We’ve rounded up some places for a beach holiday just a short ferry ride or flight away – perfect to enjoy when there’s a public holiday in Singapore. There are family getaways, wellness retreats, villas on private islands and recommendations on where to stay in Bintan and Bali. Read on and get booking at one of these beach resorts near Singapore.
Where to stay nearby for the next public holiday in Singapore
The Legian Seminyak, Bali and The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali – beach resort with ocean views plus private villas
Bali has long been a favourite destination when it comes to a beach holiday, and if it’s a front-row ocean view you’re after, it doesn’t come much better than The Legian Seminyak, Bali.
Just steps from the resort, the ocean rolls over soft, shifting sand, shaped by tides and breeze. It’s a spot for enjoying those iconic, perfectly laid-back moments by the water – exactly what a holiday in Bali should feel like.
Mornings often begin with yoga by The Legian’s lawn, as guests stretch under gentle sunlight before surfers glide along glassy waves out the front, ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders. Those in ocean view suites at The Legian Seminyak or private villas at neighbouring resort The Club by The Legian Seminyak can step out of their accommodation to embrace the beach, then return to quiet pools, shaded gardens or a leisurely brunch by the ocean.
Both retreats are designed by the legendary Jaya Ibrahim – the Indonesian designer behind Capella Singapore – so you can expect that striking blend of tropical elegance with a touch of Bali magic via an infusion of local, natural-fibre furnishings, wooden floors and original art and artefacts.
As the day unfolds at this beach resort near Singapore, the waves soften, making them perfect for longboarding or playful dips in the shallows. Guests can walk along the beach or go for the option of horse riding along the shore. Then, close the day with sunset cocktails at the ocean bar before dinner. Later, explore the surrounding Seminyak neighbourhood with its eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques and bars.
It’s that blend of adventure, relaxation and Bali charm that makes for a memorable escape!
IG @thelegianseminyak | @theclub.thelegianseminyak
Villa Essenza – private beach villas in Thailand
Want a beach holiday in a delightful tropical setting? This private villa on the shores of Phang Nga on Thailand’s Andaman coast is designed for slow days by the sea with friends or family.
With six bedrooms (sleeping up to 13 adults), Villa Essenza works well for extended families travelling together, milestone celebrations or even a wellness retreat. There are two spacious master suites and four additional ensuite bedrooms, all finished in calming neutral tones with expansive glass that brings the sea views inside. Some rooms even feature sunken terrazzo soaking tubs – a relaxing way to end a day in the sun.
Outside, expansive decks and lawns lead directly to the sea. The interiors follow a relaxed “beach nomad” aesthetic – simple and understated, with globally inspired touches such as handmade ceramics, textiles and surfboards collected from around the world.
Much of the time here is likely to be spent outdoors. A 25-metre saltwater infinity pool with a shallow section for children sits at the heart of the estate, alongside shaded lounging areas and lawn space. There’s also a beachfront sala for sundowners and outdoor dining areas complete with a barbecue and pizza oven. It’s the kind of setting people picture when booking private beach villas.
Guests who prefer to stay active have access to an estate gym, and this beach villa also has kayaks, paddle, a pool table and table tennis. A performance gym, spa and infrared sauna are planned for late 2026, along with a games room including a golf simulator and pickleball.
Dining can be as relaxed or elaborate as you like. A private chef and full villa team are on hand throughout your stay, with breakfast included. Long-tail boats can also be collected directly from the beach for exploring nearby islands and Phang Nga Bay, while yacht charters can be arranged for a day out on the water.
Despite its sense of seclusion, getting here is straightforward. Complimentary round-trip airport transfers from Phuket International Airport (25 minutes) make it an easy option to escape when there’s a public holiday in Singapore.
Villa Essenza is hosting its first annual wellness retreat in December, featuring two of London’s most sought-after practitioners – Sol House London, renowned globally for its refined approach to classical Pilates and a devoted international following, and Ksenija of The Moments, known for her work in lymphatic health, intuitive wellness and naturopathic nutrition.
stay@villaessenza.com | IG @villa_essenza_natai
Baan Railei – self-catering beach villas in Krabi, Thailand
Set between limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of Railay Beach, Baan Railei – two villas, Baan Kintamani and Baan Samarinda – offer luxury self-catering beach holiday homes.
This stretch of Krabi coastline is only accessible by boat, which adds to the sense of arrival upon reaching Baan Railei. Transfers are arranged from the airport to Ao Nam Mao pier, followed by a short long-tail boat ride into Railay.
The two family-owned homes sit just off Railay West, one of Thailand’s most photographed beaches. Baan Samarinda is the larger of the two, a five-bedroom traditional Thai teak house that sleeps up to eight, with shaded decks and sea views. Next door, Baan Kintamani (four bedrooms, sleeping seven) draws on Indonesian design influences. Think ornately carved Balinese doors and windows, layered Asian artefacts, and a Javanese pavilion set in the garden – a quiet spot for a massage or an afternoon with a book.
