Luxury travel in Southeast Asia is booming, with exclusive experiences in Bali, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Photo / Ken Seet, Four Seasons
If ‘wow’ was a place, it would probably look like one of these six luxury experiences in Southeast Asia, writes Mauriz Coronel.
As a cheapskate myself, luxury travel is rarely on my radar. But sometimes, I can’t help but indulge in hours of research, checking out the fanciest, most exclusive, and expensive experiences on the planet.
From pristine beaches to secluded White Lotus-worthy locations, luxurious resorts, hotels, and experiences are slowly taking over Southeast Asia. Destinations like Bali and Singapore have been on the Kiwi traveller’s radar for years, but there’s so much more to splurge on.
Whether you’re looking for a wellness retreat, a day in the water, or simply beautiful beaches to lollop about on, here are six luxury activities in Southeast Asia to spend your (entire) travel budget on.
Read more: 18 essential tips for backpacking through Southeast Asia
What: Fivelements Retreat
Where: Badung, Bali
Travel is the cure for the soul, and what better way to treat yourself than to relax in a picturesque resort such as Bali’s Fivelements Retreat. The award-winning eco-conscious retreat is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Bali, making it the perfect spot for wellness-seeking holidaymakers. They offer a personalised private wellness retreat, which caters to your individual healing journey. Some of the holistic Balinese-inspired therapies include Balinese healing rituals, plant-based cuisine, and multi-disciplinary activities like meditation, yoga, somatic therapy, dance, visual arts, and healing dance aquatic bodywork, all of which are guided by traditional Balinese healers with ancient wisdom acquired through lineage. There are also spas and wellness day experiences which you can book outside of the pre-fixed wellness packages.
What: Luxury yacht charters
Where: The western and eastern waters of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur has been a popular tourist destination for years. You might have already visited the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, or the popular Hindu shrine Batu Caves. Once you’ve exhausted the city, jump aboard a luxury yacht to visit a neighbouring coastal paradise.
Renting a yacht to party in the water is a fancy experience in itself but you’ll also be navigating breathtaking archipelagos, rainforests, and other natural beauties. In Malaysia, yacht charter services are a big industry. Yacht charters will often have a variety of vessels in their registry, each with different amenities, services, water toys such as jet skis, and snorkel gear for guests. You can reach out to premium yacht charters like Platinum Charters (known for state-of-the-art boats), Globe Sailor (for those looking for party boats), and Simpson Yacht Charter (offering some of the most spacious yachts). You can also visit Boat Crowd, Boat Bookings and the Malaysia section of The Yacht Club if you want to look for your own dream boat. Private charter yachts can also be booked via Y.CO.
Now you have the yacht, where should you go? There are myriad destinations to visit offshore. Langkawi and Penang are popular options. Langkawi is a picturesque biodiversity Unesco Global Geopark known for its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, centuries-old mangroves and tropical forests, while Penang is dubbed as the heritage centre of Malaysia. More laid-back options include Tioman Island, Redang archipelago and Kota Kinabalu in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo.
What: Amanpulo by Aman Resorts
Where: Palawan, Philippines
If you love luxury travel, you have probably heard of the intimate retreat specialist, Aman Group. They started out as a leader in high-end retreats, but their range of offerings has since spread out to hospitality (Aman), residential development (Aman Interiors,) and lifestyle experiences (Aman Essentials and Janu).
Amanpulo, Philippines is one of their earliest destinations. Strategically placed in Palawan, easily one of the most beautiful provinces in the Philippines, Amanpulo opened in 1993, and has continued to improve and impress its high-profile guests.
How fancy is it? For starters, getting there is very exclusive. You’ll take a private car transfer from Manila to Amanpulo’s private lounge and hangar, then board their private 14-seat plane and land on Pamalican Island using Amanpulo’s private airstrip. You will then be transferred to your chosen accommodation, whether that’s a casita in the forest, hillside, or beach, or a private villa equipped with a private pool, private chef, and butler. All stays include daily breakfast, afternoon tea, daily snorkelling, daily wellness classes and access to their health facilities. Guests can also book a Kawayan bar experience; a floating bamboo bar built for those who love refreshment while swimming and snorkelling.
What: Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Where: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Not including Thailand in your luxury travel bucket list would be foolish; a country that specialises in luxury resorts, hotels and wellness retreats.
Tucked deep in the bamboo forests of Northern Thailand, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, lies the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. This isn’t merely a place to stay—it’s an immersion into wilderness with all the luxuries of extravagance.
Each of the camp’s 15 ultra-luxe tents feature copper bathtubs, antique furniture, and panoramic views of the jungle and Ruak River. The experience is all-encompassing: morning yoga amidst chirping birds, elephant encounters guided by local mahouts, and indulgent spa treatments under a canopy of trees. Culinary enthusiasts can savour farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from the camp’s organic garden.
This destination is perfect for those who seek serenity coupled with a touch of adventure. And when evening falls, there’s nothing like sipping a signature cocktail in the open-air Burma Bar as the sun sets over the Mekong River.
fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
What: Eastern and Oriental Express
Where: Malaysia and Singapore
The romance of train travel meets the sophistication of high-end fashion aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express, now adorned with the world-class elegance of a Dior Spa. Coursing through the vibrant landscapes of Singapore and Malaysia, this luxury train redefines relaxation on the rails.
Guests are treated to bespoke wellness treatments inspired by Dior’s signature beauty techniques. Enjoy the gentle sway of the train alongside an Asian-inspired beauty ritual, such as a facial or massage, using products crafted to evoke the essence of Southeast Asia’s flora. As the train travels through emerald rice paddies and dense jungles, passengers are treated to meticulously curated menus that highlight local flavours with a contemporary twist.
belmond.com/trains/asia/eastern-and-oriental-express
What: Private helicopter tour
Where: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
If you thought Angkor Wat was impressive from the ground, wait until you see it from the sky. A private helicopter tour over Cambodia’s most famous landmark takes this ancient wonder to the next level.
As you lift off, the sprawling beauty of Angkor Wat opens up beneath you. The intricate carvings, lush green surroundings, and sheer size of the temples are absolutely mind-blowing from above. Your pilot might even point out hidden gems like Banteay Srei or the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake. For an extra fancy addition, many tours can add a private toast or a gourmet picnic at a nearby temple.
