3 ideal luxury resorts to spend your summer in Vietnam

Sipping a cold cocktail on a white sand beach, with a dense jungle at your back and the lapping of the tide gently soothing your senses – what could be better? Vietnam’s luxury beach resorts are some of the best in Asia, with luxurious accommodation available at affordable rates all along the country’s 3,200 kilometers of coastline.
 
Fantastic Vietnamese food and the sunny warmth of both climate and its people make this a great choice for relaxing and unwinding in stunning surroundings.

Princess d'Annam Resort & Spa

Facing a century-old French light house and placed in a picturesque surrounding amidst magnificent sceneries, the Princess d’Annam Resort is Vietnam’s first all-villa luxury boutique resort. The hotel is situated on the pristine bay of Ke Ga about a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh city. Overlooking the South China Sea, it is features stunning mountains, red canyons, sand dunes, and a rich ecosystem. Guests can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities from four-wheel exploration on dirt roads or spectacular mountain raids, to playing at one of Vietnam’s best golf course.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a top-picked destination when it comes to a beach vacation in Vietnam. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang is a 5-star international resort where you can peacefully rest in a fresh and natural atmosphere with cool sea breezes combined with the aroma of grass and plants. With an area of 26,000 square meters, this resort is designed with traditional Vietnamese coconut leaf roofs. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is one of the first resorts in Vietnam that receive many prestigious awards from tourism associations in Vietnam and around the world.

Anantara Mui Ne

Set on Mui Ne’s pristinely sweeping beach, Anantara Mui Ne Resort is an oasis of elegance and comfort offering a unique and exclusive way to experience the southern coast of Vietnam. Mornings are spent by the pool deck, afternoons by hikes through nearby sand dunes, and evenings by a soothing spa treatment before starlit dinners near the beach. Expertly blending Vietnamese tradition and legendary Anantara service, the resort offers a tropical retreat, worlds away from Vietnam’s urban bustle. Rooms are set in the serenely designed main building that embodies a contemporary grace infused with touches of Vietnamese charm, while more exclusive private villas are located in impeccably landscaped, tropical garden.

See more: The best day trips from Hoi An, Vietnam

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The best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been transformed in recent years. Initially, Sri Lanka’s beach resorts were aimed primarily at the package holiday crowd and traditional travel operators and were only located on the west coast. But the past decade has brought a major change, with the growth of villas, boutique hotels, and small independent hotels offering a huge array of choices. 

Amanwella, Tangalle

The Amanwella resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Dickwella. The resort is situated amongst a coconut grove facing onto a white sand beach. Most suites are dotted along the hillside and connected by pathways that also lead down to the main public areas, infinity pool and beach. The Ocean suites enjoy clear views of the ocean and feature a six by four meters private pool. The resort is contemporary in design and constructed with many traditional materials, including Sri Lankan roof tiles and hand-hewn stone.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has always been known as the party center of Sri Lanka. Famous with the young crowd, surfers, young families and backpackers, Hikkaduwa is a great hang-out spot. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is an artful resort full of murals and other great decor. Trance music is the center of attention here, as well as the laid back beach lifestyle.

Dolphin Beach Resort, Ilanthadiya

Not your usual beach resort, Dolphin Beach is more of a glamping experience. With two styles of luxury tent, a communal dome for sundowners and an infinity pool overlooking the beach, this hotel has it all for eco-lovers and peace seekers. Dolphin Beach is located on Kalpitiya Beach, a bit off the beaten path but well known by the kite surfing crowd. Activities at the resort include kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and whale watching.

Read more: Best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka

Jetwing Blue, Negombo

Jetwing Blue is located at Negombo, a popular resort town on Sri Lanka’s Western coast. Surrounded by graceful palms, the Jetwing Blue features a total of 112 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1970, and then named Blue Oceanic Hotel, it marked the beginning of Jetwing Hotels. It has grown from a small 6 room hotel to one of the most prominent beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

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Get relaxed beach resorts in the Philippines

The Philippines is a popular tourist destination. Whether you come to visit its many sights around the country or just to spend your holiday in one spot, you’re sure to have a dream vacation here. If relaxation is your primary reason to visit, you won’t be disappointed. Since this Southeast Asian country is made up of many islands, beach resorts in the Philippines abound, each offering a smorgasbord of water activities and relaxation options.

Bohol Beach Club

With an emphasis on healthy outdoor activates, the Bohol Beach Club makes it fun and easy to keep in shape while on holiday. You can choose from activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and pedal boating or biking. But, if you played too hard in the sun, the Bohol Beach Club offers massages to work out the kinks and ease those tired muscles. Buildings center around an outdoor pool or you can go for a swim in the ocean just steps away. This newly renovated three-star is on Panglao island.

