Bliss from Sunrise to Sunset
Dreaming of a blissful holiday? Whether it’s a place you want to revisit or one that’s been on your bucket list, now is a good time to ponder that vacation as travel measures ease up.
Resorts are a good option for those who like planned activities, as well as those who are less adventurous or do not want to structure their vacation. Go with your besties, have a shrieking fambam with the kids, or enjoy blissful “me time”. Here are a few that we have been to and dream of visiting again. Pure bliss from sunrise to sunset.
Amanjiwo, Central Java, Indonesia
This is a trip for your soul. If you have a visit to UNESCO World Heritage site, Borubodur, on your bucket list, complement your trip with a stay at the luxurious Amanjiwo. During off-season you may find good promotions which won’t make a big dent on the purse. The architecture is grand but serene, the Indonesian food is divine and the service is impeccable. Be captivated by the world’s largest Buddhist temple Borubodur, best visited at sunset (you can pay a little extra to stay after all the tourists have dispersed). On one evening of your trip, watch the Ramayana ballet with Prambanan, an impressive Hindu temple, as backdrop. These two temple visits plus your stay in Amanjiwo will give you a peaceful, spiritual experience that you will remember for years. (Image: Amanjiwo)
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping, and where, as day quietly eases into evening, you can enjoy a glass of local wine on your private deck and savour the serenity. Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. It offers a range of activities including sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, vineyard tours and more. Some of New Zealand’s best red wines come from Waiheke. This photo is taken from a porch of Te Whau Lodge. Built to blend with the landscape of beautiful Waiheke Island, the striking architecture of this luxury lodge is in tune with New Zealand’s natural environment. The guest bedrooms have sweeping water views. There is an outdoor hot tub with views out over the bay and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. (Image: Debbie)
Como Shambhala Estate, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A stay at this tranquil wellness retreat centre is a gift you give yourself whether you are on your own, with your partner or with your bestie. Each villa room is uniquely designed and built using sustainable practices even before sustainability was in fashion. Enjoy the yin of massage therapies, beauty treatments and yoga sessions as well as the yang of hydrotherapy in the Vitality pool, or a hike within the grounds. The Glow restaurant serves a good selection of raw dishes, options with minimal cooking, and fully cooked meals all prepared to preserve the nutritional integrity of ingredients. The Kudus House is a delight for all senses as you savour local Indonesian or Western breakfast bites as you feast your eyes on the jungle terrain and listen to morning birds. (Image: Roxanne)
Sanchaya, Bintan Island, Indonesia
So near and yet so far. After a mere 50-minute ferry from the Tanah Merah terminal in Singapore followed by a short car ride, step into Sanchaya’s opulence and grandeur. Opened in 2014 by Russian business owner Natalya Pavchinskaya, the Sanchaya is a stunning low-rise enclave with manicured gardens and well-appointed rooms inspired by countries in Southeast Asia. It is an old-world setting with contemporary luxuries. One to keep on your bucket list for the ultra-special occasion. (Image: Roxanne)
The Legian, Seminyak, Bali
The Legian is am iconic beachfront luxury resort in the trendiest part of Bali. Built in 1996, it was originally designed as an apartment complex with 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units, but was subsequently converted into a hotel when local authorities weighed in. Thus, its spacious villas and ocean-facing balconies are sure to wow first time visitors and guarantee repeat guests. Once you enjoy the comfortable daybed on the terrace looking straight out to the ocean, you wrestle with the thought of leaving the hotel at all. A mere 40-minute drive from Denpasar airport and within walking distance to some of the best shopping and dining in Bali, this grand hotel is one to keep coming back to. (Image: Roxanne)
The Auhana Boracay, Philippines
If you dream of luxuriating in a private villa with a gorgeous ocean view from your balcony or living room, relaxing in your own dipping pool, and enjoying the day at your pace, The Auhana Boracay is just the spot for an indulgent holiday. It’s a sprawling seven-hectare beachfront hotel resort that boasts a stunning view of the coast and its pristine waters. It is a destination resort where serenity and fun blend so well that it would put you in the mood to just hang loose. It has themed restaurants, a bar and lobby lounge, three swimming pools, outdoor spots to view the stunning sunset or simply marvel at the ocean vista, a spa, a gym, mini theatre, gaming room, a chapel and even a Kids Courtyard. Best of all, you can take leisurely walks, stargaze and frolic on Boracay’s famed powder-fine white sand beach. (Image: Paco Guerrero)
The Mulia Bali, Nusa Dua, Indonesia
Float on Cloud 9 at this luxury resort, where food is as satiating as the tropical backdrop. There are a dozen reasons to escape to The Mulia Bali. Graceful hospitality, striking architecture and interiors, and a few quiet spots with breathtaking ocean views are but three of them. The other nine reasons are all about food. More specifically, an appetising spread of nine restaurants and bars serving lavish cuisines and drinks that will please your palate no end. They are all located within the sprawling 30-hectare resort’s three exclusive properties so you don’t have to leave the resort to indulge your cravings. (Image: The Mulia Bali)
Huvafen Fushi, North Male Atoll, Maldives
Mention the Maldives and immediately images of sun, sand, sea and uber luxury come to mind. All these and more come together at Huvafen Fushi: a mere 5-hour flight from Singapore gets you to the international airport and then a 30-minute speedboat ride transports you to heaven. Villas on water stilts give you endless seascapes and fabulous snorkelling right at your doorstep. Get a massage at the underwater spa with windows looking into the ocean floor, teaming with colorful fish. Have your favorite cocktail watching the sun disappear on the horizon then dine at Salt, which offers Japanese Izakaya style dishes with Latin influence. Huvafen Fushi means “dream island” in Dhivehi language. Whoever originated the phrase “heaven on earth” was probably a guest here. (Image: Roxanne)
El Nido Resort, Lagen Island, Palawan, Philippines
Experience the warmth of Philippine hospitality at El Nido Resorts, Palawan. One of four resorts, this eco-sanctuary on Lagen Island has a lush forest backdrop and a shallow lagoon in the foreground that leads to the open sea decorated with dramatic limestone mountains. Pick from Forest suites, Waterfront cottages or Beachfront cottages and enjoy panoramic views. Go birdwatching, explore the Big and Small Lagoon, pack a picnic and kayak and go island hopping, visit caves or sip your cocktail on a sunset cruise. Then come home to the comfort of your cottage. (Image: Roxanne)