After two years of Covid-19 induced confinement, it’s time to plan a well-deserved and much-needed vacation. As countries across Asia start to open up for business, now is your chance to plan a tropical getaway and embark on a cultural adventure. Here’s a roundup of some epic destinations in Asia you can now visit to satisfy your travel bug, and where you should stay for the ultimate comeback holiday.
Tropical Retreats
Alleviate the stress caused by lockdowns, restrictions, and lack of travel by flying into a beautiful island oasis that will make you forget all of your worries. The stunning beaches of Bali and Thailand will satiate your longing for the sea and incredible sunset views. Relax your body, mind and soul and connect with the Great Outdoors once more.
TOTAL BLISS
IN BALI, INDONESIA
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Perfectly situated within the spiritual heart of Ubud, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve welcomes guests to a magical and intimate island sanctuary. ‘Mandapa’ means ‘temple’, and a true sense of that spirituality flows through you the minute you step onto its grounds, just like the peaceful sounds of the Ayung River floating alongside. Make the most of Mandapa with the ‘Tranquility Awaits’ package, which includes a luxurious residence at the property’s private pool villa, a sumptuous daily repast with 3-course meals for two, and round-the-clock personalized care in the form of a 24-hrs Butler (Patih) service. Savor every minute with blissful visits to the riverfront Mandapa Spa, or behold awe-inspiring vistas of its own traditional rice field or through nature trails accessible from the reserve.
The St. Regis Bali Resort
Soak up the sun at one of the finest beaches in Bali with a visit to The St. Regis Bali Resort in Nusa Dua. You will have exclusive and immediate access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island straight from your private villa. Enjoy the warm Bali surf or go for a swim in the lagoon-style swimming pool, a stone’s throw from your bedroom. Dust off at the Iridium Spa and sample its one-of-a-kind Bloody Mary Ritual Treatment or heavenly Luxury Champagne Treatment – both inspired by the legacy of the St. Regis signature rituals.
Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort
At the top of the hills above Nusa Dua lies the sparkling Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort. Boasting magnificent views of wooded canopies and the glistening expanse of the Indian Ocean, the hotel is suffused with Balinese-culture inspired touches such as Balinese mask patterns and calming turquoise walls in the rooms. The resort features four thematic pools and six tempting food & beverage outlets. Guests can discover local hidden gems with the help of the brand’s neighbourhood expert The Renaissance Navigator. Suggestions include the Museum Pasifika and Bali Paragliding, with plenty more to explore throughout the island.
King Deluxe Guest Room
The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali
Bali’s natural beauty is a feast for the eyes and what better way to behold it than at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud in Bali, which provides panoramic views of the lush Ubud Forest. Surrounded by rice paddy fields, this resort truly has a special focus on health and wellness. From the brand’s signature Eat Well menu – tailored for the health-minded to the delightful treatments available at the outdoor spa pavilions by Heavenly Spa by Westin or lifestyle programs at the riverside Wellness Pavilion like morning yoga and meditation classes. Don’t miss the opportunity to partake in the iconic RunWESTIN program along the resort’s surrounding verdant hillside and rice paddy fields.
Infinity Pool – Moon RiseYoga Pavilion
ULTIMATE RELAXATION
IN THAILAND
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa*
Family-friendly JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has something to offer to each member of the family. Children are in for an unforgettable experience, whether they choose to spend their time frolicking in the luxury hotel’s Kid’s Pavilion or learning the value of nature conservation with a visit to Mai Khao Marine Turtle shelter and education center. Meanwhile, the adults can head to the Mai Khao Village and indulge in some retail therapy or get their clubs ready for a swing at its 36-hole championship golf course. A haven for fitness enthusiasts, the hotel contains tennis courts, three outdoor pools, a Health Club and a range of fitness classes. You can also get your fill of water sports and go kayaking, scuba diving or canoeing alongside the pristine Mai Khao, the longest beach in Phuket.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Luxury awaits along the peaceful white sands of Khao Lak’s Khuk Khak beach where JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is located, giving all guests a chance to come together and rediscover their sense of mindfulness. The resort exudes calmness from every corner with soothing fountains and water fixtures, and gorgeous views of tropical greenery and seaside beauty. Luxury wellness therapies at Quan Spa such as the Andaman rejuvenation will revitalize your spirit, whilst the resort’s 10 restaurants and bars can nourish every culinary desire. The resort even has its own squash court, tennis court, gym, table tennis facilities, and a dedicated kids’ club. The resort’s ‘Escape to Paradise’ offer will neatly package all of the resort’s delights into one, inclusive of daily breakfast for the family, daily 1-course lunch, daily 3-course dinner, 45 minutes of blissful spa treatment, and complimentary welcome drinks upon arrival.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Delight in the elegant culmination of nature and culture at the luxurious Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, ensconced amid fragrant tropical gardens flanking the Andaman Sea near Phi Phi Island. The resort’s ‘Discover the Undiscovered’ travel itinerary offers guests total cultural immersion. Your journey begins with a private transfer from Krabi Airport and you wake up to a hearty breakfast for two at the Jampoon restaurant. Then you can embark on an excursion to surrounding islands including the Paradise Island, Pak Bia Island and Hong Island and take a dip in the limpid ocean or go snorkeling and view its myriad marine life. For those in search for a uniquely Thai experience, half-day tours will be organised to a traditional southern Thai market, where you can sample exotic local fare such as herbs, spices and tropical fruits.
