BEST STAYCATIONS IN ASIA

You could wander around the mall this weekend, or you discover to visit six islands, three turquoise lagoons, and 13 golden beaches. The pristine Bawah Reserve in the Anambas Archipelago is ready for you to explore. Touch down in your seaplane and be taken to your beach, garden, or overwater bungalow. Spend the day snorkeling over coral reefs or trekking through the jungle and the night dining on a private beach or watching a movie at the open-air cinema.

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a beach vacation in Asia. Just a hop, skip and a jump across the border from Singapore, you’ll find the golden beaches of Desaru. What’s more exciting is that it is about to welcome One&Only Desaru, so pack your designer swimwear and head to the border. However, we must warn you that once you visit your rainforest or ocean suite, dine on dishes by acclaimed chef Andrew Walsh at the Ember Beach Club, or join the resident naturalist for a nature walk, you might want to stay a little longer.

Just 50-minutes from Singapore, this colonial-chic retreat on the island of Bintan in Indonesia, will make you feel as if you are lightyears’ away from the Red Dot. While away the hours in the infinity pool, take a walk along the powdery white beach, or enjoy a facial at the spa. If you are feeling more adventurous go paddleboarding, try your hand at archery or enjoy a bike ride. Then ease those achy muscles with a soak in your claw-footed bath.

Enjoy savings on your next luxury vacation at The Sanchaya, Bintan.

Culture lovers will want to book into The Upper House, Hong Kong created by architect Andre Fu. From the lobby to restaurants and even your suite, you will find bespoke artworks designed to complement Fu’s designs. Look out for the Stone Curtain, a wall between the 43rd and 48th floor created by Thomas Heatherwick (he of the London’s Olympic Cauldron fame). At the end of the day take a seat by the roaring fire in the Sky Lounge or stop by The Lawn for rooftop cocktails.

Spend the weekend in a Hong Kong landmark. This former government building turned high-end hotel, is a masterclass in blending old and new. Burn off those calories in the gym and spa, then top them back up at one of its chic restaurants or bars. Parents should note that this family-friendly hotel is also happy to lend you cots, playpens, and milk bottles for your stay so you can easily turn this into your home from home.

Foodies should book into the Rosewood Hong Kong at the Victoria Dockside. It has eight restaurants to choose from. From steamed clams and bamboo shoots at The Legacy House to 90 Days Aged in Woodford Reserve Bourbon & Ash steak at Henry’s old-fashioned smokehouse to artful pastries at The Butterfly Room’s Afternoon Tea, you are sure to find something to tempt your tastebuds.

The Lightfoot Team has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bali. Let us help you experience Asia with a tailor-made itinerary that suits you. Enquire now!