We all know Singapore is a great place to live and work, but every now and then we all need a change of scenery to recharge our batteries. Luckily for us, there are plenty of stunning destinations just a short flight or ferry ride away.
Whether you're looking for a beach vacation, cultural experience or a buzzing city break, Urban List has rounded up the best luxury weekend escapes from Singapore.
InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort
Bali, Indonesia
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Set against a backdrop of tranquil lagoon-like waters along Sanur Beach and just a short 25-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort is the epitome of luxury.
Setting itself apart from other hotels, the boutique property only offers a selection of suites and villas, ensuring an elevated level of opulence throughout your stay. Plan for the perfect weekender in a One Bedroom Ocean View Signature Spa Suite with modern tropical furnishings, panoramic ocean views, an outdoor living area and a spa-inspired ensuite with double vanity and deep freestanding bathtub. For those in search of more privacy, their one-, two-, and three-bedroom pool villas offer indoor-outdoor spaces, a private swimming pool, and landscaped garden.
When it comes to dining options, the hotel has multiple restaurants to choose from, but you really can’t beat Pier Eight. Nestled on the beachfront, Pier Eight exudes a relaxed beach club vibe with an impressive array of cocktails and a delicious menu offering everything from pizza and pasta to Indonesian delicacies.
The hotel’s main pool, which boasts a picturesque ocean and sunrise view, is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a drink in hand. There are also two dedicated kids' pools, providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic haven for younger guests to splash and play to their heart's content. If you are travelling with little ones, there’s even an indoor, air-conditioned Kid's Club providing a range of daily programs and plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
If you are planning a stay at InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort (or any IHG hotel for that matter), we recommend signing up to their IHG One Rewards programme. You’ll be rewarded with everything from free hotel perks (like late check out) to complimentary room upgrades and even reward nights.
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Bawah Reserve
Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia
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Perched over the waters and nestled in sheltered seclusion in the remote Anambas Archipelago lies a slice of tropical haven that is Bawah Reserve. With views that tingle the spirit, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is a natural playground for explorers and a zen sanctuary for idlers.
The alfresco spots, lounge and dining areas are designed for you to take in the panoramic views, while the villas have direct access to the lagoon, perfect for a mid-day snorkel or swim. The integrated wellness areas are the perfect way to ease away everyday stresses.
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Trisara Phuket
Phuket, Thailand
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Trisara is a secluded oceanfront retreat set within the tropical hills of northwest Phuket. Private villas and suites overlook the Andaman Sea, while the residences (ranging from one- to eight-bedrooms) are akin to mini resorts themselves. There are two restaurants to lure you from the comforts of your accommodation: Michelin-starred PRU and Mediterranean-led Cielo.
Other reasons to tear yourself away from your private infinity pool are the experiences offered by the resort. Explore the nearby islands on one of the luxury motor yachts, join a local guide on excursions to nearby lesser-known islands or take a helicopter flight over Phang Nga Bay—the most spectacular way to discover this UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Boni Beach
Lombok, Indonesia
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Tucked away in the picturesque hills of coastal Lombok and just steps away from Serangan Beach (a great spot for surfers), Boni Beach is a boutique hotel featuring eight pool side rooms, three bungalows and two four-bedroom villas. Thanks to its warm and modern blend of colours, textures and design, the property offers a sense of relaxation, comfort and understated luxury among its dramatic tropical setting.
After a day at the beach, you can unwind on their rooftop terrace with a cocktail and some of South Lombok’s most stunning views—especially at sunset. The all-day dining restaurant seeks to honour the culinary heritage of Lombok, while also incorporating western influences and refinement. We recommend the Indonesian rendang taco with a side of char-grilled corn with chilli butter and the Sri Lankan pumpkin curry. If you’re looking for something light, the watermelon, burrata and mint salad is a surefire winner.
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Banyan Tree Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
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If you’re looking for a high-flying hotel, the multi-award-winning Banyan Tree Bangkok shoots for the stars. This five-star stay is housed in one of Asia’s tallest buildings, so a drink at the rooftop watering hole Moon Bar is a must. At 61 floors up, the sunset views alone are worth the trip, but the cocktails are what will make you stay a while.
