New resorts in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand
Image adapted from: Royale Chenang Resort
As the highly anticipated year-end vacation season is quickly approaching, you’re probably counting your remaining leave days to see if you can squeeze in a short getaway. Whether you’re planning for a romantic holiday with your boo or spending quality time with your fam, the perfect resort will take your experience to the next level.
Instead of breaking the bank for an upscale hotel, make this holiday one for the books with these new affordable holiday resorts – all right within reach from Singapore.
Check out last year’s version of this article here, and our list of new hotels in Singapore for 2019 here.
– Malaysia –
1. A Rock Resort, Langkawi – from $69/night
Terrace houses with pool or forest views
Image credit: A Rock Langkawi
The typical chalets we book for BBQs and gatherings have nothing on the terrace houses at A Rock Resort. Each house comes with 4 rooms, and you can pick the number of rooms needed based on the size of your group.
Image credit: @yeeyeelim
Some of the houses are arranged in a semicircle with a shared pool in the middle, so simply take a step outside for a dip. If you prefer to stay dry, there are mini hammocks above the water for you to lounge on.
Nature right outside your room
Image credit: A Rock Langkawi
Alternatively, nature lovers can swap the pool view for rainforests and mountain peaks right outside your sliding door. With the resort’s car rental services, you can also explore villages and paddy fields of Langkawi Island with ease.
Image credit: A Rock Langkawi
Address: PT 3167, Jalan Beringin, Kampung Penarak, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 11-1166 6680
Rates: From $69/night
Website
2. Royale Chenang Resort, Langkawi – from $83/night
2-storey pool villas
Image credit: Royale Chenang Resort
Nestled in Langkawi, Royale Chenang Resort has 2-storey villas washed in pastel hues, both on the outside and inside. Selected villas come with a private pool so you can swim to your heart’s content without having to worry about crowds.
Image credit: Royale Chenang Resort
Complimentary in-room breakfast is included, with dishes like pancakes and scrambled eggs.
Image credit: Royale Chenang Resort
If you’re looking for places to explore beyond the resort, check out the nearby Rice Museum which is just a 10-minute drive away. It has kid-friendly guided tours and hands-on activities so the little ones can experience local rice cultivation in a fun and interactive way.
Address: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-955 1364
Rates: From $83/night
Website
3. KSL Hot Spring Resort, Johor Bahru – from $45/night
An “onsen” experience 15mins from the Causeway
Garden-themed indoor hot spring
Image credit: Expedia
After working hard all year, it’s time to reward yourself with some spas and hot springs. With indoor and outdoor hot springs at KSL Hot Spring Resort, there’s no need to fly all the way to Japan to have a relaxing soak.
Outdoor hot spring
Image credit: kakyjb_personalshopper
Their indoor hot spring has a garden theme, where its walls and ceiling are covered in of lush flora and greens.
Image credit: @chernfeii
Located 15 minutes away from the Causeway in JB, this resort offers a fuss-free weekend trip. Pick from over 300 suites, and get your shopping itch sorted at nearby malls like KSL City Mall and Aeon Tebrau.
Comfy couch area
Image credit: Expedia
Address: 31, Jalan Kangkar Tebrau, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 7-288 2999
Rates: From $45/night
Website
4. Dash Resort, Langkawi – from $135/night
Sunset BBQ buffets with accompanying fire shows
Infinity pool
Image credit: Expedia
Featuring an infinity pool, open-air club and in-house DJs, Dash Resort is perfect for party animals. For those who aren’t quite up for partying, have a sunset Seafood BBQ Buffet that comes with a thrilling fire show every Friday at 7PM for RM88(~S$28.75).
Image credit: Expedia
All rooms come with a king bed, but you can book the Villa or Premium option for more beds to cater to a larger group.
Image credit: Expedia
Each room category comes with differing decor. For example, the 2-bedroom villas come with a pretty pastel pink shade, while the Deluxe Garden rooms are all-white with quirky swirls on walls and a private outdoor tub.