Plantation Bay Resort

Although Plantation Bay Resort is right on the beach, you won’t have to jump the waves to go canoeing and paddle boarding. That is because the resort has its own private waterway, one of the largest in the world. The resort is near a top diving site, with coral reefs and shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. The hotel has all the graciousness of the tropical plantation it resembles. Spacious rooms have specially designed sleeping tubs, while restaurants serve everything from fried bananas to shrimp tempura.

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island

El Nido Resorts on Lagen Island calls itself an eco-sanctuary, a place that is designed to preserve the surrounding environment. On one side of the resort, there’s a lush forest; on the other side, tranquil bay waters. You can relax by going bird- or wildlife watching or looking at the scenery from limestone rock formations to the jungle. You can get your daily exercise by sailing, hiking a nature trail, swimming or working out at the fitness center, followed by a relaxing massage.

Shangri-La's Boracay

Lush vegetation gives Shangri-La’s Boracay a very intimate feel, almost like you’re on a deserted island. Located on Puka Shell Beach on scenic Boracay island, the resort’s white sand beaches and green forest make for a winning combination. Water activities range from lounging on the beach to parasailing to deep sea diving. You can rejuvenate yourself at the full-service spa that offers treatments using Chinese and Philippine techniques. Your dining options include a cliff-top restaurant that specializes in seafood.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort

Green is a relaxing, serene color; it reminds us of the great outdoors Which makes Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort the perfect spot for relaxation. Located on Palawan island in the West Philippine Sea, this small resort is surrounded by lush green vegetation. You can walk along the beach, swim in an enormous pool or just walk through the jungle. If you’re looking for different water activity, consider a ride on the nearby Puerto Princessa Underground River — Daluyon is the closest resort to the river.

Read more: Top most beautiful towns in the Philippines

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The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

If you are looking for private island resorts to stay away from hustle and bustle of the city and make a perfect getaway, here are the best resorts with crystal clear water, palm trees and white beaches you can enjoy.

Southeast Asia is home to plenty of impressive beaches boasting stretches of fine white sand, lush islands with sprawling emerald rainforests, and impressive waterfront resorts that will make any traveler swoon in delight.

1. Bawah, Indonesia

Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons and coral reefs, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area cater to outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence as well as paradise seekers looking for relaxation. Among the many islands in Anambas archipelago, Bawah stands out as a favorite dive destination as well as an exclusive luxurious getaway that offers the perfect serenity away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

2.Song Saa, Cambodia

On two little islands in the untouched Koh Ring Archipelago in Cambodia sits Song Saa, the country’s first private island resort. Built with luxury and sustainability in mind, the resort boasts 24 luxury jungle and overwater villas made from recycled and reclaimed materials, each with their very own private pools and spectacular views. Nature lovers will absolutely delight in the resort's very own sanctuary, where local flora and fauna flourish.

3. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

Leave the crowds in Bali behind and enter your very own island paradise - Nihi. 12 hand-built luxury suites offering an undisturbed view of the beach and sea can be found nestled among the island’s untouched rainforest. Immerse in the island’s rich, unspoiled culture, warmly welcomed by the locals, and lose yourself in the countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences in this “edge of wildness”: surf one of Indonesia’s best waves, paddle down the Wanukaka river through remote villages and explore the island’s unspoilt nature on the back of a horse.

4. Amanpulo, Philippines

Part of the Cuyo Archipelago northeast of Palawan Island lies the ultimate island paradise getaway of Amanpulo. This award-winning island retreat is surrounded by the finest white sand and clearest ocean waters stretching eternally in all shades of light turquoise to deep blue. Lose yourself in exploring the seven square kilometers of pristine coral reef surrounding the island just 300 meters off the beach with conditions suitable for absolute beginners to experienced divers.

Each property on the island is so secluded that you won’t even witness another soul, allowing for a truly private experience. At the same time, Amanpulo has all the luxury amenities of any Aman property, whilst been carefully embellished with local touches.

5. Cempedak, Indonesia

The newly opened sister property of well-known island paradise Nikoi lives up to its expectations, reflecting equally the owner’s passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine. Embraced by white sandy beaches and covered with a lush tropical rain forest, the private pool villas of the luxury boutique island resort blend in harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

You will feel completely cut off from the hectic outside world when escaping to the thoughtfully designed, uber-stylish bamboo-structured villas each with mesmerizing ocean views and private pools. Prepare to be enjoyed with the most delicious cuisine whilst living it up in this place.

