Escape city life and reduce those stress levels with soft sands, inviting waters and swaying palm trees. Head for one of these dreamy destinations as recommended by the experts at Lightfoot Travel.
Nay Palad Hideaway
Previously known as Dedon Island, Nay Palad is reached via a speedy one-hour flight from Cebu to the island of Siargao, followed by a quick drive to the mangrove forests where the property and its nine villas are nestled. It’s located right on the beachfront, so make a beeline for the ocean-facing sunloungers or hanging day-beds by the pool. Join a cookery class, go surfing, relax with a traditional Filipino Hilot massage, catch a film at the open-air cinema and – perhaps when no-one is watching – enjoy a sneaky jump on the on-site trampoline.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Spacious and stylish family villas take centre stage at Constance Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius with their own personal stretch of sand and heated pool. Paddle boarding and waterskiing are available and the kids’ club (ages 4 to 11) offers a packed schedule of activities including cookery classes and arts and crafts. Three restaurants and bars, a championship golf course and a luxurious spa will keep parents happy – that is if you can peel yourselves away from your beachfront views.
COMO Uma Canggu
COMO Uma Canggu is the latest offering from the COMO group that ticks all the boxes for a relaxing escape with watersports on the side. Here, you’ll be treated to exceptionally stylish rooms, nutritious cuisine and spa treatments at the famous Shambhala Retreat; but what really gives this Bali bolthole extra star-quality is its beachfront location. The Surf School teaches guests how to catch the waves, and the beach club makes for a hip place to sip cocktails, listen to the resident DJs, and dance under the stars.
Villa Suriyawatta, Sri Lanka
When you stay at Villa Suriyawatta, poised on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, all you have to do to reach the beach is roll out of bed each morning and follow the cascading lawns down to the pristine shore. Away from the sand, the villa boasts five bedrooms, a relaxing sitting room, a fully-equipped kitchen with an experienced chef, and helpful staff. A loungey veranda is the ideal place to fire up the barbecue and sip cocktails in peace while the kids play in the private pool and gardens.
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
Super family-friendly, the One & Only Reethi Rah is a beachy paradise that allows parents plenty of relaxation time and children non-stop play. The Duplex Beach Villas come with baby-friendly facilities including cots, playpens and sterilisers, and all-important babysitters are on hand when you want some me-time. Older children are kept out of trouble with activities including tennis, swimming and sushi-making. The kids’ club (for ages four and up) comes with its own pool, and there’s a dedicated area for older children to hang out in (without you cramping their style!).
Rosewood Phuket, Thailand
Overlooking Phuket’s Emerald Bay, this coastal beauty comes with pavilions and villas peppered throughout the forest and on the sand. Guests are treated to panoramic sea views at every turn; from the rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, to the open-sided spaces that showcase the hilltops, lakes, wetlands and ocean. There are three different dining venues and the Asaya spa goes above and beyond with alternative therapies, hand-selected ingredients, soothing rituals and lifestyle coaching.
Six Senses Con Dao The Six Senses
Con Dao is hidden on the southeast coast of mainland Vietnam, a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Wooden villas come with private pools and line the mile-long, mountain-flanked beachfront. As with any Six Senses property, the spa is the star, and this one is located in the shadows of the Lo Voi Mountains. Aside from the menu of treatments, there’s also a yoga pavilion. Scuba-diving, cookery classes, watersports, diving with dugongs, or sailing away on a catamaran can also be arranged.
Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and London specialising in designer holidays around the world.
2815 0068 | lightfoottravel.com
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This article first appeared in the City Guide 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
