Is it even summer if you don’t spend it on the beach in the company of your Piña Colada? We think not. With countries easing their restrictions for travellers, all we’re doing is thinking of our next holiday. And what better way to spend this season on the beach or a resort that faces one? Watching the sunset by the sea, walking to the sound of waves, lounging on a hammock under a palm tree, getting that natural tan–picturing this is making us want to pack our bags STAT! You too? We’re here to simplify your life. From sea-facing glass villas to rustic looking beach resorts, here’s where you can escape for you upcoming beach vacay!
1. Raffles, Bali
Imagine entering your room and seeing that the bath is already drawn with an aroma of rose petals, or being offered an aloe vera jar after travelling in the hot Bali sun–all courtesy of the wellness butler here who will ensure you have a rejuvenating stay. Whether you want to choose a hill top pool villa with the a view of the deep blue sea or something that is a few steps away from the beach, every room is an oasis of wellbeing–a stress-free haven. But that’s not all. You can get the taste of Bali through authentic Indonesian cuisine at the in-house restaurant Rumari or even indulge in cocktails and international delicacies at Loloan Beach Bar & Grill. Be rest assured you’ll leave the property feeling re-energised.
2. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andaman
The perks of staying on an island are that you get the best of both worlds–the view of a gorgeous beach as well as lush greenery from the dense forest. Andaman’s Taj property is a luxurious resort that gives access to both. Occupying 46 acres on Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa features 72 modern villas on stilts under a canopy of coconut tress, a contemporary haven built without cutting off a single tree. After arriving on the island, you are introduced to its culture as the young Nicobari staff welcomes you with a traditional song. From chilling on the massive buttresses of an Andaman Padauk tree or by the water lily pond after a lavish massage, there’s a lot to see at the vast space. Adventure enthusiasts can also head for activities like kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling and more. If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll love the fresh fish and lobsters served here.
3. Breeze On The Beach, Alibaug
Looking for a short getaway with your squad? Then sail across the waters and head to Alibaug’s luxurious and cosy villa. Just five minutes after you get off the Mandwa Jetty, you’ll arrive at the quaint villa with antique interiors. Surrounded by coconut trees and sand, the property exudes positive and happy vibes–just what you need as a break from that hustle and bustle back home. You can choose to have delicious meals prepped for you in the villa or order in some food from restaurants. Take Insta-worthy snaps by the pool, bask on the hammock with your besties, or chill out by verandah or cabana in the evening here. As the villa opens up to the beach, can also enjoy an evening drink by the shore!
4. Privasea Beach Villa, Kerela
Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise and sea view from the comfort of your bed at this private villa. It’s perfect for those who like a secluded space away from the crowded city, but close enough to some of the tourist hotspots. At Privasea Beach Villa, you’ll experience a personalised stay as a concierge-cum-chef will whip up fresh, delectable meals for you and take care of whatever you need. What’s more? A compact verandah and an open terrace to soak in the serenity, an outdoor dining area and barbecue station for enjoying a barbecue and drinking sesh as well as a comfortable hammock for you to chill and read a book while enjoying the breezy winds of the sea.
5. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
The Maldives is one of the hottest luxurious island destinations at the moment. With every celebrity heading there and posting pics against the white sand beaches and pristine blue waters, we too feel like heading there ASAP! Now that there are so many new beach resorts and villas there, it’s hard to decide which one to choose. We’re here to help. Trust us and make the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru your humble abode for your island vacay. It’s a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where iridescent blues, jungle greens and dazzling whites meets conservation and wellness. Snorkel with manta rays in aquarium-like waters, rehabilitate sea turtles in the Marine Discovery Centre, experience world-class wellness treatments at AyurMa and indulge in cuisine made by the staff under the mentorship of the two-Michelin-starred chef Gaetano Trovato at Blu Beach Club. It’s luxury at its best!
6. Agonda Villas, Goa
Sipping on a margarita in a warm sunken jacuzzi of your villa overlooking the sea view–this is the experience you’ll get at Agonda villas, nestled in Agonda beach. It features 5 sets of thatched-roof villas that showcases the beautiful blend of luxury and the typical aesthetic of a Goan shack. There is a restaurant at the compound that allows you to enjoy the option of in-room service, besides complimentary breakfast every morning. What’s not to love?
7. Villa Ananda At Jivana Beach Villas, Phuket, Thailand
In less than thirty minutes from the Phuket International Airport, you will enter paradise and beachfront bliss. The seven-bedroom Villa Ananda is located on the white sands of Phang Nga’s Natai Beach. This villa houses four individual pavilions over 9,500sqm of beachfront property with spacious indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, an immense kitchen, family room, 25-metre lap pool and a vast tropical garden with well-manicured lawns. Expect nothing short of royal treatment here with a personal Thai chef making aromatic and tasty Thai food, a villa manager, groundskeeper, housekeeping, service staff, concierge team and 24-hour security.
8. Akuvara in Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Thailand
Perfect for families or a large group of friends who love lazy beach holidays, this villa is a hidden gem sitting on the southern stretch of one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful yet quietest beach, Lipa Noi. Meaning ‘the sea’ in ancient Sanskrit, Akuvura promises sea views in plenty–especially because it’s designed with large expanses of glass for you to see the ocean from indoors. Every whim is met by an ever-smiling staff, who’ll also serve you made-to-order five-star meals. Brownie points go here for the useful amenities offered here–complimentary one-way airport pickup and dropoff along with massages that can be arranged in-room, in the sala or near the beach.
9. Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand
Escape to a tropical paradise at Krabi’s exotic and earthy property. Choose from resort’s 94 two-storey pavilions and 7 luxurious villas spread across gardens and coconut groves, just a few minutes’ walk from Railay and Phranang Beaches. Take your pick from the multiple sea excursions arranged here–whether it’s having a romantic date on a deserted beach or spending a day on luxurious speedboats visiting Phi Phi Island or Phang Nga Bay. Adrenaline junkies can soak in the breathtaking Krabi landscape by kayaking through a pristine mangrove forest, or hike a nature trail to a waterfall or learn scuba diving from your own private dive boat–these activities will elevate your experience. And after working your legs all day, head back to the villa for a relaxing massage therapy. Then head to any of the dining venues ranging from international to light Asian fare to traditional Thai served in a variety of attractive settings.
10. Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Philippines
Whether you’re seeking a well-deserved getaway with your partner, quality time with your family, or simply to get away from the city with a solo retreat, the Shangri-La Boracay’s villas are the ideal seaside luxury home for you. While many villas offer stunning ocean views, you get direct access to the resort’s private Banyugan Beach only via the two-bedroom Beach Villa. If you’re the type who only wants to relax in a tranquil space, this resort is perfect for you. Saunter in a pristine robe in the villa’s spacious walk-in-wardrobe, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine by the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the sea, or dine at the outdoor pergola arranged with the help of your personal butler service. Don’t forget to relax your mind and body through Chi, The Spa’s signature therapies. These are based on the Five Elements Theory, in which Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth are in balance to harmonise with the positive Yang and negative Yin energy within the body.
Need a stylish swimsuit to carry to your summer vacay? Check out our list of swimsuits to rock this summer here.