6. Vivanta By Taj, Malaysia

Floating off the coast of Langkawi on Malaysia's Rebak Island, Vivanta By Taj balances private island mystique with contemporary touches. Across the 390 acres of natural paradise, guests can enjoy remote beaches, 300-million-year-old forests, coral reefs, and dense mazes of mangroves. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in this island, but if you'd love to experience the colorful marine life without diving into the deep, Underwater World Langkawi, back on the main island, showcases both penguins and fur seals. Moreover, among the most romantic spots, the Moon Deck is a wooden jetty where couples can enjoy private and personalized dinners overlooking the Senari Straits.

Read more: Spend a day enjoying in Nusa Penida, Bali

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5 best luxury hotels in Maldives

Dreaming of a picture perfect island vacation? Maldives hotels are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in the world. Think isolated private islands, seemingly illusory over-water villas, and sparkling pristine lagoons.

Velaa Private Island

Ever wondered what you'd do if you were rich enough to afford your own island? Velaa Private Island is the 'beyond luxury' boutique hideaway owned and created by a Czech billionaire. Word has it that he invested $220 million to realize his dream.

The name Velaa comes from the sea turtles that inhabit the island, and they feature prominently in the hotel's contemporary design.

Privacy and comfort are the focus at Velaa Private Island. You'll find it hard to choose between the beachfront and over-water accommodations, as they're both sumptuous and subtlety classy in muted colors. All come with butlers, and alluring outdoor spaces with alfresco dining areas, bathrooms, day beds, and private swimming pools. However, those above the water also have glass viewing panels in the floors of their living rooms, and face either the sunrise or the sunset. For the ultimate honeymoon, look no further than the exclusive one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence. It's only accessible by boat.

Rooms: 47 villas, houses, and residences, 18 of which are over-water. The largest has four bedrooms, spread over two levels on a private stretch of beach.

Rates: Expect to pay around $2,750 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $1,800 USD upwards per night during the low season.

Facilities: Spa, yoga, golf course, tennis court, dive center, fleet of marine vessels (including a submarine and luxury yacht), kid's club, swimming pool, boutiques, library, three restaurants, two bars (including one by the poolside with DJ), and the largest wine and champagne collection in the Maldives.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

You'd expect a hotel owned by luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy to be spectacular, and Cheval Blanc Randheli certainly doesn't disappoint. It was conceptualized by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who's widely known for his decadent hotel designs.

Cheval Blanc Randheli is sleek, stylish and glamorous -- and it has what are possibly the best villas in the Maldives. They're modern, with natural materials and textures effortlessly blended in. Can't decide if you'd prefer an island or water villa? The Garden Water Villas are built on stilts over the lagoon and open to a lush private garden in the back, so you get the best of both.

Art is a feature at the hotel, with many pieces that have been especially commissioned by Vincent Beaurin. Don't expect to see the flashy showcasing of Louis Vuitton logos and labels though. The hotel goes beyond that!

Rooms: 46 villas, all with private swimming pools. The four bedroom Owner's Villa is situated on its own private island.

Rates: Expect to pay around $3,500 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $2,300 USD upwards per night during the low season.

Facilities: Spa, yoga, dive center, kids club and teens club, Turkish hammam, swimming pool, boutique stocking exclusive products, five restaurants, thee bars, wine and cigar cellars. Bespoke experiences and activities are offered.

Soneva Jani

When intimacy is essential, head Soneva Jani. Opened in late 2016, this new hotel has only 25 villas, making it one of the smallest in the Maldives. It's low on density and big on privacy.

Like its predecessor Soneva Fushi, the hotel was designed by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders. The highlight of some of the villas are undoubtedly its retractable roofs in the master bedroom, so you can stargaze in bed at the touch of a button. Some of the water villas also feature slides from the top deck directly into the sea.

Medhufaru Island used to be a farming island, and guests can follow walking trails through the organic gardens that supply the hotel's kitchen.

Rooms: 25 villas (24 water villas and one island villa). Each has its own saltwater pool.

Rates: Expect to pay around $3,200 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $2,000 USD upwards per night during the low season.

Facilities: Spa, yoga, dive center, dolphin cruises, tennis court, kids club, observatory with high powered telescope, outdoor cinema, library, boutique, swimming pool, several restaurants, wine cellar.

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Not only can you stay over the water at the new St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, you can dine and drink over the water as well, for the ultimate sea experience. The hotel's tapas Whale Bar juts out into the ocean and is the perfect sunset spot!

If that's not enough, the hotel also has a massive signature over-water Iridium Spa. Focused on wellness, it comes with an Ayurvedic specialist, acupuncturist, hydrotherapy pool, private steam rooms, and spa cuisine.