The St. Regis Bangkok*
The tranquility and calm that flows through The St. Regis Bangkok will make it hard to believe that this hotel is just moments away from some of the city’s most happening attractions. Overlooking the peaceful greenery of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience is right within the hotel’s vicinity. Signature pampering packages and treatments are aplenty at the Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa, including body firming therapies, face lifting facial contouring, and oil massages accompanied by soothing Tibetan singing bowl vibrations. What’s more, a set of celebratory offers are available in honor of the hotel’s 11th anniversary, with perks ranging from complementary high tea with the St. Regis touch that incorporates Siam Mary cocktails, to a bottle of the choicest wine waiting for you in your room.
Afternoon Tea IndulgencesElemis Spa
W Koh Samui
If you’re looking for a true island retreat, look no further than this 30-square-mile Thai Island in the middle of the gulf of Thailand. W Koh Samui is the ideal hideaway for those seeking serenity and fun all in the same place. Surrounded by lush foliage and beach views, enjoy endless island sunrises and sunsets from your own luxury WOW villa – which also includes a private outdoor pool. The hotel has its own outdoor tennis court SWING and a range of fun beach activities like volleyball, kayaking, and paddle boarding, promising thrills and spills. After all the exertion, you can relax, taking in the blissful island views, signature cocktail in hand, seated at the SIP beach bar or the iconic WOOBAR. Guests can head to one of the seven treatment rooms at the AWAY Spa where they will be treated to Asia’s very first Thaimazcal herbal sauna experience to cleanse and purify body and mind.
*SHA+ certified hotel
Cultural Explorations
Reinvigorate your inner tourist with enriching experiences in holiday havens Malaysia and Vietnam. Take in a plethora of natural wonders, visit unique historical attractions, and discover countless hidden gems. There will be no shortage of sights to see as you navigate your next Asian adventure, creating lasting memories every step of the way.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
IN MALAYSIA
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi opens out to wonderful beachfront and rainforest views, coalescing luxury with nature. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, the island’s only overwater spa is a must-visit for an unforgettably ethereal experience. Guests can experience authentically Malaysian spa rituals inspired by the country’s shamans and midwives, and feel like Malaysian royalty by partaking in Mandi Bunga Inspired Ritual that is couched in the bathing traditions of the Malay aristocracy. The hotel also offers carefully-curated collections of local experiences to elevate your vacation to the next level, be it the dreamy ‘Dance of Thanks to the Sea’ taking place on special occasion at the golden hour on the beach, yoga workouts, and in-villa barbeques. More adventurous guests can try their hand at Malay cooking and mixology classes, traditional Mak Inang folk dancing classes, or sunset paddle boating.
https://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/ritzcarlton/RCLANGK_00036-1?$XlargeViewport100pct$
The St. Regis Langkawi
The St. Regis Langkawi is a seaside paradise where the suites and over-water villas overlook pristine views of the tranquil Andaman Sea. Located at the southeast tip of the island, the resort sits on the largest lagoon with direct access to its own private beach and incredible sunset vistas, placing the visitor at the center of the island’s rich cultural charm. Guests can experience the bounties of nature, exploring waterfalls and wildlife where they will be sure to spot some Malayan flying lemurs dotting the trees.
Exterior of Kayu Puti overwater restaurant designed by Bill Bensley
W Kuala Lumpur
Situated in the vibrant midst of the city, guests can enjoy Kuala Lumpur without ever leaving the hotel at W Kuala Lumpur. See and be seen at the hotel’s WET Deck, a novel and stylish poolside bar, and the famous WOOBAR, a seductive spot for those in the know. During the days, go for a lazy swim at WET outdoor pool against the majestic backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers, or sample the specialty services at AWAY Spa from where visitors will come out looking and feeling brand new after pampering themselves.
WET® Outdoor Pool
SPECTACULAR SIGHTS
IN VIETNAM
JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
Discover Hanoi Old Quarter from JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi which showcases world-class services and specially curated amenities for the modern traveler. The floor-to-ceiling windows in our suites offers jaw-dropping views of Vietnam’s capital. After each exciting day of exploring Hanoi, from attractions like Dong Xuan Market to Hanoi Opera House, guests can return to a bevy of body wraps, signature massages, and facials at Spa by JW. Children and nature are at the heart of the hotel’s offerings, as can be seen in the Family by JW – Lakeside Gardens Family Fun package. The plan includes daily breakfast, trees planting for children at the JW Lakeside Gardens, movie night kits with popcorn, chocolate and cookie decorating classes, treasure hunts, free-flow ice creams for children, and afternoon tea for the whole family.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Set along the beautiful shoreline of Khem Beach, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa provides you with everything you need for a holiday to remember. Designed by renowned resort architect Bill Bensley, this dynamic beachfront property has an elaborate fictional history – a 19th-century French university named “Lamarck University”. Everywhere you turn in this resort will lead to new exploration, from the themed Department of Physical Education gym to the iconic Pink Pearl fine dining restaurant bursting with glamorous photo opportunities. The lavish suites and stylish restaurants embrace the resort’s theme, overflowing with colorful patterns and elaborately fashioned furniture. The bright and airy Chanterelle Spa by JW is a must-visit with its aptly named mushroom theme, offering a full menu of locally inspired massages and therapies.
