Beach resorts can feel like a dime a dozen, and with many claiming to focus on healthy living, what makes those that are truly special stand out? These new beach resorts offer a range of activities, sports and excursions for the traveller who wants more than just to lounge in the sun.
THAILAND
Its first foray into the boutique hotel world, the Ritz-Carlton has struck the right chord with Phulay Bay, a private resort 40 minutes by ferry from Krabi International Airport. The resort boasts everything travellers have come to expect from the brand by way of private villas, 24-hour on-call service, luxuriously appointed rooms and all the amenities. But Phulay Bay offers something else – a retreat dedicated to holistic living and both physical and mental wellbeing.
PURE LIVING: Combining rest and relaxation with an active and healthy lifestyle, Phulay Bay offers an unspoilt beachfront infinity pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre that will make guests want to wake up and exercise. The spa – ESPA at Phulay Bay – is also a variation on a theme, with wellness studios, yoga and Pilates classes, and treatments that are aimed at awakening the mind, body and soul.
Adding a culinary element that makes it a trendsetter in holistic living, RAW, the spa café, offers menus with therapeutic purposes, featuring local fruits, vegetables and blended juices and teas based on the “raw” philosophy.
PRICE: Entry-level Resort Pavilions from THB19,550 (US$595)
CONTACT: 111 Moo 3 Nongthalay, Muang, Krabi, tel 66 7 562 8111, http://reserve.ritzcarlton.com
Aava Resort and Spa, Greater Khanom area
Until recently, a little bit of heaven known only to a few, the Greater Khanom area is 20 minutes by speedboat from Koh Samui, and a world away from Thailand’s overcrowded resort destinations. On a white, sandy beach out of a movie, Aava Resort and Spa’s 28 beach bungalows allow guests to indulge in Thai traditions without compromising European standards. Scandinavian influence meets beachside oasis at this retreat.
PEACE OF MIND: The pool at Aava is the centrepiece of the resort, overlooking the beachfront against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy, white clouds. Aava promotes a way of life that embraces one of the last true luxuries: time. With space to think, guests are allowed to indulge in personal reflection, gaining perspective, and enjoying experiences with a partner over a romantic meal on the beach.
The property offers a complete break from the demands of the modern world, allowing its guests to turn off for several days and enjoy walks on the beach, swimming in the ocean and dinner by the pool.
PRICE: Entry-level Deluxe Bungalows from THB2,600 (US$79) to THB4,900 (US$149) depending on the season
CONTACT: Nadan Beach Road, 28/3 Moo 6, T Khanom, A Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, tel 66 8 1676 8797, www.aavaresort.com
Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
This resort takes its sparkling personality to the quieter, more exclusive side of the island along Lamai Beach. The Thai way of life while combining it with a modern, luxury aesthetic and a vibe of
playful relaxation. From the moment guests enter the lobby, the “Beach Angels” or staff will attend to everyone’s needs.
ENGAGING FUN: The Ocean Pool is perfect for laps, while the ocean itself is just 200m away for water sports, a swim or a morning run. The Pulse Fitness Studio leaves guests with no excuse to miss their daily routine, and the “borderless dining” concept means diets and healthy eating requests are not only accommodated, but also encouraged.
For those who desire a bit of excitement on holiday, the Langham LIFE Concierge can arrange island excursions, nature treks, and individual journeys to explore more than the nightlife on Koh Samui. But don’t miss out on the island’s best spa – Chuan Spa – which is based on Chinese and Thai traditional medicines, soothing tired muscles and restoring the physical and the mental sides of life.
PRICE: Entry-level Essential Place rooms from THB7,000 (US$213)
CONTACT: 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, tel 66 77 960 888, http://kohsamui.langhamplacehotels.com
CHINA
Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort and Spa, Sanya
A testament to Sanya’s all-around appeal as both a “kick-back-and-relax” destination and an opportunity to get up and go, Le Méridien Shimei Bay shines in all of the ways a luxury property should. Set on 12ha surrounded by lush hillside and the South China Sea, the resort makes the most of its location, inside and out.
SPORTY SPICE: With three outdoor swimming pools, two outdoor tennis courts with night lighting, a sleek gym with Technogym equipment, and 24-hour access to all, Le Méridien has plenty to keep its guests busy… and that’s just the beginning. Two professional tennis coaches, several personal fitness trainers and specialist yoga and Pilates instructors are on call for those who seek a more sport-inspired holiday.
A weekly activity programme reveals no shortage of options for the nature-inclined. From beach volleyball to water polo, mountain-bike coastal tours to hiking treks, DVD workouts to table-tennis competitions, and of course the myriad of water sports like jet skiing or earning a PADI diving licence, Le Méridien Shimei Bay puts an emphasis on enjoying all that Sanya has to offer.
