It’s been a busy year. Between work deadlines, stress and juggling everything in between, you’ve finally found the time to take some leave and go on that much needed holiday.
The only problem? Planning a trip can sometimes feel like another task on the to-do list, with flights, itineraries and activities all demanding more brainpower than you are willing to give.
Perhaps, it is finally time to trade the grind for something slower. Think private beaches, rainforest hideaways, dreamy pools and stays that make everyday life feel very, very far away.
Leave Reality at the Shore
Photo credit: Crimson Resort website
First stop, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu, where the resort ambience, infinity pool, and private beach make daily life seem incredibly far away. The property also has beach villas with ocean views and private plunge pools, so you can quite literally wake up, step outside and slip straight into holiday mode.
This is the kind of getaway where doing less is more. The biggest dilemma of your days at Crimson is a conflicting one; whether to linger by the ocean or head back for a retreat at your villa.
Find Your Quiet Side in Ubud
Photo credit: Trip.com website
Swap Bali’s buzzing beach clubs for something a little calmer at Villa Uma Atma Ubud by Nagisa Bali.
Its name combines “Uma”, meaning home, and “Atma” meaning soul, perfectly aligning with the idea of slowing down, reconnecting and taking a proper breather. At the heart of the villa is a private 10 metre pool with a sunken lounge, surrounded by greenery and open relaxation spaces that make doing absolutely nothing feel like a very good plan.
Photo credit: Trip.com website
When you do feel like venturing out, Ubud’s cafes, wellness spots and cultural attractions are within reach. The Ubud Monkey Forest and the Traditional Art Market gives you the option to explore when the mood strikes for it.
Conveniently, the stay is available through merewards with 4.5% cashback, giving you one more reason to turn that “maybe I should book a trip” thought into an actual conversation.
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Wait… This is Langkawi?
Photo credit: Datai Langkawi website
Next up, The Datai Langkawi, elevates the concept of a tropical getaway. Tucked between ancient rainforest and the white sands of Datai Bay, the resort feels worlds away from the Malaysia most of us are used to.
There are beach villas that open directly onto the sand, some complete with private pools and butler service, and rainforest villas surrounded by lush vegetation. It’s the kind of place where a short flight from Singapore will have you questioning whether you unintentionally touched down on a different continent.
Keep the City, Lose the Chaos
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If completely disappearing into nature is not your thing, Cozrum Lux Sonata Imperial in Ho Chi Minh City offers a different form of escape. You still get the buzz, food and energy of a city break, but with a comfortable space to retreat to when you are ready to switch off.
Photo credit: Trip.com website
Located in District 7, Sonata Imperial offers a unique blend of modern luxury and urban charm. The property pairs stylish interiors with thoughtful amenities, including a state-of-the-art 24 hour fitness facility and swimming pool, making it a comfortable getaway from Vietnam’s bustling metropolis.
Immerse Yourself Into A Whole New World
Photo credit: Amansara website
For the final escape, Amansara in Siem Reap offers something completely different. Once a guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk, the property has been transformed into an intimate retreat with just 24 suites, tropical gardens and a distinctive 1960s New Khmer design.
Photo credit: Amansara website
For an added touch of seclusion, select suites come with their own private pool, while Angkor Wat sits just minutes away, giving you the rare mix of total tranquility and one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks right on your doorstep.
This is less of a typical home stay and more of a chance to completely disconnect, slow the pace and feel like you have stepped into another era.
Whether your idea of paradise waking up by the sea, hiding away in the rainforest or retreating somewhere that feels a world away, sometimes the best holiday is the one that simply lets you disconnect from the world, temporarily.
The grind can wait. Paradise is calling.
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