5 Stunning Resort Getaways in the Region for 2015

PUBLISHED February 24th, 2015 04:00 pm | UPDATED July 1st, 2020 12:27 am

At this point in 2015, you should have realized that 2015 is THE YEAR to take advantage of the public holidays. Literally all of them fall within a day or two of the weekend, meaning you can take some super long weekend breaks without racking up leave.

Like us, you work hard. And sometimes, you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, stay in some ridiculously lavish and luxurious hotel where you’re treated like a prince or princess, eat amazing food and fully explore the meaning of the word HOLIDAY (minus the vacation fatigue when you come home, too).

To help you on your journey, we’ve sussed out 5 awesome places to stay at around the region which are all just a short flight away. Be prepared to go wide eyed….

Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

For most people, Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud usually take the top spots in Bali. However, one great area that possesses some of Bali’s finest beaches and is also rich in culture would be Sanur. Sitting along Sanur beach is one of the Fairmont group’s newest hotels – and is it fabulous!

Comprising of only enormous, luxurious suites and villas, the suites in this ‘hotel’ range from 90m² to 181m², while the villas are gangantuan at 308m² – 660m². Suddenly my Singapore apartment feels very small. Anyone else?

Each villa features custom-made furniture, handcrafted fixtures, carefully curated artwork, as well as individual stone and wood pieces produced by local craftsmen. Oh, and the villas have their own private pools and a dedicated spa room!

As expected from the Fairmont group, the F&B venues are top notch and offer an impressive array of options. Headlined by signature restaurant Layang Layang specialising in authentic Indonesian cuisine, there’s also Nyala Beach Club & Grill, which serves light meals by day and transforms into a sophisticated poolside restaurant for Pan-Asian cuisine with a twist after sundown. The Lobby Lounge serves afternoon tea and local Balinese delicacies, with relaxing live music and cocktails in the evening.

As for that gorgeous beach, just hop past the 50m infinity pool and the eight beachfront cabanas along the island’s longest uninterrupted 5km beachfront walk. Not too shabby at all.

If you do feel like exploring the area, the hotel kindly offers complimentary bicycle rental. If for those inclined to golf, you’ll be pleased to know that the Sanur 9-hole Golf Club is only 5 mins away offering some superb courses.

If you’re looking for an amazing getaway, superb service and quality, somewhere away from the beaten track, this should be at top on your list. As it is ours.

Suite price: $350 – 600 SGD per night
Villa price: $750 – 1750 SGD per night

For more information and bookings, visit the Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali website. Their currently running the following promotions: 25% off for all the suites, Stay 2 Pay 1 for villas.

The Viceroy Bali

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Located in the highlands of Ubud, The Viceroy Bali is just utterly beautiful. This glorious 5 star resort offers stunning mountain views from all sides and incredibly luxurious staying options. Seriously, just look at that view!!!

It seems that The Viceroy was designed for honeymooners. All 5 types of villa options for your stay (150m² – 400m²) have incredible views and private pools.

Once you’re there, you’ll find a world class spa and gourmet Chefs waiting on you hand and food to make the most of your experience. Of course if you do feel like heading into central Ubud, there’s a free shuttle buss to take you there.

Oh, and if you’re feeling particuarly James Bond-ish, you can make use of their helicopter to get to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport in only 12 mins! Yes, they have a private helipad.

Villa price: $800 – $1500 SGD per night

For more information and bookings, visit their website.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket

Bang Tao Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Heading over to Thailand, Phuket has an ‘interesting’ reputation for vacationers. You have the kite boarders in the north at Surin beach, the backpackers and sleaze at Patong and host of other areas seemingly endless in their clientele. Beach goers looking for a genuinely relaxing vacation should consider Bang Tao beach, a 6.5km white sandy area on the Andaman sea. Located there is one of Phuket’s top hotels, the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, which happens to be the most well-priced on this list, too.

As expected from a 5 star Thai hotel in Phuket, the pool facilities are incredible, and only a stone’s throw from the beach itself. The spa is something that is very noteworthy and well worth a visit for those looking to pamper themselves.

Guests can enjoy a game of golf at the course beside the hotel, or take up a Thai cooking class. Watersports are also conducted within the resort. In other words, this is the kind of hotel you can come to and spend your entire time there!

We haven’t forgotten the foodies. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket offers 5 dining options where guests can sample international and Italian meals. Seafood and grills are offered at Casuarina Beach Restaurant and Pub, while Ruen Thai has traditional local delights. There’s live music live music and cocktails at the Horizon Lounge.

Room price: $300-400 SGD per night
Suite price: $500 – 700 SGD per night
Villa price: $800 – 1000 per night

For more information and booking, visit their website.

The Shore At Katathani

Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Moving to the Southwest tip of Phuket is The Shore At Katathani, one of the only ‘adult-only’ resorts in Phuket. Sorry, but you might have to leave the kids at home for this one.

The resort itself is a collection of villas ranging from 130m² to 260m² in size, all with their own balcony, private pool and built-in sound system. Facing over the west coast, the villas are ideal for romantic evenings watching the sun set.

During the day however, the resort conducts lessons such as fruit-picking, yoga and aqua aerobics. Serenity, its in-house spa, features relaxing body massage. Guests also have complimentary use of Katathani Phuket Beach Resort facilities; the pools, gardens, health clinic, tennis courts, game rooms, and golf putting greens.

If you’re still looking for adventure,  the tour desk helps to arrange day trips for anyone who wishes to head out of the resort.

Villa price: $750 – $1000 SGD per night

For more information and booking, visit their website.

Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa

Last but not least is Shangri-La’s resport and Spa in Borocay, a destination a little further away than Phuket or Bali but offers your stay will be as amazing, if not more.

Surrounded by hillsides overlooking the ocean, the resort itself maintains 350m of PRIVATE beach front. A great spot to enjoy the crystal clear waters that surround. And if you feel like heading further to sea, kayaking, scuba diving, and sunset cruises on a wind sail are also available.

The rooms themselves are luxurious as you’d expect, but the unique tree top villas (216m² – 266m²) really take the cake, offering incredible sea views from their enormous balconies. Just visually stunning.

In the evenings, the F&B options are superb. From the cliff-top Sirena Restaurant which serves fresh seafood dishes to the tree top Rima Restaurant dishes up exquisite Italian fare. Other dining options include pizzas at Cielo, international buffet at Vintana and cocktails at the hotel’s 3 bars… Boozy weekend anyone?

Room Price: $600 – $800 SGD per night
Villa Price: $1300 – $1800 SGD per night (not including taxes and fees)

For more information and booking, visit their website.

Feeling a vacation?