PRICE: Deluxe Rooms from CNY1,540 (US$181)
CONTACT: Shimei Bay, Liji County, Wanning City, Hainan, tel 86 898 6252 8888, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien
VIETNAM
Life Resort Danang
While this precious strip of land has long been on the beach-lover’s must-do list, Life Resort Danang takes hospitality and beach holidays to a new level in Vietnam. As the name indicates, it is about embracing life on every level: on the golf course, in the water, on top of a mountain – anywhere and everywhere guests may choose to enjoy an active lifestyle.
NAME YOUR SPORT: On 4ha of prime beach land, water sports, swimming, diving and snorkelling are part of everyday life at Life Resort.
But the beach is not the only place that holds the key to fitness, health and happiness. An 18-hole golf course is in easy proximity to the resort, while another will open soon.
For those who prefer the great outdoors, the Unesco World Heritage Sites at Hoi An, Hue and My Son are just a short drive away, while the Marble Mountains boast stunning hikes, scenery and a welcome change of pace for travellers looking for that formerly elusive mix of beachside retreat and engaging activities.
PRICE: Superior Rooms from US$168 per night
CONTACT: Ho Xuan Huong Street, Bac My An Beach, Hoi An, www.life-resorts.com
Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa, Phan Thiet
For those who have long wished for a truly luxury resort to take advantage of the untouched beaches along the South China Sea, Princess d’Annam is the answer.
The 57-unit, all-villa property was designed by famed Singaporean architect Tan Hock Beng.
REJUVENATE THE SOUL: An oasis within an oasis, Princess d’Annam features four pools and a truly spectacular spa that has been described as “the best seat in the house”. What’s more, excursions can range from trips to Ta Cu – a nearby mountain that boasts the longest recumbent Buddha in Southeast Asia – to the Ocean Dunes Golf Club and the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne and Po Shanu.
But the dining is where Princess d’Annam is taking a truly original approach. Doing away with the notion of a menu, Chef An and F&B manager Thierry Mounon instead apply a consultative approach, inviting guests to be inspired daily by the French and Vietnamese culinary traditions that inform the local cuisine.
Dining is an experience of its own, enriching guests’ lives with gastronomic journeys that are not created from the usual one-size-fits-all menu.
PRICE: Entry-level Mandarin Suites from US$350 until October 31
CONTACT: Hon Lan, Tan Thanh Commune, Ham Thuan Nam District, Binh Thuan Province, tel 84 62 368 2222, www.princessannam.com
INDONESIA
St. Regis Bali
Located in the resort area of Nusa Dua, this exquisite property lends itself to the ultimate in indulgence and relaxation. Rooms are spacious and quiet, with views of the ocean or the sprawling grounds. Private villas come with their own 24-hour butler and are located along a meandering “river” that takes guests on a floating journey through a tropical garden and down to a pool nestled along the notoriously stunning beaches of Bali.
A SENSE OF BALANCE: In keeping with the relaxation and rejuvenation that guests seek when they come to Bali, the Remède Spa lies at the heart of the resort’s comprehensive Wellness Programme. Daily morning and afternoon sessions of yoga, stretching or a combination of yoga, tai chi and Pilates offer guests an alignment of yin and yang. Private yoga sessions can also be arranged, as can personal training in the fitness centre.
With Balinese hospitality and traditions in mind, the Tropical Park makes the most of the natural surroundings. Architect Bill Bensley has created the unique space with walking paths, an orchid garden and lounge areas that takes full advantage of the 7,000sqm area.
PRICE: Entry-level St. Regis Suites from US$427.50
CONTACT: Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua, tel 62 361 847 8111, www.starwoodhotels.com
THE MALDIVES
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa
Combining the excellence guests have come to expect from Shangri-La with the beauty of the ultimate beach destination, the Maldives, this resort is a supreme blend of luxury and relaxation, health and leisure, and nothing and everything. If sitting poolside is what the doctor ordered, there is no more beautiful place to indulge. However, Villingili Resort and Spa has everything that the spa devotee or adventure-seeker could want, giving travellers a world of options.
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS: The sprawling resort provides any number of ways to start the day on a healthy note. A breakfast of local fresh fruit and juices or teas can be followed by a dive in the lagoon, a jog along the beach, or a workout in the state-of-the-art gym. During the day, water sports like wave surfing, scuba diving, underwater coral gardens, kayaking, sailing, deep-sea fishing or a cruise on a luxury yacht will keep even the most dedicated water babies quite happy.
Guided walking tours through the resort’s jungle will showcase the spectacular variety of banyan trees, coconut trees, flora and fauna as well as several natural lagoons. Bike tours allow guests to explore the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17km trail – the longest in the Maldives. End the day on a mentally relaxing note with the Chi Spa, full of delightfully rejuvenating treatments to release the stresses and strains of everyday life.
PRICE: Entry-level Pool Villas from US$1,400
CONTACT: Villingili Island, Addu Atoll, tel 960 689 7888, www.shangri-la.com n
