The long-awaited festive season is upon us, and the following September, October and November will usher in a series of long weekends. These long weekends also bring precious moments to enjoy travel therapy and explore some exotic destinations. Here are the top five resorts you can bookmark for a rejuvenating long weekend getaway. They are conveniently located close to home, yet luxurious, private and serene; allowing you to explore the best that nature has to offer.
Nature Immersive Holidays in Nirjhara, Bali
Nirjhara, a sustainable boutique resort in Tabanan on Bali’s southwest coast, is carefully designed around the spectacular waterfall from which it takes its name. Surrounded by lush forests and boundless rice fields, Nirjala is in perfect harmony with nature. The hotel promises guests a secluded and eco-friendly haven just a stone’s throw away from the island’s volcanic sandy beaches, the must-see Tanah Lot temple and the popular towns of Canggu and Ubud. Conveniently located in Tabanan, Bali’s agricultural heartland, the resort is the ideal gateway to discover some of the island’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, from the scenic Jatiluwih rice terraces to the province’s impressive waterfalls.
Nirjhara offers a range of bespoke experiences that immerse guests in the local culture and natural surroundings, from cycling through rice fields to traditional cleansing rituals at secluded holy springs. Head to nearby Kedungu Beach for early morning surf lessons, or go horseback riding at sunset to quietly explore the picturesque rice fields and black sand beaches. Professional local guides will take guests on an off-the-beaten-path exploration through the hills of Tabanan and Padang, starting at the sacred Sanger Monkey Forest and ending at the majestic Nong Nong Waterfall.
Chiva-Som’s Wellness Experience
The coming months are also an ideal time to take some rejuvenating and detoxifying holidays before the end of the year. For a rich wellness journey, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin, Thailand is the place for you. For 28 years, award-winning Chiva-Som has pioneered transformative wellness practices that have earned global acclaim. To this day, it remains committed to using an innovative, holistic approach to expertly balancing the mind, body and spirit.
Optimal custom wellness is at the heart of every Chiva-Som experience. Drawing on a unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on a highly personalized wellness journey focused on radical lifestyle changes. Every retreat addresses all aspects of body and mind. Chiva-Som offers a 3-night A Taste of Chiva-Som resort, perfect for a long weekend getaway. This retreat center is perfect for those experiencing Chiva-Som for the first time or who are not sure what to choose. Upon arrival, your health and wellness advisor will guide you through the resort’s menu of treatments and activities, planning your journey according to your goals. Whether it’s pure relaxation or a lifestyle change, the team will ensure your entire experience is truly satisfying. Plus, each day of your retreat, you can choose your preferred treatment from a daily menu.
Discover your secret sanctuary at Pimalai Resort & Spa
Pimalai’s 900-meter beachfront and 100-acre paradise has always been the perfect place for a getaway and reconnect with nature amidst lush tropical forests and sweeping Andaman waters. This award-winning hotel offers easy access to one of the best beaches in Thailand: Kantiang Bay, through the tropical jungle. Here, families can spend quality time amidst the lush tropical forests and endless Andaman waters, lounging on what feels like a private beach, or scuba diving, snorkeling or just enjoying a sunset cruise together in the azure sea, Spend an energetic afternoon.
Experience-seekers can enjoy offshore excursions, gondola rides through the mangroves, bushwalking and relaxing walks in the heritage-rich Old Town. Cooking enthusiasts can take Pimalai’s Thai cooking class and learn some famous Thai recipes under the guidance of one of the resort’s Thai chefs. Before the actual cooking, the chef will take you on a tour of the resort’s organic gardens to introduce and better understand the herbs, spices and vegetables you will be using during the practical part of the cooking class. Get familiar with ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, galangal, lemon, Thai sweet basil, and more. Enjoy a culinary delight at Pimalai’s Seven Seas Restaurant overlooking Kantiang Bay.
A Private Hideaway in Samujana
Samujana is located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, one of the most stunning islands in Asia, home to wildlife such as turtles and dolphins and all the culture of Thailand, and is one of the most exclusive and luxurious holiday destinations in this part of the world . Its motto is “Your Place”, offering an unparalleled experience. ‘Your time’, every villa at Samujana automatically comes with a personal villa manager and villa maid, state-of-the-art leisure facilities and the latest audio and media equipment. Your private villa is your home away from home, if you really want to have your own personal chef, you just have to ask and the team will take care of the rest.
Samujana boasts unprecedented architectural grandeur, stunning ocean views and a high level of personalized service. It is perfectly situated on the hillside overlooking Coral Bay with beach access and all villas enjoy some of the best views in Koh Samui. Samujana has 23 stunning villas ranging from 1 to 8 bedrooms, all with oversized private infinity pools, modern Thai architecture and stunning landscaping, service and details that make a world of difference, Samujana Kano is the perfect place for friends and family to gather and relax without the distractions of the outside world. Your private villa is also the ideal place to focus on your wellbeing while in Samujana. Wellness retreats and experiences with top Koh Samui therapists and experts create unique opportunities for each guest.
Tropical ambience at Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
If you’re looking for an exotic beach vacation with stunning views and luxurious amenities, head to Phu Quoc Premium Resort. Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort is a hidden tropical getaway on the southern tip of Phu Quoc Island. Uniquely surrounded by the ocean, the resort boasts two pristine beaches with breathtaking ocean views from dawn to dusk. With 215 villas strategically located at different heights of the peninsula, each accommodation type is a haven of comfort, privacy and relaxation. The villas vary in location and size, nestled in nature and enjoying equally stunning and unique views. Each villa comes with a private infinity pool, bedroom, large luxurious living room, dining room and kitchenette.
Indulge in the many experiences the resort has to offer, including kayaking, snorkelling, bartending and kickboxing classes, mindful sunsets, and in-villa barbecue dinners. Nourish your body and mind at Plumeria Spa, Phu Quoc’s finest hilltop spa. Let caring spa professionals help you relax, rejuvenate, unwind and restore balance. With 10 impeccable treatment rooms and a wide range of services including couples rooms, VIP treatment rooms, reflexology and hair care facilities, the Plumeria Spa has everything you need to readjust your body, mind and spirit.
