
There are many fabulous romantic destinations around Asia you wouldn’t want to come back from. However, even if you’re only able to pull yourselves away from busy daily life for a few days, getting away as a couple on romantic short getaways has its benefits. It’s time to take that relaxing and pampering break you deserve. Having mini adventures together also helps build your bond. Spend quality time together making incredible memories. And we’re not just talking about mini getaways for young or new couples. Moms and dads, it’s time to book a babysitter while you jet off with your significant other for a blissful weekend together! High-energy adventures, lazing on tropical island beaches, and romantic spa pampering, the list is endless. We’ve rounded up the top romantic short-haul breaks around Asia for couples. Lovebirds, it’s time to fly!
Throw caution to the wind and arrive at Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia via zipline. With your feet planted firmly on the ground, the décor here will blow you away. The brainchild of famed hotel designer Bill Bensley, you’ll be greeted by 15 private cavernous tents decked out with a theatrical explosion of nautical lanterns, wild regal prints, and cozy furniture. Spend your days enjoying quality time at the spa or on a river safari, conservation and wildlife excursion, or swimming in the waterfall of the Tmor Rung River. Dine at the wildly romantic Headquarters restaurant led by camouflage-clad butlers. How about cocktails at The Landing Zone Bar with jaw-dropping waterfall views? It’s a year-round destination with all-inclusive hospitality and a minimum 3-night stay is required.
Shinta Mani Wild, Prey Praseth Village, Ou Bak Rothed Commune, Kampong Seila District, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia, +855 87 656 152, wild@shintamani.com, www.shintamani.com
It’s time for a mini getaway in paradise in Palawan, the tropical archipelagic province of the Philippines. Visit the El Nido area accessed via a short domestic flight from Manila. Take a trip between October to May for Palawan’s dry season. Stay at one of the luxurious El Nido Resorts - Pangalusian Island, Lagen Island, and Miniloc Island. Our pick for a short romantic couples' getaway would be Pangalusian Island, an eco-luxury island resort in Bacuit Bay. This resort fronts a pristine white sand beach with crystal clear waters against a backdrop of tropical forest. Choose between deluxe green-design Canopy, Beach, and Pool Villas. Enjoy romantic dining by the beach while watching breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Love diving? Palawan is a diving mecca offering up unique diving opportunities.
El Nido Resorts, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, +63 27 902 5934, holiday@elnidoresorts.com, www.elnidoresorts.com
Situated in sheltered seclusion in Indonesia’s far-flung glittering Anambas Archipelago, Bawah Reserve is best accessed via Singapore from where you take a short ferry ride to Batam, followed by a private seaplane flight. This exclusive private island retreat comprises 6 pristine islands, 13 beaches, and 3 lagoons. Reach the idyllic sandy shores and prepare for total tranquility in one of Bawah Reserve’s 36 luxurious suites, eco-villas, and lodges. The Overwater Bungalows offer direct access to the turquoise-blue lagoons. Simply roll out of bed, grab your swimsuit, and float away! With no real-world distractions here, enjoy activities like stargazing, snorkeling, spa sessions, and hiking to explore the untouched nature. There’s warm weather year-round, with November to January months being slightly wetter.
Bawah Reserve, Pulau Bawah, Kec. Siantan Sel., Kabupaten Kepulauan Anambas, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia, +62 813 1297 2018, reservations@bawahreserve.com, www.bawahreserve.com
Langkawi, part of the administrative district of Kedah in Malaysia, is a stunning archipelagic island located about 30km off the coast of northwestern mainland Malaysia. It’s part of over 99 islands in the Strait of Malacca. This incredible Island exudes white waterfalls, thick mangrove forests, and gorgeous tropical beaches. Stay at the 5-star beachfront Berjaya Langkawi Resort and book into one of their luxurious and spacious over-water chalets. With azure waters, this is an oh-so dreamy romantic destination! Couples can enjoy recreational activities at the resort like sunset cruises, spa sessions, island tours, watersports, and more! Plus, the Berjaya Langkawi Resort is near to the famed Langkawi Sky Bridge stretching above the rainforest. Visit Langkawi between November to April for sunny days and less rain.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Karong Berkunci, Burau Bay, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60 4 959 1888, langkawi.rsvn@berjayahotel.com, www.berjayahotel.com
Away from the frenetic cities on Japan’s main island Honshu, Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann sits in the tranquil mountain village of Fukano in the Nara prefecture. It’s a place of peaceful living, spirituality, and some serious slowing down at any time of the year. This stylish wooden mountain villa escape envelopes you in calmness and comfort. It consists of 2 private villas - Zao, a restored 200-year old thatched house from the Edo period, and Ozunu, a new thatched house built around a century-old tea room with beautiful landscaped gardens. Feast on delicious food by Michelin Star-awarded Manso Restaurant. Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture, from chanting sessions in Shugendo style to traditional music performances. Yoga, hiking, and fire ceremonies are also on the agenda!
Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann, 656 Fukano, Muro, Uda-City, Nara, Japan, +81 745 88 9402, info@sasayuri-ann.jp, www.stayjapan.jp
For couples looking for a soul-moving experience, head to the magical Balinese jungle escape - Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape. Located near the small Buahan village near Ubud and nestled deep between infinite layers of impenetrable lush jungle, this adults-only escape offers a deep healing experience. Immerse yourselves in a truly unique “Naked Experience” in communion with nature with this resort’s no-walls no-doors villa concept. There are 16 villas, called “Bales”, at this retreat, each with private pools and incredible 180-degree views. Enjoy glimpses of rice paddies, unobstructed views of the Seven Peak Mountains, and access to the Ayung River. Receive nourishment at the Open Kitchen and the Botanist Bar with delights made with home-grown ingredients. The open-air Toja Spa provides the ultimate source of relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit year-round, but April to October is Bali’s dry season.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Jl. Banjar Selat, Buahan Kaja, Payangan, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 6208181, reservations-buahan@banyantree.com, www.escape.banyantree.com
Surprisingly, Vietnam makes it onto our list as a totally romantic breakaway destination for couples. And we’re talking about the Vietnamese city of Da Lat in particular. Famous for its countryside charm and romantic parks, this city hidden away in the central highlands attracts couples, especially outdoor enthusiasts. The lakes in and around Da Lat make for romantic backdrops. Da Lat’s temperate climate also makes it a place to visit year-round. Check into the Terracotta Hotel & Resort Da Lat, a charming lakeside resort spanning over 17 hectares nestled on a peninsula bordering the Tuyen Lam Lake. Just 6km from Da Lat city center, here you can relax amongst pine forests and mountains, and take leisurely strolls on the lake promenade. This resort features 240 rooms and 90 Lakeview villas with a variety of recreational facilities including a spa.
Terracotta Hotel & Resort Da Lat, Zone 7.9, Tuyen Lam Lake Tourist Area, Ward 3, Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam, +84 263 388 3838, sales.dalat@terracottaresort.com, www.dalat.terracottaresort.com
The Maldives is considered one of the most heavenly and romantic destinations in Asia. There’s magic to be found here. With bungalows over shimmering turquoise waters, it’s paradise! Enjoy the best diving, sunset cruises, and dolphin watching here. The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. Reach the Maldives by flights from major southeast Asian countries to Maldives Male Airport or Gan Airport. Stay at the 90-villa adults-only Hurawalhi Island Resort set on an enchanting private island on the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll. Here you’ll find the famous 5.8 Undersea Restaurant for a dining experience like no other. How does an over-water Ocean Pool Villa sound? Get pampered at Sulha Spa and snorkel the vivid coral reefs in the area.
Hurawalhi Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives, +960 6622000, reservations@hurawalhi.com, www.hurawalhi.com
If your idea of a romantic couple’s getaway involves sailing away into the sunset, this is for you! Head on a real adventure on the waters of Indonesia aboard the Kudanil Explorer, a 50-meter long luxury expedition yacht. This 1978 safety standby vessel saw a swish makeover in 2018, now venturing to some of the most remote parts of the Indonesian archipelagic region. The year-round Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Spice Islands routes offer idyllic scenery, some of the richest reefs and breaks in the world for diving and surfing, cultural excursions, and the chance to see the famous Komodo dragons. Onboard, 8 stylish cabins can accommodate 16 guests, plus there are modern amenities like a restaurant, library, jacuzzi, and spa to keep you soothed as you sail.
Kudanil Explorer, Indonesia, +62 811 1668 568, info@kudanil.com, www.kudanil.com
If you’ve overlooked Thailand as a destination for a quiet couple's getaway due to the high tourist volume there, don’t! The exotic Thai island of Koh Samui offers some truly remote areas for couples wanting a relaxing break. Plus, there are a plethora of activities to enjoy. Visit between December to August for the dry season. The Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is located on a cliff with a private beach and infinity-edged pool stay experiences. Perfect for romance vibes! And did we mention the breathtaking ocean view from this resort? This resort features 80 rooms, infinity-edge pool villas, and pool villa suites built on the cliff of Laem Nan Beach. There are also 2 restaurants, a rooftop bar, 2 poolside bars, and spa on-site.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, 208/66 Moo 4, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, +66 077 960 555, reservations@silavadeeresort.com, www.silavadeeresort.com
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