beach and the forest.
But perhaps Langkawi’s most unique find is Bon Ton – a cluster of eight antique wooden Malay houses relocated to their coastal location beneath towering coconut palms. Each individual house on stilts oozes contemporary style melded with traditional design and is located around a lap pool, adjacent to Nam Restaurant and a lotus-lined lagoon. Start the evening with sunset drinks and servings of pita harissa or a plate of mezze dips served in Chin Chin Bar. The cuisine is described here as ‘west meets spice’ with dishes like lobster tails served with satay sauce on a guava salad. Bon Ton’s piece de resistance is their desserts so make sure you leave room for a dessert for two at the meal’s end.
When tour brochures wax lyrical about “crystal clear, turquoise waters and awe-inspiring and breathtaking scenery” you can be sure they feature the Maldives – a collection of more than 1,000 islands located off of the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Two idyllic retreats are Soneva Gili and Spa (www.sixsenses.com) and Soneva Fushi and Spa (www.sixsenses.com). Stay in one of 45 water villas at Soneva Gili or at one of seven Crusoe Residences only accessible by rowboat. Enjoy candlelit dinners in your villa or sample superb dégustation menus and some very serious vintages from an extensive wine cellar. Diving is the resorts’ most popular activity – apart from doing absolutely nothing.
While Soneva Fushi may be a mere dot in the Indian Ocean, it is one of the most impressive resorts in the world. It epitomises barefoot luxury, where the management insists on shoes being removed for the entire duration of your stay. While rustic in appearance, each of the resort’s 65 residences is a luxurious oasis of comfort and style. Isolation is one of Soneva Fushi’s appealing qualities, with a 30-minute journey by seaplane from Male’s international airport required.
If time is of the essence, Anantara Resort Maldives (www.anantara.com) is just 35 minutes from Male by speedboat and is spread over five acres on two islands – Dhigufinolhu and Veligandu Huraa – offering very different experiences. Dhigufinolhu is covered in lush vegetation and features just 68 beachfront villas – all with outdoor bathrooms and rain showers. While Veligandu Huraa is home to 36 over-water bungalows, seeming to float atop the Indian Ocean – all with private sundecks, leading to aqua waters brimming with coral gardens and marine life.
Posted Feb 08
