One way to calm the nervous system when it’s on overload is to leave the house and spend some time in nature. But that’s easier said than done when you live in a busy city. A long walk on the beach or a short stroll in the forest would definitely improve your mood, but it’s not always possible. So, if you’re desperate for some peace and quiet, it might be time to take off somewhere far away, where nature is omnipresent and where you’ll be properly pampered. Luxury retreats are a dime a dozen, but we’ve selected the best of the best of resorts across Asia, where wellness and wilderness are the focus. From high-end properties on the beach to opulent hotels in the rainforest, these Asian retreats will set you right.
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
If you really want to experience tranquility, there are few better options than an island resort. Especially one on an island very few people have heard of. The Datai Langkawi is such a place.
Located on Langkawi Island, west of mainland Malaysia, the five-star resort is a wonderful place to hide – and it has been for 30-plus years. The property has rooms, suites, and villas immersed in the tropical rainforest, as well as along Datai Bay for those who want to be near the beach. While all the accommodations at The Datai Langkawi are flawless, the stilt-raised Rainforest Premium Villas have won our hearts. They offer total privacy, a serene atmosphere, and all the comforts you can imagine.
Beyond the many activities that you can partake in at The Datai Langkawi (birdwatching walks, sailing sessions, naturalists-led treks in the rainforest, and more), there is a wide range of wellness experiences. The spa offers treatments that use plants and herbs from the property’s permaculture garden, inspired by Malay rituals. There are also group and private fitness classes, as well as meditation, yoga, and sound healing sessions among other holistic activities.
An Lam Retreats, Vietnam
An Lam Retreats owns and operates two properties in Vietnam: An Lam Retreats Saigon River near Ho Chi Minh City, and Resort Nha Trang in Ninh Van Bay. While both resorts will provide a great spot where to while away the time in the sun, the Ninh Van Bay establishment is architecturally beautiful and removed from the hustle and bustle for a more calming experience.
At Resort Nha Trang in Ninh Van Bay, you don’t have to choose between a paradisical beach and the beauty of the tropical jungle – you get both. The resort has 37 wooden villas (some hillside among the trees, some by the water) that blend in harmoniously in the lush landscape. But the piece de resistance of this resort is the spherical seafront Sen Restaurant where you can indulge in farm-to-table meals and admire the killer views.
While lazying on the beach or floating in your private pool are very honorable activities, there’s plenty more to do at Resort Nha Trang. Take part in an island-hopping catamaran cruise, go on a hike up to scenic An Lam Point, or enjoy spa treatments, meditation sessions, sunset yoga on the beach, and more.
Wa Ale Resort, Myanmar
If isolation and remoteness is what you’re looking for in an Asian retreat, stop searching – we have found the perfect spot for you. Wa Ale is a private-island retreat located off the very southern tip of Myanmar in the Andaman Sea. Nobody will come looking for you here.
The luxurious eco resort comprises three types of accommodations: Tented Beach Villas, Treetop Villas, and The Beach House. All of them will provide you with the high-end amenities you’re looking for while keeping the vibes simple. We have a preference for the Tented Beach Villas, however. Glamping in front of one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world is something you won’t want to pass on. And because each tented villa has an enclosed jungle garden, you get to take advantage of the island’s lush flora too.
The point of a stay at Wa Ale is to relax, so there’s a spa with a solid treatment menu. That said, you’d be remiss not to try out some of the activities available. Yoga and meditation, snorkeling and diving, fishing, surfing, Burmese cooking classes – you’ll never get bored. Unless that’s what you want for your Asian retreat, in which case, you can easily get bored here.
137 Pillars, Thailand
There are three 137 Pillars properties in Thailand: One hotel in Bangkok, one resort in Chiang Mai, and one yacht moored in Phuket. The most relaxing option of the three is a multi-day cruise on 137 Pillars Spirit, but if you’re not keen on spending time on the water, then we recommend you head over to 137 Pillar House in Chiang Mai. Bangkok is incredibly busy so it’s not exactly retreat-worthy. However, it’s easy to find peace in Chiang Mai.
Built in the late 19th century, 137 Pillar House is a wooden house on stilts, so you get to enjoy the charms of colonial Thai architecture. And with only 30 suites, this property offers an intimate setting. There are five types of suites available to guests, each featuring hand-crafted furniture, tropical-garden views, and even outdoor garden showers. Our favorite is the Louis Leonowens Pool Suite. Not only is it the biggest with 135 square meters of space but it has a private pool.
The onsite spa, the Nitra Serenity Centre, has an extensive menu with a huge variety of massages, but if you want to be active during your stay at 137 Pillar House, you can also take advantage of the 24-hour gym, the large outdoor pool, or the yoga and meditation classes on offer.
There are several fantastic dining options on site but for those who like to indulge, there’s only one meal that matters: afternoon tea. It’s served daily from 12 PM to 5 PM in the old house or in the tropical gardens.
Cap Karoso, Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Sumba is as close to paradise as it gets. And Cap Karoso is as close as it gets to the perfect sanctuary for travelers in need of some rest. That’s an impressive combo.
Cap Karoso is all about Sumbanese heritage, whether in the architecture of the resort, in the spa treatments, in the art displayed, or in the activities on offer. If you want to feel totally transported, this is the palace for you.
There are 40 rooms and 20 villas at Cap Karoso, and each is decorated to inspire relaxation and comfort to the guests. If we had to pick one accommodation over all the others, we’d choose the Beach Villa for the views, but also for the private path that leads to the turquoise waters.
Cap Karoso has a unique offering you won’t find anywhere else. You can sign up for a seven-day Shamanic Healing journey to learn more about Sumbanese culture and to dive deep into your own wellness needs.
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FAQs
Q: How many 137 Pillars properties are there?
A: There are three 137 Pillars properties, all of which are in Thailand.
Q: Where is the Wale Ale Resort?
A: Wale Ale is a private-island resort in the Myeik archipelago off the coast of southern Myanmar.
Q: Where is Cap Karoso?
A: Cap Karoso is on the Indonesian island of Sumba, southeast of Bali.
