On a scale from one to ten—with one being ‘never’ and ten being like ‘every damn day’—how often do you dream about jetting off to a beautiful beach resort where you can bask in the sun next to the ocean or by your own private pool? For us it’s about a 15 because we’re constantly planningnew getawayswith dreamybeach vacaysat the top of the list. Lately we’ve been looking into the hottest new beach resorts that haverecently openedaround the region, and we’ve uncovered some smashing spots that are sure to fuel your travel inspo for days. Think luxe tropical digs,pure pampering, and sweeping views of the ocean from pristine stretches of sand.
COMO Uma Canggu – Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
You’ve got to give it to the COMO group, they sure know how to rock modern, elegant resorts that blend seamlessly into their natural environments. Their latest venture is COMO Uma Canggu, a contemporary take on a surf shack right on the volcanic sands of Bali’s southwestern coast. Here you have your choice of gorgeous minimalist rooms and suites, one and two-bedroom residences next to the sea, and 12 three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools and butler service. And in true COMO style, the resort focuses on holistic wellness with nutritious organic food and fresh juices, a serene spa, and daily activities that range from surfing to yoga.
COMO Uma Canggu,Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, Echo Beach, Canggu, Bali 80361, Indonesia. p. +62 361 620 2228
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa – Phu Quoc, Vietnam
For a truly unique beach resort experience, head to the sand-fringed island of Phu Quoc and seek out the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. This fantasy-like property was dreamed up by renowned American architect Bill Bensley, who created a narrative of restoring an abandoned 19th century university into a modern resort. The suites and villas feature whimsical Asian and colonial-inspired decor, the cocktail bar sits in what they call the chemistry department, lantern-lit pathways house boutique shops and restaurants, and the three pools are spread out around the ‘campus’ just steps from the sea.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Bai Khem, Phu Quoc District, An Thoi Town, Vietnam. p. +84 2973 779 999
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort – Koh Samui, Thailand
Situated on popular Chaweng Beach on the island of Koh Samui, SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort caters to discerning travellers seeking a five-star experience. This sleek new spot boasts Mediterranean vibes with clean white lines, a huge circular turquoise pool, open-air restaurants skirting the beach, and tranquil rooms and villas that boast their own private pools. Your day could start with a champagne breakfast, then segue into paddle boarding sessions, cooking classes, massages at the spa, and BBQ seafood feasts on the beach. Keep an eye out for the new Garden Wing slated to open next year.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, 99/10 Moo 5, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand. p. +66 77 905 888
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa – Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India
New to the Bay of Bengal is the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, the first luxury beach resort to open in the alluring Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago. Hidden in lush foliage just steps from the white sands of a Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island are 72 stilted villas styled like traditional Jawara dwellings. Also on site are a variety of chic seafood-centric restaurants paying homage to South Asian cuisine and a stunning spa that seems to float on a lake. If you really want to go all out, book into the two-storey presidential villa with its own 20-metre pool, an elevator, butler service, and sublime ocean views.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,Radhanagar Beach No. 7, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211, India; +91 3192 283 333
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas – Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Vietnam’s south-central coast is known for its gorgeous beaches, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic spot than the secluded cove where Anantara Quy Nhon Villas is slated to open in September. Featuring just 25 villas, each with plunge pools facing the South China Sea, this boutique resort is a haven of peace and privacy. We can already imagine spending our days here swimming in the warm emerald waters, luxuriating in the jungle spa, and indulging in fresh seafood and gourmet street eats served by a personal butler in the comfort of the villa or at the resort’s breezy seaside restaurant.
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas,Ghenh Rang Ward, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh, Vietnam. p. +66 2365 9110
Opening Soon:
Alila Koggala – Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka
The Alila group is renowned for their unique resorts that focus on eco-friendly architecture and immersive lifestyle experiences. Their newest venture is Alila Koggala, a chic five-star resort in southern Sri Lanka set on the shores of beautiful Koggala Lake just minutes from a white sand beach and a short drive to the historic city of Galle. In addition to 40 contemporary rooms and villas, the resort will boast a beachfront pool, yoga garden, library, and dining and drinking venues serving fresh organic cuisine, complimentary afternoon tea, and handcrafted cocktails. Keep checking in because they’re set to open any day now.
Alila Koggala, Habaraduwa, Sri Lanka. p. +65 6735 8300
