Asia’s Best Island Destinations

Every once in a while we need to get away to motivate ourselves. This can simply be done by being isolated from the world you’re currently living and find an island so that you can clearly listen to your heartbeat while taking pleasure in listening to birds singing and the sound of water. Maybe you want to escape the hurry habits, traffic jam and street life. You want to be surrounded by nature, either in the forest, at a beach or any place where no one can reach you. Here, in this article, we have compiled the best island destinations in Asia.

Bali – Indonesia 

As many people are aware that Bali is the Island of Gods. With its devotees, its beliefs and heritage, combined with its exotic feature from the green lush Vegetation to the Volcanic adventurous trek sites, the kaleidoscopic dusk, dawn and beaches, there’s no other island in Asia offers a complete package for travellers. 

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

In terms of where to stay, The Apurva Kempinski Bali features traditional Indonesian culture and identity, a perfect sanctuary for either honeymooners or family with toddlers. The rooms are generously-sized and melding premium modern amenities. You can choose a spacious option with connecting doors at either Grand Deluxe, Grand Deluxe Ocean Court or Grand Deluxe Lagoon. Alternatively, if you want a private space for the whole family, this resort also offers Residential Villas, starting from Sriwijaya Two-Bedroom Villa, Majapahit Three-Bedroom Villa and Nusantara Presidential Villa. kempinski.com/en/bali/

Nusa Lembongan – Indonesia

This Island is located in the South East of Bali. The best way to get here is to cruise in a boat from via Sanur Beach or Benoa Harbor. If you are on a fast boat, it will take 30 minutes, or around an hour with a slow boat. Boat into a thick Mango grove forest; create mementoes with every breath you take with your loved ones. Go for romantic walks in the scenic villages, explore the remarkable aquamarines life, and go for snorkelling. Those daredevils can opt for cliff jumping in several jumping spots.

Koh Samui – Thailand

This remarkable little island in the Gulf of Thailand has a lot to offer. Check out the finest beaches, the most exquisite food, the wildest parties, the best bargains, the unmissable attractions and the unforgettable activities available on Samui. With its mountainous interior ringed with pristine beaches, Top 10 Everything in Koh Samui can be found all over the island as well as in the tropical blue waters and idyllic smaller islands nearby. The east coast is known as a hive of beach activities, the west coast is more of a tranquil getaway and the centre is home to breathtaking scenery. Fortunately, there are world-class hotels to choose from in each area.

Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort

As for your stay recommedation, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is a luxurious island getaway on the buzzing Chaweng Beach. The resort delights with spacious villas and direct access to lagoon pools. Resort’s festive family package includes round-trip airport transfers and a five-star dinner at Tree Tops, with striking views from up high. anantara.com

Belmond Napasai is also worth a shot! Set between jungle and sea, Belmond Napasai is the perfect destination to savour peace and privacy with its private sandy beach, beautiful standalone villas and suites and infinity-edge freshwater pool. Perfect for families and friends, the World of Belmond promises a revitalising escape with unique and meaningful experiences for your next holiday.

Belmond Napasai

Belmond Napasai launches new experience packages that invite guests to relish simple pleasures of island life and pay homage to the traditions of Koh Samui. Curated in collaboration with the local community, this latest host of experiences takes guests beyond the sun, sand and sea to discover hidden escapes and appreciate local heritage and Samui way of life. From seeking an inner peace at Kunaram Temple to exploring a secret garden of sculptures tucked away on the hills or learning the art of ‘Kalamae’ making, Belmond Napasai offers enriching and transformative journeys for guests to indulge in the joys of discovery as well as help preserving the local community. [email protected]

Hua Hin – Thailand

Only a few hours’ drive south of Bangkok, Hua Hin has been the beachfront destination of choice for Thai royalty and aristocrats for nearly a century. So it’s time to jump in your car with your family or friends and head to Hua Hin for that much-needed post lockdown break away. 

