Viva villa!
It’s destination villa if you want to fully escape into a tropical paradise for some much needed rejuvenation and pampered seclusion.
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Our relentless modern-day life means there is always a need to get away from it all. Luckily there are quite a few places within a reasonable plane ride from Hong Kong that offer vast open spaces, sunshine on tap and everything else you need for total body and mind rejuvenation.
There is no better way to do this than a few days secluded in the ultra luxurious confines of a high-end property, while indulging in the myriad of amenities and activities that such spaces offer. When coupled with their spectacular location in a tropical paradise, it will be a dream holiday come true.
It is no wonder that a host of islands with luxuries villas are now flying up the ranks of top destinations for the jet-set generation. There is one to suit any desires, whether it is a private beachfront enclave, or hillside retreat with spectacular panoramas.
Here are the five best tropical destinations for a villa vacation within an easy flight from Hong Kong to tickle your imagination.
Phuket: discreet island vibe
In recent years, Thai authorities have placed an emphasis on regaining control of their beachfronts so many white-sand stretches have returned to their pristine best: no longer hidden beneath rows of sun-loungers with touts selling their wares, beaches such as those in the region of Kamala once again offer unadulterated bliss with crystal-clear waters in which to swim and kilometres of beach on which to stroll.
Set on the cliffs on the southern end of Kamala is a region known as Millionaire’s Mile where a number of ultra luxury villas attract a variety of high end clientele seeking privacy, stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Andaman Ocean.
Though Kamala Beach is renowned for its tranquillity, this doesn’t mean it is completely devoid of activity. So, for those staying at The Aquila, both Café Del Mar and HQ Beach Club–two of the biggest names on the Phuket beach club scene–are easily reached making it one of the most desirable locations on the island.
Koh Samui: where luxury meets local culture
At just 10-minutes from the international airport, the accessibility of the area is as enticing as any aspect, while the variety of offerings from water sports during the day to traditional Thai entertainment in the evenings means families are particularly well served in this lively destination.
With its own private chef, a tailor-made BBQ and bespoke outdoor dining area, there are few better spaces in which to enjoy an al fresco meal under a fiery sunset. The villa has been designed to the highest modern-day standards yet maintains a distinct connection to the environment in which it resides through its minimalist, natural décor.
Such attention to detail allows guests to rest in absolute luxury while staying connected to the majestic landscapes that surround them.
Sri Lanka: Indulge in adventure and dramatic seascape
There are few more culturally rich, overtly welcoming islands than that of Sri Lanka.
With its wealth of breathtaking landscapes, cosmopolitan cities such as Galle to showcase its colonial heritage, plus a shoreline that boasts a wealth of surf destinations alongside unrivalled seafood, it is easy to understand the appeal of Sri Lanka to the more adventurous traveller.
From a lofty spot, guests obtain unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding jungle through to the glistening ocean, so for any photography enthusiast, it is hard to imagine a better destination.
Plus–given its aspect and beachfront setting–sunsets reach near perfection.
Bali: Spiritual, stylish and everything in between
Canggu has drawn in fashion designers, artists and coffee connoisseurs to establish itself as a number one district that would rival that of any of the chicest urban hangouts, while its beaches remain relatively unknown with less crowded waves that only the more seasoned surfer would know how to find.
Over 100 metres of pristine sand borders the front of the property providing the perfect expanse of azure ocean, while a short stroll down the beach lands guests in the lap of esteemed establishments such as Mozaic Beach Club, W Hotel, Potato Head, La Lucciola and Ku De Ta.
Bali has quickly established itself as the number-one party destination in the southern hemisphere and for anyone who has the fortune to stay in this perfectly positioned property–within proximity to such revered hotspots–it is easy to understand why.
Maldives: amazing nature on private islands
The biodiversity of the Maldives–with its swathes of nature-rich atolls that rise from the depths–is a well-known fact. There are few destinations in the world where one can enjoy the privacy of their own tropical island, a densely populated marine environment on their doorstep, while still indulging in the finest luxury offerings around: yet the Maldives offers exactly this.
Amilla Fushi itself is a pristine stretch of less than a single kilometre of sand that sits on the cusp of the Baa Atoll–itself a World Heritage Site thanks to the importance of its populous waters. Reachable by speed-boat or seaplane, few global destinations offer such mystique on arrival.
Scuba diving, dolphin watching, turtle safaris, big game fishing, water sports, tennis lessons, world-class spa treatments: the endless list of activities tells the story of indulgence afforded in the Maldives.
A stay in a villa reserved only for you and your loved ones is the perfect way to personalise a luxury escape. The variety of options available these days means that all whims and demands can be catered for, while the destinations on offer allow everyone, whether seeking tranquillity or more tempting surrounds, to craft an experience to their heart’s content.