5 Romantic Short-Haul Breaks For Couples In Asia

1. CAMBODIA: Shinta Mani Wild

Kids firmly at home? Then we recommend throwing caution to the wind and arriving into Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia via zipline. With your feet firmly planted on terra firma, the décor here will blow you away. The brainchild of famed hotel designer Bill Bensley, you’ll be greeted by 16 cavernous canvases decked out with a theatrical explosion of nautical lanterns, regal prints, and animal-print sofas. Spend your days enjoying quality time on a river safari, wildlife excursion, or swimming in the waterfall of the Tmor Rung river. Book into the wildly romantic Waterfall restaurant in the evenings where the service - led by camouflage-clad butlers - is exceptional.

2. INDONESIA: Bawah Reserve

Situated in the glittering Anambas archipelago, Bawah Reserve in Indonesia is best accessed from Singapore, from where you take a short ferry ride followed by a private seaplane flight. Reach its sandy shores and prepare for total tranquility in one of the Bawah 35 stylish eco-villas - the Overwater Bungalows offer direct access to two turquoise-blue lagoons; just roll out of bed, slip into your swimwear and float away. Here there are no TVs to distract or remind you of the real world, just time to snorkel the three lagoons, explore the untouched nature, enjoy spa treatments and dine on exquisite Indonesian cuisine at the three waterfront restaurants. What would kids even like about that?!

3. JAPAN: Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann

Away from the frenetic cities, Rice Terrace Villa Sasayuri-Ann in Japan’s Nara prefecture offers peaceful living, spirituality and some serious slowing down. This stylish wooden mountain villa envelopes you in calm and comfort, provides delicious food by Michelin star-awarded chefs and gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture, from chanting sessions in shugendo style to traditional music performances. It’s also one of the few luxurious stays in Japan where you can practice yoga. The property allows up the ten guests at a time, so it’s the ideal go-to for a group of Zen-seeking, child-free friends.

4. MYANMAR: Wa Ale Resort

Getting to Wa Ale Resort is all part of the tropical experience which requires a little patience so it makes sense to leave little ones behind. After flying into Bangkok and being driven over the border to Myanmar, guests then embark on a three-hour boat ride - via private yacht so no complaining! - to Wa Ale. Set on pristine white-sand, this super-exclusive eco-friendly property comprises 11 large tented beach villas, but we recommend the fun treetop villas which are best-enjoyed a-deux. As well as chilling out, you can explore the emerald waters, visit a local Moken fishing community, or trek through the rainforest. What’s more, stay here and you’ll be directly contributing to the resort’s initiative supporting conservation projects and the local community.

5. INDONESIA: Kudanil Explorer

Head on a real adventure on the waters of Indonesia with Kudanil Explorer. Originally launched in 1978 as a safety standby vessel for the oil industry, a swish makeover in 2018 now sees this slick cruise liner venture to some of the most remote parts of the region. The Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Spice Islands route offers idyllic scenery, some of the richest reefs in the world, cultural excursions and the chance to see the famous Komodo dragons. Onboard, eight stylish cabins can accommodate 16 guests, so this a great option for an intimate getaway. There’s also a saloon, bar, library, lounge, dive center, open-air jacuzzi, sun deck and spa to keep you soothed as you sail.

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