OUR EXPERTS:
Chua Hui Wan, chief executive officer of Zuji Singapore
Sheryl Lim, regional director of Asia, Insight Vacations
Ishanth Gunewardene, head of sales and marketing, Jetwing Hotels
1 BERJAYA LANGKAWI RESORT, MALAYSIA
Surrounded by a forest and located at Burau Bay, Berjaya Langkawi has wooden chalets on stilts, standing over land and water, spread over 28 hectares. It has a secluded beach where you can arrange for a candlelit dinner. During the day, go island hopping and snorkelling, cycle to a waterfall or try batik painting.
Price From RM572 ($222) a night for a Rain Forest Chalet. E-mail langkawi.rsvn@berjayahotel.com; www.berjayahotel.com/langkawi/
2 THE REES HOTEL QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
With breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, The Rees Hotel Queenstown is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet refuge that’s still close to the town centre. It’s on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand’s South Island.
The hotel can organise a wide range of activities to keep you busy, from adventure experiences (think hot-air ballooning and rafting, among others) to relaxing outings (like lake cruising and fly fishing) and heritage tours (to places like the Chinese Settlement and the Central Otago Wine Trail). In the evening, sample local produce at the hotel’s award-winning fine-dining restaurant, then go stargazing with Hubby at the rooftop observatory.
Price From NZ$295 ($305) a night for an Executive Lakeview Hotel Room with Spa Bath. E-mail reservations@ therees.co.nz; www.therees.co.nz
3 THE LUXE MANOR, KOWLOON, HONG KONG
Escape into this surrealist-inspired boutique hotel in Kowloon. Its quirky and luxurious rooms are a perfect bolthole after all the shopping and dining around Hong Kong.
At night, have a romantic dinner at the private dining room, Eden – its flower-lined walls will make you feel as if you’re in a beautiful garden. After dinner, stroll along the banks of Victoria Harbour, a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Price From HK$1,800 ($289) a night for a Premier Double room. E-mail rsvn@theluxemanor.com; www.theluxemanor.com
4 ASHFORD CASTLE, IRELAND
Pretend, for a day or three, that you’re a princess in a mediaeval castle in the west of Ireland. Ashford – the country’s oldest castle – has carefully restored halls, soaring turrets and expansive grounds.
Try your hand at a host of outdoor activities like archery, horseback riding, fishing or even falconry – the oldest established falconry school in Ireland is located here. Spend an afternoon relaxing at the spa and take a one-hour evening cruise around Lough Corrib – Ireland’s largest lake – before dining like royalty in the hotel’s elegant George V restaurant.
Price From 195 euros ($330) a night for a Corrib room and breakfast for two. E-mail reservations@ashford.ie; www.ashford.ie
5 JETWING VIL UYANA, SIGIRIYA, SRI LANKA
If you want to experience nature, history and wildlife, stay at the uniquely designed Jetwing Vil Uyana in the ancient city of Sigiriya. The hotel’s thatched cabanas were built on a man-made wetland, an area that has become home to birds, mammals, butterflies and amphibians.
The hotel can arrange eco walks, cycling trips and tours around the city’s world-famous rock fortress and archaeological sites. You can also go on excursions to two other historical cities, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Price From US$250 ($310) a night for a Garden Dwelling, including breakfast for two. E-mail
viluyana@jetwinghotels.com; www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingviluyana
6 AVISTA HIDEAWAY RESORT AND SPA, PHUKET, THAILAND
Built on a hill overlooking Patong and Tri Trang beaches in southern Phuket, this new luxury hotel might make you want to just stay in, relax and enjoy the pampering spa treatments. The resort has panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, especially at sunset.
The rooms are spacious and stylish, with their own balconies, and the resort has a large infinity pool. Get Hubby to arrange a private dinner on the rooftop for a romantic evening.
Price From 9,000 baht ($354) a night for a Buena Vista room, including breakfast for two. E-mail reservations@avistahotelsandresorts.com; www.hideaway.avistahotelsandresorts.com
7 HOTEL PALLADIUM, MYKONOS, GREECE
You’ll be tempted to stay in bed all day or just lounge on your balcony at this boutique hotel on the island of Mykonos, in the Aegean Sea. The family-run property is on a hill overlooking two popular beaches, Platys Gialos and Psarrou. Take a slow walk down to sunbathe and swim in the crystal-clear waters, and don’t be surprised if you spot celebrities.
The Greek Islands are a dream destination for honeymooners, with their pretty whitewashed buildings and stunning landscapes. From Mykonos, go island-hopping, and make sure you visit Santorini, which has picturesque villages stacked around its steep hillside.
Price From 153 euros ($259) a night for a Double Sea View Room, including breakfast for two. The hotel is open from May 1 to Oct 15. E-mail info@hotelpalladium.gr; www.hotelpalladium.gr
8 PADMA RESORT BALI AT LEGIAN, INDONESIA
This luxurious resort is just steps away from popular Legian Beach. The resort’s Balinese-style gardens will make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise – lounge around the pool, and in the late afternoon, have cocktails at the sunken pool bar.
If you feel like shopping, you’ll find that you’re already near art shops and fashion boutiques. You can also walk to Seminyak, with its many dining options.
Price From US$219 ($273) a night for a Deluxe Chalet room. E-mail reservation@padmaresortbali.com; www.padmaresortbali.com
This article was originally published in Simply Her February 2014.
All pricing information was correct at the time of the magazine’s publication. We advise readers to check with the hotels for the latest availability and pricing information.