6 Unique And Relaxing Trips For Couples In Asia

GILI LANKANFUSHI: Maldives

When the island’s philosophy is ‘No news, no shoes’ you know you’re onto a mini-break winner! At Gili Lankanfushi guests are encouraged to leave their footwear on the boat, their technology at home, and to totally embrace the stress-free nature of paradise. Forget play-dates and school homework, here relaxation is on the agenda. Settle in to one of the 45 sumptuous over-water villas crafted from natural materials with roof-top and over-water sundecks, open air bathrooms, and gorgeous daybeds. In fact, the only thing you’ll need to put on your schedule during your stay will be dolphin-spotting, spa massages, and sunset cruises.

ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU, BALI: Indonesia

Juxtaposed against blue skies and rolling greenery stand the bright white blocks of Alila Villas Uluwatu’s reception, restaurants and spa, set amongst jigsaw paths and water gardens. Minimalism and pure calm come together as the hotel’s 30 private villas are stunning in their simplicity, all creamy walls, clean lines and vast windows, softened with giant day beds and poppy batik cushions. Bathrooms showcase luxuriously deep tubs. When you think it can’t get better, each villa comes with its own butler, swimming pool and alluring sunbathing cabana. Think peace. Think quiet. Think you-time, just for a couple of days.

PHUM BAITANG, SIEM REAP: Cambodia

If you’d like your escape to come with a slice of culture, hotfoot it to beautiful Phum Baitang. All rooms boast private terraces or plunge pools and elegant interiors where the likes of carved-wood headboards and freestanding wooden baths blend seamlessly with local market antique finds. An ancient farmhouse on the property has been converted into an inviting cocktail lounge, reminiscent of Cambodia’s golden days. Other amenities include two restaurants serving organic ingredients, a stunning spa, a yoga pavilion, and a fabulous infinity pool. Best of all, you’ll get to temple-visit without your little ones complaining. Bliss!

NIHIWATU: Indonesia

The award-winning Nihiwatu is located just an hour’s flight from Bali on the island of Sumba and it’s the ultimate getaway. Villas sit amid banana trees beneath tall, pointed thatched roofs, and offer totem-like four-poster beds, mini-infinity pools, and loungers overlooking the crashing ocean. There’s also a shabby-chic boat house and beach bar, and if you’re feeling active there’s a surf and dive shop, hiking opportunities, and horseriding on the beach. In the evening, you and your other half can indulge in a romantic nasi goreng in the pretty restaurant lit up by lanterns. That is, if you’re not in bed by 8pm...

AMANPULO: THE PHILIPPINES

The romantically remote island of Pamalican caters for couples who want to laze their days away, but like a little activity on the side. The epitome of rustic chic, Amanpulo has 40 casitas, designed as modern versions of a traditional Filipino house, with wooden floors, rattan furniture and subtle interiors. When you’re not making the most of the four dining options and gym, you can try the likes of hiking, kayaking, tennis and windsurfing. Or you could just lie horizontally under a shady palm tree with a good book and no interruptions whatsoever.

UPPER HOUSE: Hong Kong

For a speedy staycation where your children won’t find you, make Upper House Hong Kong your hideaway. Poised on top of Pacific Place, upon arrival it feels like you’re being transported into a secret world. Guests glide in via an escalator, then a lift, into an enclave of wood, glass and limestone. And once inside, it’s big: at 730 sq.ft, rooms are some of the largest in the city and at such a height they offer awesome views. There’s one restaurant, an all-day Sky Lounge, and The Lawn on the 6th floor for alfresco cocktails. There’s no pool, no spa, and only a tiny gym, so you have to head out for additional entertainment, but when immersed within such luxury, we won’t judge you if you’d rather stay put.

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