Some floors down, rooms and suites enjoy equal bragging rights to impressive outlooks. All rooms and suites have separate living spaces, bathrooms with tubs and either city or river views.
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Nirjhara
Bali, Indonesia
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Surrounded by forests and rice paddies, Nirjhara is an eco-friendly luxury resort designed to foster a genuine connection between the ancestral Balinese culture, immaculate natural landscapes and those seeking a haven of peace and relaxation.
The property is secluded enough to offer a truly relaxing experience while remaining only 15 minutes from the coastal village of Canggu, 30 minutes away from the energy and excitement of Seminyak, and 45 minutes away from Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali.
From its tastefully appointed private villas to its extensive facilities, this sustainable resort offers a romantic and intimate Balinese experience while also introducing you to an authentic and exciting province that is off the beaten path: Tabanan.
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Farmhouse Resort and Spa
Sameakki Mean Chey District, Cambodia
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Farmhouse Resort and Spa by Smiling Gecko is a luxury escape nestled in the serene rural village of Kampong Chhnang’s Sameakki Mean Chey District. Just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Phnom Penh, this award-winning resort combines the rustic charm of rural Cambodia with the comforts of modern amenities.
The resort showcases traditional Khmer architecture with its 17 wooden houses, providing a total of 34 guest rooms, a spa, a saltwater pool, a gym, and three restaurants. Designed and operated with an eco-sensitive approach, the resort offers total relaxation and a deep dive into the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Cambodia.
Culinary enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the UN fine dining restaurant, where Chef Mariya Un Noun, rising from the challenging beginnings in the slums of Cambodia, presents her innovative New Khmer Cuisine. Using fresh ingredients sourced from the resort’s expansive 150-hectare campus, including homegrown produce and farm-bred fish and poultry, each dish is crafted to be an epitome of freshness and local flavour.
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Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas
Desaru, Malaysia
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The first Anantara in Malaysia, Anantara Desaru Coast is a luxury hideaway modelled on a traditional fishing village. Here, your days will be filled with adventure or tranquillity, whether lazing by the ocean, teeing off on world-class golfing greens, or splashing at the nearby waterpark.
If the budget allows for it, the beach residences are the epitome of luxury, with sleek, modern design, an infinity pool set in lush garden, and a prime position just steps from the ocean. A personal chef and butler are available upon request too.
Sea, Fire, Salt, their signature seafront grill serves up fresh seafood and premium meats sizzled to perfection on charcoal grill, while Infinity is the place to go for cocktails, tapas and poolside beats.
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Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta, Thailand
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Tucked away on the tiny island of Koh Lanta facing the Andaman Sea, Pimalai Resort & Spa provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of nature.
The property has been designed with both nature and Koh Lanta culture in mind. Island details are woven throughout the interiors, including bird cage lampshades inspired by the local singing contests of the Red-Whiskered Bulbul birds, and a traditional long-tail boat decorating the Rak Talay Restaurant. The resort also organises Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai sessions, and Batik painting with local artists.
As for the accomodation, there are a number of room types to pick from as well as villas which are set on the hillside and have their own private infinity pools. To complete your stay, indulge in a visit to Pimalai Spa, Winner of the World Luxury Spa Award.
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Samujana
Koh Samui, Thailand
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Established as the crown jewel of the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui shines as a gorgeous island renowned for its natural beauty and outstanding display of wildlife. It is also home to one of the most luxurious resorts—Samujana.
Samujana's name comes from the blend of Koh 'Samui' and the word 'Jana', meaning coral in Moroccan, with influences of its stunning hillside locaGon overlooking a coral cove and private beach access. All the villas of Samujana feature private swimming pools and unobstructed views of the local surrounds with a blend of open-air and air-conditioned living spaces.
Beyond the confines of Samujana, you can play 18 holes at the renowned Santiburi Samui Country Club, explore the waterfalls of Nathon, or take the family bungee jumping.
