A private Indonesian cruise, tailor-made tour in Mongolia and an island-resort stay in the Philippines are among holiday delights
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury Asia breaks, whether by land, sea or train, check out our five suggestions to ensure that your escape is truly unforgettable.
Eastern Indonesia
If dragons and diving with manta rays are on your bucket list, then the wild and beautiful Komodo archipelago in eastern Indonesia should top it.
Aboard the gracious and beautiful Rascal, a traditional wooden phinisi boat that you charter privately, cruise the islands with your very lucky friends and take in sunsets with few rivals – as well as a chance to sight the Komodo dragons.
Rascal accommodates up to 10 in comfort and luxury, with a stellar crew to cater to your every need.
Cost: US$8,500 per night
Mongolia
Nowhere in Asia is as wild, magnificent or unspoilt as Mongolia and the ultimate way to experience it comes with a tailor-made trip that spares no expense.
Lightfoot Tours in Hong Kong can organise everything, from private jets that allow you to find wilderness like nowhere else, to sleeping under the stars in luxury ger tents, which magically appear on the otherwise empty landscape. It could even put up a cinema screen on the steppe, for the ultimate in films alfresco.
Cost: A seven-night tailor-made tour starts from US$11,420 for two guests
Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection promises a luxury tented camp experience with few rivals.
It sits in the fragrantly named South Cardamom National Park, three hours’ drive from the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh – but arriving by helicopter is another option.
Once there, you reach the resort by a 380-metre (1,245-foot) zip line over a river and waterfalls, just the start of an immersive adventure in the pristine wildlife haven, before retiring to your super-luxurious tents created by designer extraordinaire, Bill Bensley.
Cost: From US$2,345 per night, for a minimum three nights, all inclusive
Philippines
Aman Resorts needs no introduction to high-end travellers and this year its resort property in the Philippines, Amanpulo on breathtaking Pamalican Island, marks a quarter of a century since opening.
The “Peaceful Island” in the Sulu Sea offers picture-postcard soft sandy white beaches, warm turquoise waters and its own coral reef. As it’s the only property on the island, guests can wander and create their very own Robinson Crusoe moments, then kick back in the villas and casitas.
Cost: Amanpulo Hideaway, for four nights, includes complimentary flights to and from the private island and starts from US$1,100 per night
From Bangkok to Singapore
Finally, to a legendary journey where the train takes the strain.
Travel from Bangkok to Singapore the slow way, on a three-night discovery aboard Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train.
Stops include Kanchanaburi for an optional visit to the River Kwai bridge, or the chance to explore local flavours during visits to a local wet market followed by a cooking class.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, along with some drinks, so you may just choose to watch the world go by in style.
Cost: From US$3,575 per person
Note – This story was originally published on SCMP and has been republished on this website
