Top Island Escapes in Asia

Imagine yourself on a sun-drenched beach in front of a perfectly clear, warm blue sea. Palm trees are waving in the gentle breeze, yachts are sailing slowly across the bay and somewhere close by a waiter is poised to bring you another drink. It’s time to stop imagining and book an island escape.

Whatever your budget, there are some beautiful island resorts and destinations waiting for you.

BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is an island with many faces: you can spend your days exploring lush rice terraces and monkey-filled jungle paths, hanging out at famous surf spots or relaxing in hip bars watching the legendary sunsets. The Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa is an elegant retreat situated on fashionable Seminyak beach, where you can toast the sunsets from your private balcony. This all-suite resort offers a distinctly contemporary design approach blended with Balinese and Indonesian culture, ocean views, expansive balconies and Anantara’s inimitable Jacuzzi bath tubs big enough for two. Amenities range from the glorious rooftop SOS Supper Club and Anantara Spa to an infinity edge swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For another side of Bali, stay at the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort,with its Greg Norman-designed golf course and the Nirwana spa that combines traditional Balinese therapies with Western techniques. “Asia’s Leading Golf Resort” is set in over 100 hectares of lush natural surroundings on Bali’s tranquil west coast, in a cliff top setting with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Tanah Lot temple.

TRANG, THAILAND

Trang features idyllic islands with breathtaking rock formations and unspoiled beaches, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a less known Thai beach escape. The waters off Trang have also become a refuge of the threatened dugong, the “sea cow” cousin of the manatee. Koh Libong is one of the best places to spot these docile sea mammals which have become the unofficial symbol of Trang.

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa occupies a remote sandy peninsula south of Krabi, with glittering sea views, a tropical jungle backdrop and 15km of its own secluded beach. It’s the ideal destination to be as active or relaxed as your needs desire. With family-friendly accommodation, restaurants, pools and the Dugong Kids’ Club, children are entertained while adults indulge in exotic treatments at Anantara Spa. After a fun packed day, one of the most sensational sunsets in the world is the perfect place to spoil someone special with a unique Dining by Design celebration.