Both beach villas work well for multigenerational stays, where days move between the ocean, relaxing on a sun lounger, cocktail hour and long dinners outside. For larger groups, these two can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.
Railay itself offers plenty to dip in and out of, from boat trips and snorkelling to rock climbing and casual beachside dining along Walking Street. There’s also the option to keep things low-key, with in-house dining and massages arranged at the villa.
Come evening, the setting really comes into its own. These holiday homes look out onto some of the best sunset views on this stretch of coast – the kind you’ll end up returning to night after night, cocktail in hand. Guests can also head to the private Sunset Bar at Railei Beach Club, where Thai-jitos are the signature.
Special offer for EL readers: Get 10% off when you quote “BAANRAILEI-SG”.
IG @baanrailei | baanrailei.com
Nikoi Island, Indonesia – private island getaways from Singapore
Just two and a half hours from Singapore – this eco-friendly private island is perfect for a mid-week stay or long weekend. Located off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia, Nikoi Island is a haven for nature lovers wanting to contribute to a long-term positive impact on the places they visit.
Ringed with white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and huge granite boulders, the 15-hectare Nikoi island is stunningly unspoilt. Here you can spend your beach holiday snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and exploring the island’s diverse marine life.
For little ones, the kids’ club activities include jetty jumping, coconut tree climbing and woodcraft. Not to mention a treasure hunt around the island at 5pm every day, as well as after-dinner marshmallow roasting at a beach bonfire! For mum and dad, there’s a spa, a bar that stays open until the last guest goes to bed and dining experiences celebrating fresh local ingredients.
The Residence Bintan – ferry to this beach resort near Singapore
One way to maximise your public holiday is to minimise your travel time, and that’s exactly what you can do with a stay on Bintan, a short ferry ride away from Singapore. The Residence Bintan occupies its own little pocket of the island, away from the majority of the resorts on the north coast, and surrounded by beach, ocean and forest.
The seven categories of rooms, suites and villas feature stylish interiors that reflect traditional Indonesian aesthetics. They range from beachfront villas to upper sea-view suites to garden terraces with family-friendly private decks. Each of The Residence Bintan’s villa categories has a private pool, too, or you can choose to unwind beside the beachfront infinity pool instead.
Keen for a bit more action? You can hit the resort fitness centre and gym, try a session of morning yoga, or take advantage of the ocean location with some snorkelling and jet-skiing.
If you’re travelling with little ones, you can put them in good hands at the Kakatu Kids Club (for ages three to 12, with additional babysitting services available). While they’re off having a ball with the trained staff, you can make a beeline for the tranquil resort spa. Eight private treatment rooms are available, with tailored treatments combining modern techniques and traditional Indonesian therapies for a deeply healing experience.
Be sure to tour The Residence’s own organic and sustainable farm, the Earth Basket – especially if you have kids in tow. The kampung-style farm grows over 30 types of fruit, vegetables, flowers and spices. You can harvest your favourites, collect duck and chicken eggs from coops, learn about composting and more. The surrounding ecosystems, meanwhile, are home to butterflies, dragonflies, lizards, squirrels, kingfishers and tropical plants galore, while the seashore supports seaweeds, seagrasses, sponges, crabs, clams, hard corals and more.
One of the great pleasures of a getaway is putting all the food prep in someone else’s hands – and The Residence has that sorted. The Dining Room offers Western and Asian specialties and comfort food surrounded by nature; Rica Rica offers up authentic flavours of the Indonesian archipelago using locally sourced ingredients; and Rimbun is a leafy cove by the sea, grilling fresh seafood and meat to perfection. You can also enjoy a refreshing cocktail and small bites by the pool, or a bespoke private dining experience on the beach, in the gardens or in your villa.
For anyone narrowing down beach resorts near Singapore, Bintan continues to be one of the easiest and most popular options, and it’s easy to see why this property often comes up in conversations around where to stay in Bintan.
+62 778 6000 888 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan
The Residence Maldives – two tropical beach resorts with a three-kilometre house reef
The Residence Maldives is located in the southern Maldives archipelago, in one of the deepest atolls in the world. The resort stretches across two islands – The Residence Dhigurah and The Residence Falhumaafushi – which combine to make it one of the largest island resort offerings in the Maldives.
Getting there is half the fun! Guests of The Residence are escorted from the international airport in Malé to the domestic airport for a scenic 55-minute flight over those iconic blue waters. Once you’ve landed on the atoll, it’s a five-minute speedboat transfer to your new tropical postcode.
While the two islands are linked by a bridge, they have a different vibe: The Residence Falhumaafushi is home to 94 overwater and beachfront villas, all with private pools, and is perfect for romantic honeymoons and intimate escapes. The Residence Dhigurah, meanwhile, has 173 water and beach villas (again, all with pools) that are ideally suited for family fun and adventure for young and old. These beach villas bring that classic overwater Maldives experience.
