Not that we don’t love the kids, but as parents we all need our time away, right? And time away doesn’t get much better than at adults-only resorts in the region! Without little ones splashing about in the pool or lil’ eaters kicking up a fuss in the restaurants, you’ll be in for a relaxing and stress-free holiday. So, quit daydreaming and book one of these amazing spots for your next romantic getaway!
Hurawalhi Island Resort, Maldives
Beautiful Hurawalhi Island Resort is located just a 40-minute seaplane ride away from Malé, nestled amongst the spectacular coral reefs of the Lhaviyani Atoll. This eco-friendly luxury resort welcomes guests above the age of 15 years. You can choose stay in a spacious overwater or beach villa, many of which have private pools, alongside mod-cons such as broadband internet, plush king-sized beds and balconies with stunning views of the lagoon.
During the day, enjoy the sun with fun activities such as tennis, beach volleyball, kayaking and diving. Or up the thrill quotient with a session of jet-skiing, wind-surfing or paragliding. For a change of peace, head to the Duniye Spa and indulge in a couple’s treatments such as “Him and Her”. It includes a relaxing Balinese massage and after-treatment champagne. All products used at the spa are organic and sustainable.
Top off your stay with a meal at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the largest all-glass under-the-water restaurant in the world. Enjoy imaginative cuisine and delectable wines while surrounded by marine life.
hurawalhi.com | reservations@hurawalhi.com
Telunas Private Island
Relish privacy and a tropical retreat at exclusive Telunas Private Island, located close to Singapore in Indonesia’s Riau archipelago. This lovely property features overwater sea villas decked out in rustic décor and offering gorgeous ocean views. Made from sustainable materials and filled with natural light, the spacious villas house a sitting room, a bedroom with a comfy king-sized bed, a loft and a private porch. The resort offers adult-only days four times a year to offer guests more peace and quiet. Check out the dates on the resort website.
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a leisurely kayak or paddle-boarding experience. You could also head out on a waterfall hike or cultural tour to the local village – or just stay put and have a cocktail by the poolside bar! After a day out in the sun, retreat to your villa and indulge in a couples’ massage, followed by a romantic candlelight dinner (with fireworks available for special occasions!).
telunasresorts.com/private-island
The Sarojin
Set on a peaceful sandy beach in Khao Lak in Thailand, The Sarojin is a luxury property that welcomes guests above 10 years of age. All 56 residences boast waterfall showers, twin vanities and comfy king-sized beds. There are Pool Residences available on the ground floor that offer the privacy of your own plunge pool and garden. Or, for a bit of added holiday indulgence, stay in one of the Spa Suites. They each house an intimate couple’s bath and come with a complimentary 60-minute Thai or Royal Oriental massage.
Aside from lounging by the pool, and sampling delicious food at the resort’s in-house restaurants, you can take a tour of nearby sights, including the Similan and Surin Islands Marine National Parks, which are less than an hour away. You can also enjoy a leisurely game of golf or croquet, or try your hand at Thai cooking.
KK Beach
A stay at KK Beach allows you to explore the beautiful coastal town of Galle, just 15 minutes away, while enjoying an intimate resort house of just six suites – and with no guests under the age of 12 allowed. The suites are decked out in colourful fabrics and art, with full-length windows and comfortable king-sized beds; for more space and the best views, you can choose to stay in the penthouse.
Beat the heat with a dip in the infinity pool and a leisurely afternoon on your private terrace, before heading off your fill of local and international dishes at the restaurant (including a delicious seafood barbecue on Saturdays). If you enjoy your spices, you’ll love the curry buffet on Monday and Wednesday nights.
During the day, you can explore the town, visit the famous Galle Fort, shop for souvenirs and try some local eats. Those who love a bit of adventure and go whale-watching or even deep-sea fishing. If you prefer to stay in, opt for a yoga class or a soothing in-room massage.
Qualia
Situated on the northern tip of Hamilton Island, Qualia is a luxurious retreat that welcomes guests aged 16 years and up. Surrounded by the famous Great Barrier Reef, the resort’s ocean-facing pavilions offer great privacy and unblocked views of the Whitsundays. For even greater indulgence, you can opt to stay in the Beach House. It has a 12-metre private infinity pool, a kitchenette and an entertainment area. If you manage to drag yourself away from the house, take a dip in one of the pools, enjoy a leisurely afternoon read in the library or head for a workout with your personal trainer in the gym.
The concierge team can also arrange trips to nearby Henning Island (with a picnic lunch in tow!). Or, if you’re keen to hone your golf game, head for a round by ferry or helicopter transfer. Then, after a long day out, relax those tired muscles with one of the pampering treatments at Spa Qualia.
enquiries@flightcentre.com.sg | flightcentre.com.sg
The Louise
Head Down Under to The Louise in Barossa Valley for your next couples’ vacation, and enjoy cosy log fireplaces and gorgeous sunset views of the surrounding wine country from your private terrace. Located in the heart of the Barossa in South Australia, the property is an easy one-hour drive from Adelaide and welcomes guests aged 10 and above. The elegant suites boast premium amenities including ensuite spa tubs, rain showers, walk-in wardrobes and BOSE iPod docking stations. While you’re there, you’ll want to have a meal at the popular Appellation restaurant, which serves up fresh local ingredients and offers an extensive collection of fine wines.
