ASIA INDOCHINA DESTINATIONS
Indochina is famous for offering service with a smile. Thailand in particular has cemented a place in the honeymoon canon by offering couples sun, sea and excellent service – all hand in hand with some of the most competitive prices in the long-haul market. The reputation for romance
is spreading across the region, as Vietnam emerges from its backpacker cocoon as a fully-fledged destination with sophisticated hotels, with Cambodia following hot on its heels. Even relatively off-the- beaten-track corners such as Burma and Laos have properties tailored to those travelling à deux, and don’t forget peninsular Malaysia, where Langkawi’s beaches in particular attract lovers in droves. There’s a wealth of choice, but here are 10 hotels tailored to romance to inspire you.
1
SONG SAA, CAMBODIA This luxury eco-resort, recommended by
Premier Holidays, is built across two neighbouring private islands in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago known locally as Song Saa, which is Khmer for The Sweethearts – and there is plenty here to suit loved-up guests. They could go for a private full moon picnic under the stars, be given a Buddhist blessing, take a sunrise yoga class or a sunset cruise on a long-tail boat, or cuddle up in their villa for a private movie screening. The design is inspired by
Cambodian fishing villages – think overwater villas, thatched roofs and driftwood furnishings, albeit very upmarket versions – and the restaurant serves local ingredients in dishes that fuse Western and Khmer cuisine. There is no spa centre – treatment villas are scattered all over the site – and wellness programmes can be tailored to guests, with special activities and menus as well as therapies. Song Saa is a private island
that takes sustainability seriously. The resort’s conservation and community programmes have set up the country’s first marine reserve and youth education initiative, so clients can feel good about themselves while staying somewhere uncompromisingly luxurious.
songsaa.com
2
4 RIVERS FLOATING LODGE, CAMBODIA Guests here aren’t disturbed by the
neighbours – the only way to access this floating lodge on Cambodia’s Tatai river is a 20-minute boat ride. Despite the fact everything has to be boated in, this is definitely glamping not camping – tents have rattan furniture and flatscreen TVs. All are en suite, with rainshowers and wooden tubs, but after basking in the sun on their private sundeck couples can cool off by climbing down a ladder into the river itself. Many of the activities are water-based, from kayaking and fishing to swimming under the natural jets of the Tatai Waterfall.
Apart from the few other guests, couples will only be bothered by storks, eagles, butterflies and, if they stray further from the lodge, gibbons and deer.
ecolodges.asia
3
KNAI BANG CHATT, CAMBODIA
Set on the Gulf of Thailand, Kep was
once the beach destination of choice for Cambodia’s high society, and Knai Bang Chatt is a throwback to a bygone era that will delight lovers of mid-century architecture. The 18 rooms in this boutique hotel, recommended by Inside Asia, are set across four restored modernist villas, and the look is tastefully retro. However, facilities are modern, with an infinity pool, free Wi-Fi and a sailing club with Hobie Cats, kayaks and a speedboat. There are two restaurants,
or couples can dine under the stars with a private table on the rooftop of one of the villas or at the end of the private jetty. There are many private excursions and activities on offer, from learning to fish with the locals and a Cambodian cookery course to a day on remote Rabbit Island, where a chef will set up a seafood barbecue on the deserted beach.
knaibangchatt.com
4
THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA Known for having some of Malaysia’s most
idyllic beaches, the Langkawi archipelago is often referred
to as a jewel – and once clients catch sight of its azure waters, lush jungle and pristine beaches they’ll see why. Guests at The Datai Langkawi, where rooms and villas are nestled in virgin rainforest or on the powder-white beach in a very secluded bay, will feel a particular sense of leaving the world behind. Complimentary activities include nature walks, cycling and watersports, and couples keen to immerse themselves in local culture can sign up for Malay and Thai cooking classes and batik workshops too. If clients want to tie the knot, the hotel offers both beach and traditional Malay weddings, or honeymooners may want to take up the option of private champagne breakfasts on the beach or lobster dinners under the stars.
thedatai.com
5
THE SAROJIN, THAILAND Set on Thailand’s west coast, this Khao Lak hotel
is so dedicated to romance it even has its own downloadable romance brochure, detailing everything from the wide choice of wedding venues to the locations of private dining experiences – which can be set up on the beach, by a waterfall and in the wine cellar. There are all sorts of experiences-for-two, ranging from a picnic or private film screening on the beach to cooking or wine-tasting classes, and a sunset champagne and canapés cruise. For hopeless romantics, the hotel will even
18 February 2016
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