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The Sanchaya
Bintan, Indonesia
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Just an hour off the coast of Singapore, on a white sand cove, The Sanchaya is a unique 10-hectare beachfront estate featuring 29 villas and suites, plus a stunning private residence with magnificent ocean views.
The property is also home to two restaurants (Tasanee Thai Grill and The Dining Room), 24-hour in-villa dining, a bar, wine cellar, library, boardroom, a 50-meter infinity pool, spa, gymnasium featuring the new Lululemon interactive workout Mirror, beachside yoga pavilion, croquet lawn and a competition-grade Padel tennis court.
The epitome of true luxury and relaxation, you can expect to be waited on hand and foot while enjoying pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery.
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Premier Village Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
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Premier Village Phu Quoc is a hidden tropical gem located on the southern tip of Vietnam’s largest
island, Phu Quoc, often referred to as the ‘Pearl Island’. Premier Village Phu Quoc is a resort beautifully embraced on both sides by the sea boasting two pristine beaches and stunning ocean views from dawn till dusk.
Embrace the gentle warmth of the summer sun with a plethora of vacation activities from
paddle boarding to beach volleyball. Perched ontop of a hill, the Plumeria Spa offers rejuvenating
treatments with awe-inspiring sunsets. And when it comes to satisfying your taste buds, their culinary offerings inspired by Vietnamese cuisine are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
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InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Surrounded by Chiang Mai’s iconic landscapes and draped in greenery, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping prioritises connectivity to nature and culture. You can choose from 240 elegant rooms and suites facing the old town or the misty slopes of Doi Suthep mountain. When designing the conversion project from the prestigious Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, Thailand’s leading design firm, PIA Interior, layered traditional Lanna heritage with the hotel’s own storied past—think lacquered panels, wood-carved sculptures, beaten metal accents and precious handcrafted objects commissioned from local artisans.
As for the amenities, you can unwind in their tranquil spa, stay fit at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, and bask in the refreshing waters of their outdoor swimming pool. Dining options include Kam Lobby Lounge, The Gad Lanna, and HONG's Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar. If that wasn’t enough, on your doorstep you will find a host of iconic landmarks such as Chiang Mai’s walking streets, the buzzing night bazaar and the historic Tha-Pae Gate dating back to the 13th century.
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COMO Uma Canggu
Bali, Indonesia
Image credit: Image credit: COMO Uma Canggu | Website
For the ultimate laidback vibes, treat yourself to this mesmerising luxury hotel in Bali. Located on the south coast, this hotel’s jam is less about the beach club scene—though the drinks, pools and ocean views will not disappoint—and more about making little moments for yourself. Cue the onsite yoga rooms, pilates studios, dedicated Jungle Sports studio and let's not forget the COMO Shambhala Retreat home to the best massage you'll ever have.
In terms of the actual accommodation, brace yourself for 107 rooms and suites that ooze seclusion and 12 duplex COMO Penthouses, each with its own private pool. For views of the lagoon pool or Echo Beach, you'll want to opt for a suite or penthouse and trust us when we say it's worth the splurge. The included breakfast is the perfect combination of buffet and a la carte with tropical fruit, pastries, fresh juices, cereals, yoghurt, chia pudding and more available to grab as you please, while hot breakfasts and barista coffee are available to order so everything is fresh as can be when you eat it.
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The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Bangkok, Thailand
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If you're looking for a city break, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon oozes cool vibes with interior designs by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon. There is a zebra-striped boozy tearoom, a cocktail bar in the sky and a terrace pool flanked by retro yellow-and-white umbrellas and sun loungers.
Thailand’s highest restaurant, Ojo, serves up innovative Mexican dishes amid glamorous pink-and-gold-themed interiors. In your room, expect sweeping Bangkok views, custom robes and Nespresso coffee machines, plus the colourful furnishings that are the hotel’s signature.
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Looking for more? Check out:
- The Best Luxury Hotels In Singapore To Book In 2024
- The Best Sentosa Beach Clubs For A Day Of Fun In The Sun
- Everything You Need To Know About Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Main image credit: The Sanchaya | Supplied
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