Anantara Hua Hin Resort

After months of lockdown, it’s time to treat the whole family to a weekend break of sun, fun and fresh air as Anantara welcomes back guests to the seaside town of Hua Hin. Anantara Hua Hin Resort is modelled on a traditional Thai village with low-rise gabled pavilions set among lush tropical grounds with lotus-filled lagoons and meandering pathways through exotic foliage, perfect for physical distancing. The reopening package has something for the whole family including complimentary lunch and dinner menus and activities for the kids while the adults can relax by the pool and get a complimentary foot massage at the Anantara Spa. anantara.com

Chiang Rai – Thailand

This city is gradually developing its tourist sector, beginning with its own Night Bazaar, Saturday Walking Street and Jazz Festival. The riverside remains mostly undeveloped, albeit with a few luxury hotels along the waterfront. To fully appreciate the beauty of the Mae Kok, it is best to hire a long-tail boat and take in the scenery along the two riverbanks. At the end of the day, Chiang Rai City is all about chilling out and taking it in slowly, savouring each moment as it comes.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is giving guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the night observing Thailand’s majestic elephants in their natural habitat while staying in unique transparent Jungle Bubbles. Unfolding across 160 acres of Northern Thailand’s ancient jungle, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is perched on a hill overlooking the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The secluded location is exclusively positioned to take in majestic three country views over the confluence of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and grazing elephants in the most stunning of natural settings below.

Located in the jungle, the two Jungle Bubbles are perched on raised wooden decks offering uninterrupted views of the elephants, as well as stargazing at night. The Jungle Bubbles were custom designed by Eye In The Sky and are constructed with high tech polyester fabric using exclusive Precontraint Serge Ferrari technology to create a milieu in which guests can enjoy an immersive, close-to-nature experience. anantara.com

Phu Quoc – Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island offers verdant untouched tropical landscapes interwoven with the rustic charm of idyllic island life. Nearly half of the island is a National Park with the northern part home to a 314 square kilometre lush tropical forest recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, while the southern part of the island is popular for its pristine white sand beaches. Aside from beachside activities, visitors can also explore traditional villages, expansive nature parks and Buddhist pagodas, all of which are easily accessible via motorcycle, taxi, bus or even day trips by reputable companies. Catering to just about any budget level and preference, Phu Quoc’s dining scene ranges from local markets selling fresh seafood and Vietnamese street food to expat-owned bistros offering authentic western and European fare.

Regent Phu Quoc

Located just 15 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport, Regent Phu Quoc is designed to create a serene sanctuary, offering a truly personalised and unforgettable experience. Dramatic yet discreet, each guest room at Regent Phu Quoc offers options from one-bedroom havens to expansive seven-bedroom ultra-villas for couples, families and groups alike. Earthy hues and a design undertaken by BLINK Design Group reflects a contemporary interpretation of Vietnamese heritage infused in each of the stunning suites and villas – from ocean suites with immersive views; to the various beachfront villas, featuring private infinity pools. Each a reflection of the native surroundings of Phu Quoc, a tranquil environment granting space to unwind and absorb the surrounding abundance of nature.

Cocooned in the white sands of Long Beach in Phu Quoc, the resort offers perfect vistas onto the sunset to encourage a sense of repose. Guests are invited to indulge in a Vietnamese inspired wellness journey at the expansive spa, along with six exquisite dining experiences, including Oku, a Franco-Japanese Salon de Boeuf, and Bar Jade, a bespoke cocktail bar. https://www.ihg.com/regent/hotels/us/en/phu-quoc/pqcrr/hoteldetail

Boracay – Philippines 

Shaped like a butterfly, the island of Boracay has become a popular vacation destination. As of 1997, over 150,000 tourists have visited this beautiful island. That number has been steadily increasing over the years. Boracay is located in Western Visayas, at the northwestern end of Panay. Majority of the people that visit this island paradise come from Asian countries such as Korea. Its powdery, sugar-white beaches and affordable accommodations make it an ideal retreat from the stress of work and all other aspects of everyday life.