When the hustle and bustle of city life starts to wear you down, there’s no better remedy than escaping to one of the region’s luxurious hideaways. Think Thailand’s sun-kissed beaches and remote islands in Southern Indonesia.
Whether it’s exploring a secluded villa hidden in a rainforest or sailing through crystalline waters aboard a private yacht, these getaways invite you to pause, recharge, and savour a different pace of life. With just a short journey from the city, you’ll be immersed in nature, world-class hospitality, and experiences out of your wildest dreams.
1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
Private yacht excursions to Angthong National Marine Park
Image: Four Seasons Resort Samui
Koh Samui is often described as a “paradise on earth” and its beauty goes beyond the picture-perfect turquoise waters and lush green jungles that dominate its landscape. At its centre lies a verdant jungle, fringed by a ring of white, powdery sand and bordered by the endless turquoise expanse of the Gulf of Thailand. The limestone mountains that tower over swaying palms complete this natural sanctuary, making it a tranquil escape for those seeking peace.
Image: Four Seasons Resort Samui
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, who is also the visionary behind properties like Capella Ubud and Shinta Mani Angkor, serves as the perfect gateway to this island’s magic. Tucked away on the secluded northwestern tip of Laem Yai Bay, the resort boasts 60 hillside villas and 10 private residences nestled among coconut trees. Each villa offers expansive terraces, private infinity pools, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand—creating an environment where privacy, luxury, and nature effortlessly blend.
Image: Four Seasons Resort Samui
Beyond its impeccable accommodations, the Four Seasons offers an array of curated experiences. From indulgent treatments at the Secret Garden Spa to bespoke candlelit dinners on the beach, the resort takes relaxation to a new level. However, one of the most unforgettable offerings is a private yacht excursion on the 18m-long Sunseeker Minor Affair. For a starting price of S$9,236, groups of six can venture to Ang Thong National Marine Park, where snorkelling and diving amidst vibrant coral reefs complete the idyllic island escape.
Four Seasons Koh Samui website
2. One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Private car transfer from any location in Singapore
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
You don’t need a flight to indulge in a lavish escape. One&Only Desaru Coast simplifies the journey with arranged private car transfers from any location in Singapore. All that’s required is your suitcase and passport. For a more scenic option, a 90-minute ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal transports you to the resort, where a private car awaits to whisk you away.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
Perched along Malaysia’s southeastern coast, between lush rainforests and the South China Sea, this tropical sanctuary epitomises serenity. Known as the “village of palms,” One&Only Desaru Coast features standalone suites designed to blend indoor and outdoor living, each with a private plunge pool and luxurious bathroom. For small groups of family or friends seeking seclusion, Villa One, with its four bedrooms and a 27-metre private pool, offers the ultimate retreat.
Villa One.
Image: One&Only Desaru Coast
Tailored experiences bring you closer to nature, whether through guided walks in Desaru’s untouched jungles or hands-on culinary workshops. The resort also offers a culinary journey with Hoshi’s refined omakase experience, Ambara’s fusion of Malaysian and Mediterranean flavours with seasonally sourced produce, and Chef Andrew Walsh’s Ember Beach Club for sophisticated seaside dining.
One & Only Desaru Coast website
3. Nihi Sumba Island, Indonesia
Sumbanese horses galloping on the beach
Imagine strolling along a rugged coastline as wild horses thunder past, their hooves kicking up sand under the vast sky. No, this isn’t a scene out of a Taylor Swift music video–it’s reality at Nihi Sumba Island, where the untouched landscapes of Sumba are intertwined with its equestrian culture. The island is often described as a place where “horses are the soul of Sumba,” a reflection of its deep connection to these majestic creatures.
Image: Nihi Sumba Island
At Nihi Sumba, this connection is brought to life through its partnership with Sandalwood Stables, offering guests exclusive horseback riding experiences that immerse you in the island’s natural beauty. Rooted in a mission to preserve Sumba’s culture, Nihi also empowers local communities, supporting sustainable livelihoods while providing unparalleled luxury to its guests.
Perched on 567 acres of pristine jungle along Sumba’s western coast, this remote resort is an hour’s flight from Bali and a short distance from the Komodo National Park. What began as a modest eco-friendly surf shack has evolved into a world-renowned destination, home to the famous surfing break, Occy’s Left. Despite its transformation, Nihi maintains its ethos of sustainability and cultural preservation.
Image: Nihi Sumba Island
The resort offers intimate luxury through its 27 villas, each uniquely designed with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Nihiwatu Beach. Whether it’s the two-bedroom, treehouse-inspired Mandaka Sumba House or the one-bedroom Marangga, each villa blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings while offering modern comforts in one of the world’s most exclusive hideaways.
4. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand
Sleep in jungle bubbles with elephants roaming outside
Image: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Perched at the convergence of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort offers a retreat unlike any other in Northern Thailand. Set within the lush forests of Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle, this resort blends luxury with nature, providing guests an intimate glimpse into the lives of ethically rescued elephants.
Arrive in style through the Explorer’s Arrival, a unique journey by longtail boat across the Mekong River, where the elephants greet you at the jetty—a once-in-a-lifetime welcome to a place where luxury meets wilderness.
Image: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
For an unforgettable night, stay in the resort’s Jungle Bubble or Jungle Bubble Lodge, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls immerse you in the surrounding wilderness. Picture yourself drifting to sleep under the stars, with elephants roaming freely just beyond your dome—a dreamlike experience that heightens the resort’s romance and adventure. The two-bedroom Jungle Bubble Lodge, perched on a 150-square-metre raised wooden deck, is complete with a hot tub, outdoor lounge, and dining area—perfect for soaking in the beauty of the tropical gardens and the serenity of the riverbanks.
Image: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Embark on the Walking with Giants experience, an intimate journey alongside majestic elephants and their devoted mahouts. Guests can walk alongside the majestic elephants and their mahouts on scenic dirt tracks that follow the meandering Ruak River. This ethical and immersive encounter allows you to observe the elephants in their natural habitat, fostering a deeper connection with these gentle creatures.
Note that the Jungle Bubble experience is available as an add-on to your stay at the resort, making it an exclusive adventure for overnight guests.
Anantara Golden Triangle website
5. The Sanchaya Bintan, Indonesia
1-hour from Singapore, with private chauffeur
Image: The Sanchaya Bintan
Just a 50-minute ferry ride from Singapore, The Sanchaya is an exquisite getaway on Bintan Island. The journey begins the moment you arrive at the Bintan Ferry Terminal, where you’re greeted with personalised service in an exclusive lounge. Here, guests are treated to light bites before being whisked away in a private car to the resort.
Image: The Sanchaya Bintan
Set within a grand colonial mansion, The Sanchaya combines old-world elegance with tropical serenity. The 29 villas and suites are adorned with carefully curated art pieces and traditional Thai-inspired interiors, offering a refined sense of luxury. Among them, the Lawan Thai Villas stand out—seven one-bedroom villas that boast spacious verandahs overlooking the estate’s lagoon, making them perfect for quiet moments of reflection.
Image: The Sanchaya Bintan
The resort’s Sanchaya Spa provides a retreat for the senses with Balinese-inspired treatments, blending deep tissue and warm stone therapies in both indoor and outdoor rooms. For those seeking to connect with the local culture, a range of bespoke activities inspired by Indonesian and Southeast Asian traditions await. From heritage games to immersive cultural experiences, guests can discover the vibrant spirit of the region while enjoying the luxurious surroundings.
6. The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
In a 100-million-year-old rainforest
Image: The Datai Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi is a timeless sanctuary set within a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the northwestern tip of Langkawi, overlooking the pristine waters of Datai Bay. When the celebrated architect Kerry Hill conceived this iconic retreat in 1993, his vision was to harmonise the hotel with its natural surroundings. The result is a series of structures seamlessly integrated into the lush landscape, with rooms nestled amid dense foliage and set back from the untouched golden sands of Datai Bay.
Image credit: The Datai Langkawi
The resort’s connection to nature is omnipresent, from its team of resident naturalists and marine biologists to the immersive experiences offered at the Nature Centre, which also educates guests on Langkawi’s ecosystem.
Accommodation options are diverse. Forest-facing rooms overlook treetops, while Rainforest Villas offer deeper immersion into the wilderness, surrounded by the symphony of nature. These villas boast floor-to-ceiling windows, providing serene views of the rainforest, and luxurious interiors featuring dark timber floors and white muslin-draped beds. The Rainforest Pool Villa stands out with its private 7.6-metre pool, expansive deck, and outdoor lounging space—ideal for unwinding in complete seclusion.
Image: The Datai Langkawi
For ultimate relaxation, The Datai Spa offers treatments rooted in ancient ramuan rituals, incorporating ingredients sourced from the surrounding forest, reflecting the resort’s deep reverence for indigenous wisdom and the land it inhabits. Nestled along a gently winding stream, the spa is immersed in the soothing sounds of the Langkawi rainforest, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the restorative power of its treatments.
Discover enchanting escapes just a short journey away
These unique retreats, each offering their own enchanting experiences, make for the perfect getaways from Singapore. Whether you’re dreaming of private yacht excursions, horseback riding on pristine beaches, or sleeping beneath the stars with elephants nearby, each destination promises to transport you to a world of tranquillity and wonder. It’s time to pack your bags and embark on your next adventure.
Subscribe to be the first one to receive latest news, exclusive updates and member-only offers and promotions.