The resort’s three-kilometre house reef begins just metres from shore, making it incredibly easy to slip straight from your villa deck into an underwater world where you’ll spot coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks. The reef has calm, shallow areas that are ideal for beginners, before dropping into deeper sections for more confident snorkellers. The ever-changing marine life means no two swims are quite the same, and with a resident marine biologist now on hand to lead guided snorkelling tours and talks, there’s an added layer of insight into this remarkable ecosystem.
Little vacationers will love the dedicated Kids Club (ages three to 12) on Dhigurah, which features plenty of outdoor exploration – from searching for hermit crabs to palm tree picnics, beach soccer, making Maldivian food, yoga for kids and swimming, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking. Adults, meanwhile, can relish the sanctuary that is the world-class Spa by Clarins. Further afield, you can explore some charming Maldivian villages on an island-hopping tour, or learn how to scuba dive with professional instructors at the PADI 5-star dive centre.
There’s an eclectic offering of diverse global cuisine on the menu in the resort restaurants on both islands – from classic Cantonese fare served in a lush garden setting, to authentic island feasting overlooking a lagoon, and light meals and tapas by pool’s edge. On this beach holiday you can even enjoy a dreamy dinner by moonlight on your own private castaway island attended by a personal chef.
+960 682 0088 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm
+960 682 0089 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-dg
More beach holidays to plan around a public holiday in Singapore!
M Social Phuket – a beach resort for a Thailand getaway
For beach resorts near Singapore, Phuket is one of the more convenient choices. Situated in the heart of Patong, M Social Phuket is a creatively designed property with a modern feel. Here, you’re surrounded by trendy bars, shops and dining options with the iconic Patong Beach a short stroll away.
The 418 hotel rooms and suites are colourful and luxurious with new AI voice-controlled assistants in each room. Facilities include a day spa, two outdoor pools and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
One of the joys of a beach getaway from Singapore is exploring the local dining scene and you won’t need to go far. At M Social Phuket you’ll find two restaurants and two pool bars with diverse culinary offerings. Beast & Butterflies offers breakfast, casual daytime dining and boat-to-table seafood in the evenings. For something lighter, Bincho Izakaya is a lively Japanese sushi and sake bar.
By the pool bars, Sun-Kissed and After Glow, find a haven with views of the serene Andaman Sea. Grab a cocktail, lay out in the sun or take part in nightly entertainment to celebrate life by the sea. The hotel also has a ballroom space ideal for a special event or fairy-tale wedding.
InterContinental Koh Samui, Thailand – five-star beach resort near Singapore
The first thing that will strike you at this beach resort on the quiet southwest coast of Koh Samui is the view over the Gulf of Thailand. This five-star resort near Singapore also offers many room options to suit different travellers. You can choose between spacious ocean view rooms, pool villas or a family villa at The InterContinental Koh Samui.
Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at Thai Spa by Harnn – pamper yourself with a soothing massage or a refreshing scrub. You can also go kayaking, snorkelling or diving, or visit nearby islands. The flight time to this beach resort is only a few hours. That makes it a great pick for families planning around a public holiday in Singapore.
If parents need a break, the Planet Trekkers kids’ club at The InterContinental Koh Samui has loads of fun activities for children aged four to 12. Everything from beach soccer to nail painting!
This article on beach resorts near Singapore first appeared in the May 2026 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read our latest City Guide here for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – click for the answers!
Short travel time (ferry or flight), relaxing sea-view location, family-friendly amenities, and minimal transit so you can maximise your holiday time!
Many great resorts are just a ferry ride away (e.g., those on Bintan) or a one-to-three-hour flight from Singapore – ideal for public holiday breaks.
Families, couples, friend groups or solo travellers; different resorts offer kids’ clubs, wellness retreats, beachfront villas and group-friendly options.
Travel time, transfer logistics, room types available, resort facilities (does it have a kids’ club or spa, for instance), and whether full board or half board is included.
Yes – while some ultra‐premium resorts exist, there are mid-luxury options that offer beach villas and amenities at more accessible price points for a short getaway.
Definitely. Many resorts cover children’s activities, pools, kids’ clubs and family-friendly rooms. Just ensure the resort explicitly supports younger guests and families.
Spa treatments and yoga at wellness retreats; snorkelling, hiking and kayaking at adventure-based resorts; ultra-luxury villas; nature-immersive stays; and culturally themed experiences.
Booking for a stay during a public holiday is convenient, but going just before or after can mean fewer crowds, better deals and more availability.
You’ll want to find out about travel/transfer duration, arrival/departure times, whether meals are included, room types, kids/family facilities and cancellation policies.
Book early to secure preferred accommodation; pack light; choose resorts with direct transfers; plan one key experience (spa, snorkel or excursion); and allow time to unwind rather than over-schedule.
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