Not everywhere in Southeast Asia offers the luxury of beautiful island beaches and impressive emerald green rainforests, but many resorts and hotels have tried to recreate that “natural paradise” feel. Whether they’re located in the heart of a bustling city or by the waterside of a meandering river, whether they’re actually perched on cliffs or even up in the canopies of trees, you will definitely be able to find some gorgeous accommodation options that embrace nature and greenery.
These are a grand list of hotels and resorts that you will definitely fall in love with. Some are jaw-droppingly unique, like the stunning treetop sanctuary of the Treetop Lofts ; others will make you swoon in delight at the sheer amount of beauty they exhibit. Head up to the gallery to check them all out. We’re sure you’ll find a few favourites to bookmark!
1. Como Shambhala Estate, Indonesia
Como Shambhala Estate, Indonesia | Kiwi Collection
If you’re looking for nothing but luxury, look no further. From suites surrounded by lush tropical trees, climbing vines and broad ferns, to private estates crafted from nature’s best timber that offer the likes of water gardens, private waterfalls, and palatial aesthetics, Como Shambhala Estate is a real treat for anyone in Bali looking to surround themselves with the beauty of nature. Address: Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Ubud, Gianyar 80571, Bali, Indonesia
2. The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
The Datai is surrounded by the magnificent rainforests of Langkawi and the sprawling property overlooks the calm waters of the Andaman Sea. Flora and fauna are abound here, and everything is truly magical — from the lobby’s green lily pond filled with bejeweled frogs, to a slew of curious wildlife like dusky leaf monkeys and cheeky macaques, who love poking their heads into your guestroom. Address: Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia | The Telegraph UK
3. Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand
With grandiose villas sitting atop a forested hill, boasting impressive terraces, living rooms, gardens and even private pools, Banyan Tree Samui provides a perfect getaway for anyone looking to indulge and escape from the stresses of everyday life. The resort, located on a private beach, decked out in traditional elements of Thai architecture and accents, overlooks the sweeping Lamai Bay to make you feel like you’ve found your own personal oasis. Address: 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310 Thailand Photo: Banyan Tree Samui
4. Vana Belle, Thailand
Take one look at the treasures that Vana Belle have to offer and you’ll definitely fall in love. With 80 furnished suites and villas to suit every guest’s needs, along with top-notch facilities and services to make life even better, you’ll want to take advantage of this impressive getaway destination. From its gorgeous beachfront pool to a range of delectable dining options, as well as fully-stocked amenities like a 24-hour gym, a stocked library, and wellness spa, finding Vana Belle is like finding paradise. Address: 9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand Photo: Olielo
5. TreeTop Loft™, Singapore
You wouldn’t think that these intriguing treetop lofts exist anywhere in Singapore, but surprise! They do, and none other than on the glorious island of fun: Sentosa. These lofts are pretty exclusive, too, as there are only two of them. Serving as a perfect hideaway for nature lovers, each unique one-bedroom loft is tucked up on a canopy of trees, 12 metres above the ground, giving guests the height of privacy. With private outdoor terraces giving you the chance to overlook the island below, along with 5-star comforts like a personalised butler service and a fully furnished 94-square metre abode, there’s nothing else like this in the country. Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island Singapore 098269 Photo: TreeTop Loft™
6. Sekeping Serendah, Malaysia
Sekeping Serendah is for the nature lover at heart, who would love nothing more than to retreat to the wilderness. These are open sheds that provide very little in the way of amenities, being more “glorified tents” for your use, rather than fully serviced villas. They are incredibly remote, which means yes, there is no fixed address, just coordinates to help you find them. Facilities like an outdoor shower, a swimming pool, tables, beds and fans are all there, but of course, you’ll have to bring your own towels, toiletries, and technology. Location: N3.368050, E101.631150 Photo: Sekeping Serendah
7. The Shorea, Malaysia
This boutique eco-resort, set in the sprawling Berembun Forest Reserve, is made up of just 8 villas, all perched along the hillside where the clouds roll and the wild birds soar. Accommodating up to 40 adults at a time, it is a getaway that is as peaceful as it is remote. With open-concept dining and two main infinity pools that are spread across the property’s two wings, you’ll relish in the tranquility and the impossibly beautiful views of the impressively green forestry below. Address: Kampung Kolam Air, Mukim Pantai, Jalan Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, 71770 Photo: @theshorea
8. Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, Indonesia
