BEST FOR A FAMILY VACATION
MAALIFUSHI BY COMO, THAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
Open since March 2014
Not just a favourite of honeymooners, Maldives is also a family-friendly destination. A seaside vacation at Maalifushi by Como, on the pristine Thaa Atoll, promises an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The island resort’s Beach Suites and Beach Villas come with private pools, lawns and sundecks, as well as direct access to the beach. Book a stay in the Maalifushi Water Villa, and enjoy the luxurious over-water bungalow comprising two bedrooms, a private pool and a private jetty - ideal for a small family.
Proceed to have fun under the sun with beachside picnics, or go snorkelling in the company of dolphins from the prow of a privately chartered dhoni, a traditional handcrafted fishing boat. Surfing and sailing are popular pastimes, and the crystal clear lagoon is safe for swimming. The resort also provides childminding services at the kid’s club, Play by Como, if you and Hubby crave an invigorating rubdown at the famed Como Shambhala Retreat.
Price: From US$800++ (S$1,057++) for a one-night stay in a Beach Suite, depending on the season. www.comohotels.com/maalifushi
THE SEA SHANTY, BALI, INDONESIA
Open since June 2014
A four-bedroom luxury villa located in the pleasant, low-key Balinese village of Jimbaran, The Sea Shanty was conceptualised is aimed at young families, so you can expect a slew of child-friendly features like a wading pool, an optional pool safety fence, non-slip floors, high chairs and kids’ cutlery. You’ll also find plenty of children’s toys, books, DVDs and even a chalkboard wall within the villa, all of which will surely keep the little ones entertained.
From the villa, you can drive to Waterbom Bali, a water park with rides and attractions, or to Bali Safari & Marine Park for a fun day out. You can also go swimming and surfing at the nearby Jimbaran Beach. There are numerous restaurants, bars and boutiques to visit around the area, and you can round off your evenings by embarking on a boat cruise and enjoying spectacular views of the sunset.
Price: Rates start from US$630++ (S$833) per night, depending on the season. www.seashantyjimbaran.com
BEST FOR A GETAWAY WITH THE GIRLS
AMBALAMA VILLA, BALI, INDONESIA
Open since June 2014
Have a girlfriend who’s about to tie the knot? Stage a memorable hen party for her at Ambalama Villa, a complex of four guest villas nestled in the traditional Balinese village of Cemagi. Besides the usual sun, surf and sand offerings (you’ll be just 50 metres away from the beach!), the villa offers a three-day, two-night “Hen Party Package” that includes round-trip airport transfers, daily breakfast, a three-course dinner, an hour-long Balinese massage for each guest, as well as a complimentary bottle of champagne.
When you and your girlfriends are done lounging about in the villa, embark on a tour of the village and its paddy fields to learn more about Balinese traditions, then drink in gorgeous views of the sunset along the black sand beach. Or party it up at one of the many nightspots in lively Seminyak, which is a mere 20 minutes’ drive away.
Price: The “Hen Party Package” costs US$450 nett (S$595) per guest. The villa can be booked for a minimum of four guests, and up to a party of 10. www.ambalamavilla.com
THE CASTLE HOTEL, DALIAN, CHINA
Open since September 2014
Grab your girlfriends and splurge on a fairy-tale holiday at this opulent hotel, which is truly a destination in itself. The Bavarian-style castle (inspired by the famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany) is perched on top of Lotus Mountain, with panoramic views of Xinghai Bay and the Yellow Sea. Its interiors are no less palatial – think intricate stonework, handcrafted wood furnishings, glittering chandeliers and soaring ceilings. Each of its 292 guestrooms and suites also feature luxe European linens, plush lounge chairs and oversized bathtubs.
Take the pampering up a notch at the luxurious Kaiser Spa, or zen out at the Fitness Centre’s yoga studio. You can also step outside to explore the vibrant city of Dalian – soak up the sights and sounds at Fisherman’s Wharf, or explore the Golden Pebble Beach at Jinshi Bay. The hotel also offers a concierge service that can help you and your girlfriends plan customised itineraries.
Price: Enjoy opening rates from RMB1,280++ (S$275) per night until March 31. www.theluxurycollection.com/castle
BEST FOR A ROMANTIC RETREAT
THE SANCHAYA, BINTAN, INDONESIA
Open since January 2015
This upscale beachfront resort is the epitome of elegance, blending Southeast Asian design elements with colonial splendour. While there are a total of 21 villas and 9 suites to choose from, we recommend that you and Hubby luxuriate in one of the Lawan Villas, which are furnished with romantic canopied beds and freestanding bath tubs overlooking private gardens. There are also lavish amenities to boot, such as Ploh bed and bath linen and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. You can expect service to be top-notch, as the resort’s staff is trained at the prestigious British Butler Institute in London.
Looking for something to do? Go for a wine tasting at the Decanter, opt for a massage at the exquisite Sanchaya Spa, or simply soak up the sun’s rays by the resort’s infinity pool. Of course, you and hubby can just spend quality time together on the beach with a cocktail in hand. The best part is, it’s just a 50-minute ferry ride away.
Price: Opening rates start from US$490++ (S$648++) for a 1-bedroom villa at Lawan Village, until March 31. The regular rate of US$795++ (S$1,051++) upwards applies thereafter. www.thesanchaya.com
X2 RIVER KWAI, KANCHANABURI, THAILAND
Open since July 2014
Forget hectic Bangkok and head to the laid-back town of Kanchanaburi for a rejuvenating couple getaway. There, you can unwind at the gorgeous X2 River Kwai resort, located along the Kwai Noi River. Instead of the usual stately villas, quirky industrial-chic cabins offer guests panoramic views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Facilities include an infinity pool with sun lounges and sunbeds, a restaurant with a river view and an outdoor deck, iPads for loan and a library. You can also rent bicycles to explore nearby forests, mountains, caves and waterfalls.
The resort is currently offering a “River Romance” package, which includes perks like two glasses of champagne upon arrival, daily champagne breakfasts, a dozen roses and a romantic riverside dinner for two. We can’t imagine a better way to up the romance stakes!
Price: The “River Romance” package starts from 6967++ baht (S$280++) per night for a PoolXide Cabin, until May 31. A minimum two-night stay is required. www.x2resorts.com/resorts/river-kwai
TELUNAS PRIVATE ISLAND, RIAU ISLANDS, INDONESIA
Open since July 2014
Whisk Hubby away for a holiday at the secluded Telunas Private Island, located just three hours away from Singapore by boat. Kick back and relax in one of 15 rustic over-water villas fashioned from upcycled wooden boats. Each villa also boasts a private veranda that offers guests scenic views of the ocean.
There’s no wi-fi on the island, so you and Hubby can disconnect from your mobile devices and reconnect with each other instead. Go fishing, stand-up paddling or kayaking, or simply laze about on the beach. For a surprise romantic touch, consider prescheduling a couple’s massage on your private veranda or organising a candlelight dinner for two on the jetty. We recommend booking a stay during weekdays or during the island’s designated “kid-free” weekends (email the resort to enquire) for maximum peace and quiet.
Price: From S$225 per night for two persons, excluding meals. www.telunasresorts.com
This article was originally published in Simply Her March 2015.