Pinterest-worthy blue-tiled bathrooms with gold taps in the 2-bedroom villa
Image credit: Dash Resort
Address: Jalan Teluk Baru, Jalan Pantai Tengah, Mukim, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 4-955 7171
Rates: From $135/night
Website
Check out our other Malaysian resort articles:
- Nature resorts near KL from $11/night
- Floating hotels
- Resorts in Port Dickson from $43/night
- Beach getaways from just $17/night
- Holiday lodges with private pools
– Indonesia –
5. Alam Boutique Resort, Bali – from $86/night
Free floating breakfasts in your private pool
Image credit: Alam Boutique Resort
Home to 19 pool villas, Alam Boutique Resort’s luxe rooms are complemented with simple Balinese decor. And instead of following a typical modern style, the villas here have pointed roofs that mimic the likes of traditional huts.
Image credit: Alam Boutique Resort
Take a dip in your own private pool and enjoy a complimentary floating breakfast, which comes with tasty dishes like croissants, bacon, and eggs. You can also make full use of their 24-hour ala carte villa dining, where chefs will customise your meals.
Floating Breakfast set in the pool
Image credit: Alam Boutique Resort
To take your getaway up a notch, enjoy a free hour of their traditional Balinese Massage for 2, where you’ll get to relieve your stress as you inhale essential oils with a calming effect.
Romantic flower bath filled with colourful petals
Image credit: @alamboutiqueresort
If you’re on a honeymoon or anniversary trip, surprise your other half with a floral bath, where flower petals will be arranged in the tub by the resort’s staff for free.
Address: Jalan Bumbak Dauh No. 88, 80361 Umalas, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 752520
Rates: From $86/night
Website
6. The ANMON Resort Bintan – from $126/night
Glamping resort with aircon and private toilets
Image credit: @ellie.darracott
Fulfill your Coachella fantasy at The ANMON Resort Bintan, a desert-style glamping resort with tons of sand, cacti and rocks for those who want a taste of camping – sans nature’s forces.
Image credit: Expedia
Don’t be scared off by the tent-like exterior of the rooms, as they’re all air-conditioned, come with actual beds instead of just a mattress, and a proper private bathroom all to yourself. There’s internet access too.
Image credit: Expedia
Each room comes with a portable BBQ pit so you can have a cookout right outside. There’s also a cocktail bar and outdoor cinema to check out for entertainment.
Huge outdoor pool
Image credit: Expedia
If the “desert life” gets too hot, dive into their seemingly endless outdoor pool for some cooling down.
Address: Jln. Raja Haji KM 01 No.88 Kawasan Pariwisata, Teluk Sebong Lagoi, Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29155 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 770 691266
Rates: From $126/night
Website
7. Aksari Resort Ubud, Bali – from $116/night
Open-air bathtubs facing the forest
Image credit: Aksari Resort Ubud
With valleys and rice fields aplenty, city life will soon be forgotten at Aksari Resort Ubud. Regardless of your chosen suite size, each suite comes with a bathtub facing the lush forest.
Private open-air bathtub
Image credit: Aksari Resort Ubud
You’ll also get to swim in a shared infinity pool, or have your own one when you opt for a Royal Bedroom Villa.
Royal Bedroom Villa with private infinity pool
Image credit: Aksari Resort Ubud
The resort’s open-air Avani Spa offers tranquility from massages, as it comes with a direct view of the jungle and river.
Avani Spa
Image credit: Aksari Resort Ubud
Address: Jl. Raya Desa Kenderan No.88x, Kenderan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 479 3349
Rates: From $116/night
Website
8. X2 Bali Breakers Resort – from $218/night
Swim-up pool bar with snacks and cocktails
Image credit: X2 Bali Breakers Resort
The luxurious X2 Bali Breakers Resort comes with private pool villas. Mainly designed with wooden rustic prints, each bedroom has a compact swimming area right outside for a casual pool session.
Private pool
Image credit: X2 Bali Breakers Resort
If you’re looking to swim laps, head over to the resort’s main pool, which has a swim-up Sunken Pool Bar for quick bites and drinks.
Image credit: X2 Bali Breakers Resort
You can also take the opportunity to have a romantic candle-lit 4-course dinner on a private pedestal by the pool, decently priced at IDR 850,000 (~S$82.30) per couple.