This stunning new luxury Maldives hotel opened in late 2016, on a leafy 22 acre private island, and it's certainly been set up to facilitate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Rooms: 77 villas, all with their own pools.

Rates: Expect to pay around $2,500 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $1,300 USD upwards per night during the low season.

Facilities: Spa, dive center, water sports center, tennis court, fitness center, kids club, recreation area, four restaurants plus a pop-up dining experience, two bars, swimming pool, library, underground wine cellar.

Six Senses Laamu

The Six Senses Laamu resort has perfected the art of eco chic, with a Robinson Crusoe castaway feel. The rustic yet hip villas and their furniture have been made from timber grown in sustainable forests. Cushions in vibrantly colored fabric add a modern twist. Highlights in the Water Villas include glass sunken bathtubs and glass-bottomed dining areas.

Much of the resort is situated over the water as well, including lobby, restaurants and bars, wine cellar, dive center, library, and gift shop. The spa, on the island, is just as striking. Its cocoon shaped treatment rooms are made from twigs and branches twined together!

What's more, Six Senses Laamu is the only luxury resort in Laamu Atoll, where dolphins swim. Outstanding surfing is also to be had there, with the world-class Yin Yang surf break nearby.

Rooms: 72 over-water villas, 25 beach villas. Some have private pools.

Rates: Expect to pay around $2,100 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $800 USD upwards per night during the low season.

Facilities: Extensive spa with Ayurvedic therapies, dive center, water sports center, kids club, six restaurants and bars, swimming pool.

See more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

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Best luxurious resorts in Vietnam

Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from simple dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Situated right outside the very center of Hanoi, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is within a 10-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake and the National Museum of Vietnamese History. The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool. Wellness facilities include a Turkish steam bath, a jacuzzi and a spa bath and a relaxing massage session can be requested. Family-friendly rooms are available, big enough to accommodate guests traveling with kids.

Park Hyatt Saigon

The Park Hyatt is situated on Lam Son Square in Ho Chi Minh City providing guests with easy access to such attractions as the Saigon Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater. The 252 guestrooms available at the Park Hyatt Saigon include amenities such as air-conditioning, cable television, and high-speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, a fitness center and a full-service spa, which offers a selection of massages and beauty treatments.

See more: 4 romantic getaways in Vietnam

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang

Situated at Nha Trang’s beachfront, the Evason Ana Mandara offers stunning views of Nha Trang Bay. Featuring luxury, elegant design and decor, the luxury resort offers guest rooms that are either situated in the lush tropical gardens or with spectacular views of the sea. Each unit is provided with a Jacuzzi and has free internet access. There are several dining options, from the Pavilion Restaurant that offers Vietnamese and International specialties to the Beach Restaurant where visitors can taste freshest local seafood by the infinity swimming pool.

Bai Tram Hideaway Resort

Properly, peaceful hideaway Bai Tram is a place of such rare beauty you can't believe that you haven't heard before. A sandy bumpy track leads past shacks within roofs aflame with bougainvillea, past a wide mouth of blue water and a rickety bamboo bridge; past shrimp farms and velvet-eyed cows. The road ascends to the entrance, where you climb out of the car to take in the view: a 100-hectare sweep of creamy white sand and green bush encircled by hills, remote and stunning.

See more: 5 most luxurious resorts in Quy Nhon

Pilgrimage Village

The Pilgrimage Village is located 4 miles from Hue’s city center and offers guests a rustic village setting. The luxury resort was renovated in 2007 and offers a blend of local culture, modern art concepts, and traditional Vietnamese style elements. A total of 99 accommodation units are available including 72 deluxe units, 15 honeymoon bungalows, 5 honeymoon pool huts, and 3 traditional Vietnamese pool houses.

Princess d'Annam Resort & Spa

Facing a century-old French lighthouse and placed in a picturesque surrounding amidst magnificent sceneries, the Princess d’Annam Resort is Vietnam’s first all-villa luxury boutique resort. The hotel is situated on the pristine bay of Ke Ga about a 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh city. Overlooking the South China Sea, it is features stunning mountains, red canyons, sand dunes and a rich ecosystem. Guests can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities from four-wheel exploration on dirt roads or spectacular mountain raids, to playing at one of Vietnam’s best golf course.

La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa

Located in the heart of Hue, the La Residence Hue Hotel is made up of 122 spacious guestrooms. All of these accommodations are gracefully appointed with a wide array of modern amenities. Enjoyable local, regional, and international cuisine can be appreciated in hotel’s restaurant and guests can sip on their favorite drink at the cozy bar. Visitors can work out in the gymnasium, take a dip in the swimming pool, soak in the sauna or enjoy a variety of spa services.

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