Taking On Paradise: The Most Luxurious Beachfront Resorts in Asia

The impressive return of travel and tourism has sent consumers on a spending frenzy, as they took to the skies in droves after enduring close to two years of pandemic-related lockdowns and border closures. 

During the summer of 2022, which was later dubbed the summer of travel chaos due to pent-up demand and industry staffing issues, estimates predict that global tourism has accelerated to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels. Europe was leading the recovery, seeing more than 477 million international arrivals in January-September 2022.

With other regions also now slowly picking up the pace, including Asia Pacific and Latin America, tourists are again starting to gear themselves for a red-hot summer of travel, despite seeing the average cost of airline tickets and lodging increasing by stratospheric rates.

While demand for luxury travel has been growing again, experts suggest that consumers will be seeing the cost of traveling go up even more, as central banks try to tame rampant running inflation and macroeconomic problems dig deeper into consumers’ disposable income.

All the talk surrounding higher travel costs is putting consumers in a position where they are rather opting to visit more budget-friendly destinations, or regions that will give them the luxury experience, while not having to cash out top dollar at the same time.

With a stronger dollar, and more options to choose from, Asia’s private luxury beachside resorts are providing the perfect escape for affluent travelers looking to avoid tourist hotspots this upcoming summer season.

Here are Asia’s most luxurious beachside resorts. 

1. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay – Vietnam
   In 2022, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay was voted the #1 best resort in Asia by the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards. Located in the southeast region of the country, Six Senses provides guests with immaculate views, and beaches, and has one of the country’s most well-preserved endangered monkey reserves.

   

   Located on the shores of the East Vietnam Sea, the resort is only accessible via water, giving visitors an added sense of privacy and opulence. Some of the resort activities include both water and land-based, such as beach picnics, fishing and sunset cruises, and several hiking trails in and around the reserve.

   Guests can choose from several of the available restaurants and bars, including a wine cave that offers an intimate and authentic dining experience. Additionally, guests will be able to make use of the spa and wellness facilities, and guests will be happy to know that the resort has been committing itself to improve its ecological and carbon footprint by producing more than 286,380,00 watts of renewable energy per month in 2020.

2. Nay Palad Hideaway – Philippines
   In recent months, the Philippines have been taking center stage again as the country welcomed back tourists and foreign visitors after nearly two years of border closures. With this comes the new and revitalized Nay Palad Hideaway, formerly known as Dedon Island Resort, which will fully reopen on June 1, 2023.

   The newly updated resort, located between ancient mangrove forests, and washing out onto the ocean with its white sandy beaches has become known as the birthplace of Barefoot Luxury living. The palatial-like resort provides guests with a private experience with only ten villas available year round. Several of the restaurants have their resident chef that caters to guests’ gastronomique needs, while the beachfront bars offer them a taste of paradise as they sip the afternoon away over the water.

   

   From hidden experiences to island hopping, pool and beachside activities, and even an outdoor cinema, Nay Palad Hideaway, and the greater Philippines are proving to be an exceptional alternative to Bali and other more popular destinations in the region.

3. El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island
   There are currently four El Nido Resorts located across the Palawan archipelago which provides guests with some of the most luxurious island experiences money can buy. With around 42 private villas facing Bacuit Bay, the resort can only be reached via a private charter flight southwest of Manila.

   As another gold list pick, El Nido Resorts provide sustainable luxury living, while catering to high-end clients, offering them access to pristine beaches and private rainforests that they can explore.

   

   Among the activities to choose from, visitors can dive and explore the crystal blue waters of the South China Sea, or take a boat excursion through the mangroves and secret lagoons located across the island. Dining also forms a big part of the El Nido Resort brand, and guests can choose from several high-end restaurants, or book a dinner on a private island.

   Choosing the right resort can be a challenge, yet it’s best to research each before booking as each resort caters to different needs from families, to honeymoons or even a solo experience.

4. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Goa
   Located in Benaulim on the southwest coast of Gao, the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa sits on a sprawling 56-acre property that provides guests with a five-star Mediterranean-inspired luxury experience.

   The warm crystal beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea are a tranquil escape from the bustling city, located only 40 minutes away from the nearest airport. The vast green space of the resort is shared with architectural masterpieces native to the area.

   

   Instead of booking a villa or hotel suite, guests can book an entire holiday experience, ranging from family getaways to romantic hideaways that cater to their personal needs. Activities include hiking through the local forests, beachside sports, water sports, and taking full advantage of the top-class wellness centers located on the resort.

   The Taj Exotica allows guests to immerse themselves in the Royal Indian experience, providing full-on cultural immersion, paired with some of Goa’s most delectable cuisine and fine dining.

5. Capella Tufu Bay – Hainan
   Inspired by the stories of the historic silk road, Capella Tufu Bay is located on the southern coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea. A secluded five-star experience, Capella was voted the second best hotel brand in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2020 and 2021.

   The entire Capella experience is a blend between the past and future, from the magnificent architecture to the food and dining experiences native to the indigenous culture. The resort has a selection of cabanas, VIP suits, or indoor cabanas overlooking a reflection pool.

   

   Wellness and relaxation form a big part of the Capella Tufu Bay, as the Hammam Experience, a traditional cleansing ritual, will help guests unwind and relax while they take in the surroundings. Other experiences include sleep pods, a spa garden, a training zone, outdoor Tai Chi, and a swimming pool with a lounge deck.

   Capella Tufu Bay blends historic wellness with contemporary luxury to provide guests with the ultimate experience money has to offer.

While the whole of Asia has some of the world’s most luxurious beachside experiences with opulent villas, pristine beaches, and world-class dining, choosing the best possible option may not seem as straightforward.

The upcoming summer travel season could see Asia become a hot spot for foreigners looking to take to the skies again, but this time, more affluent travelers will be looking to ditch the more popular destinations, hoping to retreat among the forest and mangroves of Asia.

Providing extraordinary provisions, and catering to guests’ every need, Asia and the hundreds of beautiful destinations it offers is a must-visit for every traveler this year.

Written by Jacob Wolinsky.
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