Image credit: X2 Bali Breakers Resort
Address: Jl. Pantai Balangan no. 10, Balangan, Jimbaran, Bali, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 620 1000
Rates: From $218/night
Website
Check out our other Indonesian resort articles:
- Batam resorts from $50/night
- Indonesian private islands you can rent
- Glamping resorts
- Bali jungle resorts
- Luxury hotels in Bali way cheaper than Singapore’s
- Bali eco-resorts
– Thailand –
9. Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort, Phuket – from $46/night
Direct pool access from your room
Image credit: Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort
Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort has a range of Junior Suites, 1-bedroom suites and 2-bedroom suites, with bedrooms directly connected to swimming pools on the ground floor for a convenient dip.
There are cabanas and seating areas just by the pools
Image credit: Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort
For a fun day out, board their free shuttle bus for a 10-minute ride to Nai Harn Beach, a relatively quaint and peaceful spot unlike the other crowded ones in Phuket.
Nai Harn Beach
Image credit: @sam_rosia
After that, retreat to in-house restaurant Fresca Kitchens & Deli to enjoy a 3-Course Dinner Set at an affordable THB590 (~S$26.58). Kick off with starters like Homemade Salmon Gravlax, before choosing from a range of Italian, Asian and Western mains. Complete your meal with a sweet treat like Coconut Panna Cotta or Pistachio Creme Brulee.
Fish & Chips with Singha Beer Battered Black King Fish
Image credit: Fresca Kitchens & Deli
Work off the calories in their fully-equipped gym
Image credit: Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort
Address: 56/80, Soi Suksan 2, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, 83130, Thailand
Telephone: +66 76 363 299
Rates: From $46/night
Website
10. Avani + Samui Resort, Koh Samui – from $146/night
Free water sports equipment provided
Spacious room with lots of natural light streaking in
Image credit: @avanisamui
A stone’s throw away from Phang Ka Beach at Koh Samui, Avani + Samui Resort calls out to all adventure seekers. Providing free water sports equipment, they have a line-up of activities including jet-skiing around neighbouring islands, or taking a traditional long tail boat ride around popular spots like Koh Tan and Koh Madsum.
Image credit: Avani Hotels & Resorts
Other than the Deluxe Rooms, all Pool Villas come with a private swimming pool right in front of your bedroom.
Customise your own romantic private beach BBQ
Image credit: @avanisamui
After a day of exploration, enjoy a romantic evening under the stars as you savour a private 4-course beach BBQ dinner at $68 for 2, complete with a fairy light setup.
Address: 53/5 Moo 4, Phang Ka, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, 84140 Thailand
Telephone: +66 (0) 77 485 299
Rates: From $146/night
Website
11. Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket Thailand – from $172/night
Ancient Chinese palace vibes
Duplex Suite luxurious bedroom
Image credit: Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa
Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa’s traditional ancient charm is seen in every detail. Each suite has a different theme that’s complemented with unique decor like Chinese antiques and Persian rugs. But don’t worry, they offer modern comforts like Apple TV and Netflix for couch potatoes.
Duplex Suite bathroom
Image credit: Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa
Choose from Regular, Duplex, Executive and Loft suites depending on how much space you want. Their Loft suites overlook Nai Harn Lake from the highest part of the resort!
Intricate traditional furnishing details on the balcony
Image credit: Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa
If you’re hoping to detach for a bit, head over to a treatment room or sauna at The Orientalism Spa. They offer treatments like After Sun Cooling Therapy, which uses aloe vera to cool down your body temperature and skin – a lifesaver if you’ve gotten sunburnt after a few hours roaming about the island.
Ancient Chinese garden
Image credit: Chinoiserie Collection Resort & Spa
Take a stroll through their Chinese garden and check out their fish ponds – it’ll feel like you’re being instantly teleported to the grounds of an ancient palace seen in old dramas.
During the day, you can try various gourmet coffee and tea at The Empress Teahouse, or wait till night falls to sip on drinks at their cocktail bar.
Address: 14/119 1, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Telephone: +66 76 388 838
Rates: From $172/night
Website
Check out our other Thailand resort articles:
- The Blue Sky Resort – European fairytale resort with garden maze
- Cold getaways in Thailand
- Floating hotels
- Cosy camping resorts
Cheap resorts in Asia
As 2019 is almost coming to an end, most of your friends are probably bragging about their year-end getaway plans. No need to feel the FOMO if you don’t have much leave balance left – take a quick weekend trip or spend the extended Christmas break at one of these affordable resorts that are close to home.
If you’d rather stay in Singapore over the holiday season, check out these articles for staycation inspiration:
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