The hotel also provides one unique experience that you won’t want to miss: breakfast with the kangaroos! Get up close to these native Aussie animals in their natural habitat while enjoying a leisurely picnic meal. This experience is available to be booked daily from October through May. While you’re at it, book a cooking class at nearby restaurant Casa Carboni and learn how to whip up authentic Italian dishes.
enquiries@flightcentre.com.sg | flightcentre.com.sg
The Farm at San Benito, Manila
Relax your mind and body at The Farm at San Benito, a wellness resort located two hours by car south of Manila on a former coconut and coffee plantation. Surrounded by nature at the foothills of Mount Malarayat, this spot takes you well away from the hustle and bustle of life – and guests are encouraged to come without children.
Besides offering a wide range of spa treatments, the resort aligns its food with the wellness theme; ingredients are freshly picked from an organic garden, and food is prepared using specially designed dehydrators that prevent the removal of useful nutrients and enzymes.
All of The Farm’s wellness programmes are run by resident experts and supervised by licensed medical doctors and nurses. After an initial consultation, each guest is given a personalised schedule for their stay. This is based on what you want to achieve from your stay, be it weight loss, detox or improving your fitness.
Hot deal! Stay three nights or more and receive complimentary round trip transfers.
lightfoottravel.com/the-farm-at-san-benito
Kamalaya, Koh Samui
Rejuvenate and get some R&R at Kamalaya, a wellness sanctuary set within nature and built around a sacred Monk’s Cave. You can choose to stay in a cosy room by the hillside or get more privacy in one of the spacious villas. (Guests are encouraged not to bring children.)
The resort’s wellness programme includes solutions for detox, stress and burnout; or, you can opt to create your own personalised programme with the help of a team of international naturopaths. Pick from a range of wellness treatments such as holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies. You can also attend yoga, tai chi, qigong, Pilates and meditation classes. After a long day, unwind at the herbal steam cavern or infra-red sauna.
Dining is essential to healing, so expect to indulge in healthy but delicious cuisine. And, if you’d just like to get some sun, head down to the private beach.
Hot deal! Stay three nights and only pay for two. Plus, get a complimentary Healthy Inspired Cuisine cooking class per person when you book a three-day programme.
Likuliku Lagoon
Enjoy a tropical vacation at Likuliku Lagoon, an adults-only resort surrounded by sandy beaches and glistening water, just a short speedboat ride away from Nandi International Airport. Stay the night in one of the elegant thatched bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) that are built with authentic architecture and natural materials. Aside from the rustic décor, each one is equipped with modern facilities, an outdoor shower and private balcony. There are also ten overwater bures that feature glass floor panels so you can watch the marine life below.
Food at the resort is prepared using local South Pacific ingredients, with plenty of tropical fruit and fresh seafood. Speaking of the sea, there are glorious waters surrounding the resort. Be sure to go for a leisurely snorkel, or try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking. The more adventurous might like to head out for some windsurfing, or ride a jet-ski to Modriki Island. Alternatively, lounge by the pool or get a relaxing Fijian massage at the Tatadra Spa.
lightfoottravel.com/likuliku-lagoon
Cempedak Private Island
Newly opened Cempedak Private Island, an adults-only resort off the southeast coast of Bintan in Indonesia, features sustainable bamboo two-level villas that come with a plunge pool and deck. Each one has high ceilings and automatic bamboo fans, with materials sourced and made by local artisans using natural and recycled material.
The resort’s cuisine highlights local delicacies, including freshly caught fish, and fruit and vegetables grown in the island’s garden. The restaurant offers a fixed menu but it can be tailored to individual tastes and preferences.
During the day, you can head out onto the water for snorkelling or kayaking, or go further out for a dive. If you want to stay dry, enjoy a game of tennis or croquet. If you love wildlife, go on a tour with the island’s consultant naturalist and encounter animals such as otters, turtles, monkeys and even pangolins. And don’t miss a pampering massage or facial at the spa.
Banyan Tree Phuket Spa Sanctuary
Banyan Tree is renowned for its rejuvenating spa treatments, wellness activities and healthy cuisine, and its Phuket resort is no exception. Welcoming guests 12 years and above, the property’s spacious pool villas boast floor-to-ceiling windows, a personal steam room, spa pavilion and outdoor sunken bath. Wake up to the beautiful tropical gardens and look forward to indulging in unlimited in-villa massages. You can choose to dine at one of the many restaurants or in the privacy of your villa.
Besides world-class massages and treatments are based on Thai and Indian techniques, you can book an in-villa Pilates or yoga session or head out for an evening cycle around the resort grounds. End the day with a romantic dinner cruise on board the Sanya Rak, Banyan Tree’s traditional long-tail boat.
Hot Deal! Enjoy a complimentary night for every stay of five consecutive nights, until 31 October 2017. Also, book 180 days in advance for a stay up to 31 March 2018 and enjoy 40% off (valid for bookings made before the end of September 2017).
banyantree.com/thailand-phuket-spa-sanctuary
Read on for more great travel destinations or resort ideas for a babymoon!
