Jetsetters Reveal their Favourite Resorts in Asia
Dreaming of sandy shores and relaxation under the sun? We’ve got the top resorts in Asia, as recommended by fashion designers HSY and Safinaz Munir, model and luxury expert Kalyani Chawla, jet setting food writer Divya Burman, beauty expert Shagun Khanna and our Editor-in-Chief Sabene Saigol.
Maldives
The small South Asian island is a favourite spot for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and year-round tropical climate. Libas Now’s Editor-in-Chief Sabene Saigol’s picks including Finolhu resort in Baa Atoll, which offers all the beach, and sea-related adventures, along with renowned food at the Fish and Crab Shack, and some happening clubs.
If a more relaxed, secluded family-trip is on your mind Sabene recommends Soneva Jani in Noonu Atoll which just got crowned one of the ‘The Decade’s Best New Luxury Hotels’ by Luxury Travel Intelligence. Its villas are fit for a family, and have the option of a water slide. For luxury and wellness with a touch of glamour, Sabene recommends One&Only Reethi Rah in the North Malé Atoll. (Tennis star Novak Djokovic is currently staying there with his family).
Bali
Fashion heavyweight Safinaz Muneer of Sana Safinaz recommends the Bulgari Resort Bali in Uluwatu. The resort takes pride in combining the natural beauty of Bali with the contemporary luxury the Italian brand is known for. Its secluded spot features cliffs that fall into the Indian Ocean and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Private villas made of volcanic stone are designed to bring the outdoors in, so you’re immersed in nature in the comfort of your accommodations.
Intellectual property rights lawyer Haris Bajwa recommends the W Bali in Seminyak.
Turkey
Bodrum is fast gaining repute as the “St. Tropez of Turkey”. Located on the Aegean Sea, the ancient port city not only boasts luxury resorts and a buzzing nightlife but a centuries-old castle. Late spring would be a good time to go since the weather will have warmed up but the full tourist rush won’t start till June. Divya Burman, jet setter and food writer, recommends the Macakizi. Surrounded by hills, this hotpsot for the glamorous provides an experience to remember. She also recommends the Kempinski, a luxury resort with equally high standards that may not have the celebrity pull but is a fraction of the cost of the Macakizi.
Oman
Another favourite of Divya Burman’s is the Six Senses Zighy Bay. Making the CN Traveler Gold list 2019, this resort is renowned for its spa and wellness services in addition to the usual luxury and activities. Its location, nestled between the Al Hajjar mountains and a sandy beach, provides a dramatic and jaw-dropping backdrop. The building itself is modelled after an Omani village, providing authenticity and staying true to its surroundings. It’s also purported to be one of the most sustainable resorts, if your conscious troubles you about these things.
Thailand
Another favourite destination for resort stays is Thailand. If you’ve got your eyes on Phuket, Sabene Saigol loved the treehouse villas in Keemala resort. Keemala embraces the Thai culture and the philosophy of its people, and merges it with resort luxury, while being surrounded by Kamala rainforest and the Andaman Sea.
Safinaz Muneer recommends the Amanpuri in Phuket, a ‘self-contained sanctuary’ built on a private peninsula bordering the Andaman Sea. Recommended for peaceful, private relaxation for the whole family.
Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood is Divya Burman’s pick while beauty influencer Shagun Khanna loves the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui.
Sri Lanka
One and a half hour from Colombo, the cliff-top resort Cape Weligama is Divya Burman’s pick. With its impressive array of activities (nature walks, infinity pools, adventure centre, a bay, gardens), and contemporary private villas, it’s a sure shot perfect stay.
Kalyani Chawla’s pick is Amangalla, for its old-world charm and gorgeous surroundings. Located in the 17th century Galle Fort within Galle, the resort offers “city, coastal and countryside” pursuits. The suites boast antique furniture and decorations.
Malaysia
Fashion designer, TV host, and choreographer HSY recommends the Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi. Surrounded by the beach and the forest, with waterfalls in close range, this idyllic resort recently opened up traditional fishing house, confirming its eco-friendly status (it already eliminated plastic water bottles) – without compromising on luxury, of course.
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