This award-winning resort will blow you away with its 90-hectare sanctuary. Perched on a cliff above the Jimbaran Bay, the vantage point gives guests the opportunity to experience stunning ocean-front views and jaw-dropping sunsets over the horizon. The gushing sea and rock formations aren’t the only natural vistas that will wow you — dotted with flowering frangipani trees and swaying palms, the hotel’s well-manicured lawns and gardens will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Address: Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera imbaran, Bali 80364, Indonesia (0361) 702222 Photo: Ayana Resort and Spa Bali
9. Park Royal, Singapore
The magnificent PARKROYAL on Pickering, with its beautiful glass facade and intricate design, is one of the most unique eco-friendly hotels in the city of Singapore. When we say “eco-friendly”, we mean it — the hotel backs plenty of green initiatives, and it definitely knows how to impress with its nature-inspired touches. This oasis-within-a-city boasts a gorgeously spacious high-ceilinged lobby, complete with natural elements of light wood, water and greenery. Definitely a sight to behold! Address: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289 Photo: Angela Goh
10. The Gibbon Experience, Laos
This will deliver a very different nature experience for those willing to live in the rainforest. Built with one goal in mind, these are the world’s highest tree houses where you can wake up surrounded by wild gibbons. A tourism-based project by conservationists, The Gibbon Experience will allow you to stay in one of these incredible treetop houses, set high amongst the tree canopies. To preserve the nature hotspot, you get around via ziplines. Sure, it’s low-tech, but it also gives you perfect access to the canopy tree houses without disturbing the wildlife. Address: Nam Kan National Park, Bokeo Province, Laos Photo: The Gibbon Experience
11. Jannata Resort, Indonesia
Located on the outskirts of Ubud, Jannata Resort embraces a design concept that respects the rich cultural heritage of Bali. With tropical views, contemporary Balinese furnishings that feature dark hardwoods and an earthy colour palette, as well as pool villas that will impress honeymooners with its private terrace and balcony, this oasis is a proper paradise for lovebirds. Address: Jl. Rsi Markandya, Br. Bangkiang Sidem Desa Keliki, Tegalalang – Gianyar, Bali 80561 Indonesia Photo: Jannata Resort
12. Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore
The colonial-style Hotel Fort Canning gives guests an excellent opportunity to stay within the impeccable grounds of Fort Canning Park. The property is surrounded by lush parklands that are home to some grand, ancient-looking trees that stretch all the way up to the sky, as well as plenty of wildlife like bushy-tailed squirrels and colourful birdlife. With such an impressive backyard, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported elsewhere, no longer in the clutches of the busy metropolis of Singapore. Address: 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881 Photo: Hotel Fort Canning
13. Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, The Philippines
Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa covers 16 hectares on Panglao Island. It sits on a gradually descending cliff dotted with trees that leads down to the crystal waters of the beach. With a glorious infinity swimming pool, private villas that each house their own personal pool, and the reflective waters of the sea in the distance, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa is definitely a place where hedonists can unwind and bake themselves under the sun by the waterside. Address: Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines Photo: Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
Luxurious in all its glory, the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is truly Heaven on Earth. Not only does this resort boast luxury, comfort and style, it also embraces the beauty of manicured gardens, tranquil pools, and Singapore’s tropical environment. Enjoy a stay in one of the Luxury Garden Rooms, which will give you direct access to a garden inspired by Paris’ Jardin du Luxembourg, or book a Villa Du Jardin, for a more private sanctuary. Address: 2 Bukit Manis Road Sentosa, 099891 Singapore Photo: Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
15. Kamandalu Ubud, Indonesia
Embracing the concept of a “traditional village”, Kamandalu is a luxurious home away from home. Surrounded by productive rice terraces for ultimate authenticity, along with impeccable luxuries like an infinity pool overlooking misty forestry, romantic restaurants, and exotic spa treatments that you can indulge in while flanked by nature, this is the ultimate destination for a relaxing retreat. Address: Jalan Andong, Banjar Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571 Indonesia Photo: Kamandalu Ubud
I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to
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understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia.
I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine.
I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan"
I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy
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