Procrastinators, breathe! We know, it’s less than a week till the Easter long weekend, but don’t give up the idea of having a short break from the city just yet! Whatever your holiday tastes are, we have just the last-minute travel plan for you, thanks to these amazing vacations ideas from our friends at The Luxe Nomad. What’s more, these cool destinations are nearby, so you won’t spend too much of your precious days off on the plane. Here are some easy escapes for wandering nomads.
For adventure junkies: Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Nothing says Crusoe quite like an (almost) undiscovered archipelago of islands. Indigo blue water. Check. White sandy beaches. Check. Darkly magical jagged mountains? Check. Although the islands of Komodo and Rinca have gained some popularity in the past few years, many tourists aren’t dedicated enough to make the journey (although flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo take only an hour and a half). Many of the islands and atolls are uninhabited, making it exotic, idyllic and unspoiled – perfect for adventure and discovery. Pssst, we love the eco-luxe Plataran Komodo Beach Resort for an authentic stay.
Song Saa Private Island; Koh Rong, Cambodia
For romance: Koh Rong, Cambodia
Sitting amongst a lush cluster of mostly untouched islands, Song Saa Private Island is situated in Cambodia’s spectacular Koh Rong Archipelago, a haven of unexplored rainforests, baby powder white beaches, and virgin coral reefs. Why go to the Maldives when this luxury resort is a picturesque boat ride away from Sihanoukville? Spanning two private twin islands, a wooden footbridge connects them, running sensitively over a marine reserve which safeguards the reefs and tropical marine life below. There are twenty-seven luxurious beach, rainforest and over-water villas – with the latter being a first for this region. Upcycled materials from traditional fishing boats, driftwood, scrap metal and stone tastefully merge together to create the unique, exquisite rustic chic that runs throughout. Perfect for lovers.
Lebua Resort; Jaipur, India
For a spot of culture: Jaipur, India
If you’re looking for abstract splendour and opulent exoticism to balance the country’s overwhelming cultural stimulus, Lebua Resort in India is it. Located off the beaten track on the edge of Jaipur, this stunning boutique hotel features 60 suites and 3 villas re-imagined as architectural renditions of jewel boxes. Swathed in gemstone hues of fuschia, emerald green and blue sapphire, the luxurious rooms are surrounded by intricate latticework forming private courtyards. The bold contemporary vision of Indian design is evident in the distinctive red sandstone exteriors, which feature geometric shapes and structures inspired by the sculptural astronomical devices of Jantar Mantar, the 1728-built Royal Observatory of Jaipur. There is a subtle yet perceptible space age chic, cropping up in the form of dazzling archways, long minimalist hallways, dramatic spaces – all finished with strikingly lustrous and intricate detailing renown throughout the region. Whether you’re lounging by the heated pool, sitting pretty at the stylish Chakra Bar or playing elephant polo on the hotel grounds, a stay is an out-of-this-world experience.
The Siam; Bangkok, Thailand
For fabulous shopping: Bangkok, Thailand
You may go for Bangkok’s world renown shopping, but you might not want to leave The Siam once you check in. This sprawling luxury boutique hotel is a masterpiece of Siamese culture and history resulting in a light-filled main residence, antique Jim Thompson teak houses and private pool villas. Together with globally acclaimed architect and interior/landscape designer Bill Bensley, the private 39-room property is an original work of art on a prime riverside location. The interiors recall Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, with a muted colour scheme of black, white, cream, grey and neutrals combined with natural textures. Art Deco accents hint at Bangkok’s past grandeur, but service and amenities are anything but old. Nice touch? Guests get premium in-room check-in and there’s also a Muay Thai boxing ring for fitness! Want to go shopping? Hop on a 15-minute boat ride and beat the road traffic!
The Majestic; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
For great food: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the perfect destination for any foodie. With a mélange of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, Portugese (amongst others) influences along with tastebuds that won’t be sated, you could stay a long weekend gorging yourself silly. While the city centre itself has a whole host of treasures, why not stay at The Majestic, which straddles the CBD and the popular suburb of Bangsar? This is where real locals live, and eat! When you’re not eating your way through the city, you’ll find charm in spades thanks to the hotel’s colonial heritage (built in 1932), where original historic details and art deco nuances such as timber flooring, claw-footed baths and butler service – along with a colonial style bar, a tea lounge, orchid gallery, an award-winning spa and two pools, offer a true throwback to the days of glittering glamour.
Villa Levi; Bali, Indonesia
For families: Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s the number one pick for families, and you know why? It’s easy, affordable and there’s something for everyone. If you’re yearning for some relaxation but still within easy reach of attractions such as Water Bom, Echo Beach and the plentiful restaurants that Seminyak has to offer, head to Villa Levi in Canggu. Located by the banks of a small river and shaded by a towering banyan tree, the villa combines contemporary design with eclectic Indonesian antiques and a sublime back-to-nature setting which the kids will love. You’ll love the open-plan lounge and al fresco dining terraces – supported by fabulous gourmet kitchen facilities and an à la carte menu – and the pool deck with a collection of oversize sun beds and rustic table settings, while its airy 4 air-conditioned bedrooms features deluxe beds covered in Egyptian cotton linens and set under four-poster canopies draped with sheer netting.For some alone time, slip away into the luxurious spa treatment area, soak in the jacuzzi or curl up with a book on the sofa.
This article was brought to you by The Luxe Nomad, Asia’s leading hotel and villa booking portal featuring book-anytime Best Available Rates, flash sales, personalised editorial content, and celebrity “nomads on-the-go” such as Australian blogger Margaret Zhang and Taiwanese actor Godfrey Gao.