After eating $2 chicken rice for a whole month, you finally have enough moolah to book a room at Marina Bay Sands. You gingerly tick the three towers off your bucket list, and now make your way up to the top floor to take a dip in the refreshing waters of their infinity pool while looking for the perfect angle for that essential addition to your carefully curated timeline. There’s one problem though – there’s just no such thing as Instagram-worthy when strangers keep photobombing your photo. Tsk, want to photoshop them out also difficult.
We hear you, so here’s 10 places near Singapore you for you to escape the concrete jungle, and potentially spend less than a wallet-emptying MBS staycation. Yes, all without losing the luxury of having an infinity pool of your own.
You’re welcome.
Source: @van_de_roth
New couples looking for a dream destination for honeymoon don’t have to look that far beyond Singapore’s shores because this heart-shaped infinity pool is precisely #honeymoongoals. Have breakfast at the sundeck and have a cooling morning dip in this super adorable romantic plunge pool that you won’t find in Singapore.
Source: @yuki_uj
Nestled at the heart of the hills above Sairee, The Place Luxury Boutique Villas grant you total privacy for your relaxing getaway without being too ulu from civilisation. Yknow how you could plan a perfect getaway but somehow burst your budget by spending on impromptu transport? Drop your worries because transfer to and from Koh Tao Pier is covered.
Damage done: From $262/night
Address: 14/167 Moo 1, Sairee, Koh Tao, Thailand 84360
Website
Book here!
Measuring 150 square metres, these one-bedroom Ocean View Pool Villa Suites at Santhiya Koh Yao Yai allows you to wake up rejuvenated by the expansive sea view. Escape from the concrete jungle to a place where you don’t even have to fumble with fan switches, because your room is naturally cooled by the fresh sea breeze.
Known for their super spacious private plunge pool, this super Instagrammable balcony area is also for those who want to perfect a sunkissed tan.
Source: @laurenguyot
At sunset, take in the stunning mix of pastel and reds across the horizon, without buildings or offices in your line of vision. Then wish you had paid a little more attention at art class so you could somehow immortalize that scene.
Damage done: From $209/night
Address: 88 Moo 7, Prunai Sub-district, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao District, Phang-nga Province, Koh Yao Yai, Phuket, Thailand 82160
Website
Book here!
Wanting that healthy summer glow is standard, but those who crave breakfast with a view also probably can’t eat pancakes lying on sunbed. Some space and tables would be useful.
So if you can’t have a meal without some sun and greenery, you will totally appreciate these spacious sundecks at Amatara Resort & Wellness.
Source: @nicky_chawarot
With sundecks large enough for cosy family time or late night drinks, take the time away from Pokemon Go to bond with your loved ones.
Also, just because you booked a villa doesn’t mean that’s all to your weekend playpen. This commodious villa has a lot more in store for you with full granted access to their fitness centre, tennis courts and a 24-hour in-villa dining service.
Damage done: From $369/night
Address: 84 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Cape Panwa, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Website
Book here!
Source: @sripanwa
While some studio apartments have lifts that bring them directly to their unit, Sri Panwa brings the infinity pool to your bedroom. At the One-Bedroom Family Suite Pool Villa with Garden View, your pool is literally one push away: slide open your bedroom door and you’ll be greeted with a light sea breeze and panoramic view.
Source: @fangwoon
Just when you think it’s just an ordinary chio infinity pool, Sri Panwa surprises you with how these pools are actually equipped with jet stream jacuzzi systems. Well, you got it – a two in one pool and a whole lot of fun.
Damage done: From $672/night
Address: 88 Moo 8 Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit A. Muang, Panwa Cape, Phuket, Thailand 83000
Website
Book here!
Source: @ljingqi
For short getaway veterans, this neat whitewashed villa – one of Singapore’s most sought after weekend destination – shouldn’t be a stranger to you. While anyone who’s been there would tell you that Montigo Resorts make every penny worthwhile with their great staff service, this beauty isn’t just known for their super instagrammable plunge pool.
Source: @lohandbeholdd
Take your Instagram game outdoors to the pier for this scenic and peaceful view of the ocean. Just 30 minutes from Singapore’s shores, look closely and you might even see the edge of where you boarded the ferry that morning.
Damage done: From $267/night
Address: Jalan Hang Lekir, Nongsa, Nongsa, Batam Island, Indonesia
Website
Book here!
Source: @missamychan
Don’t be surprised if you’ve just booked a room with Trisara Phuket and you get an email asking for your flight details. Nope, they’re not stalking you – this super efficient hotel is making sure you get picked up at the airport the moment you arrive. Best part: FREE WIFI IN THE CAR as you head straight to your hotel for a rest.
Source: @trisararesort
Even better, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment in the comfort of your own villa. Their experts come right to your doorstep so there’s absolute privacy. You can finally escape awkward situations of bumping into people when only in your white robe!
Damage done: From $1,250/night
Address: 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Talang, Layan, Phuket, Thailand
Website
Book here!
Source: @marymoon_iphoto
With the straw and bamboo inspired decor, Anantara Rasananda Villa Resort is reminiscent of a more atas version of the Survivor Tribal Council. Ponder your own possible fate in a game of Survivor as you look out into the Gulf of Thailand from the comforts of the Pool Suite.
Source: @backtonaturalliving
Having a great bay area isn’t all; you could spend a full day trip about Koh Phangan kindly provided by the hotel. Feed elephants, visit Buddhist temples, and take in some of the most picturesque wonders at a waterfall and some mountaintop bars!
Some of you might find trips with hotels pretty expensive, but it’s not every day that you get a guided tour tailored to your preferences without having to accommodate group of strangers and obligatory crying baby. Go for it.
Damage done: From $384/night
Address: 5/5 Moo 5, Baan Tai, Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan, Thailand 84280
Website
Book here!
Source: @maggie_bbetter
Nope, we’re not talking about creepy sixth sense associated with the supernatural here. Six Senses Samui means to unlock the senses your typically tensed-up city self couldn’t possibly experience. Right here, you could strip yourself bare of your anxieties, let your hair down and truly unwind.
On the island of Koh Samui – which sits on a bed of quartz crystal known to exert a force of positive energy on it’s dwellers – expect a relaxing paradise perfect for finding inner peace and a healthier lifestyle.
Source: @sixsensessamui
Precisely because you’ve probably been desk bound for too long, you can cheat and comfort yourself a little this holiday. Now stretch into your workout tights, slip on a comfy shirt and detox with yoga session that oversees hilltops and an astonishing bay view.
Damage done: From $867/night
Address: 9/10 Moo 5 Baan Plai Laem Borphut, Choengmon, Samui, Thailand
Website
Book here!
Source: @chateau_08
Conrad’s luxe hotels couldn’t be more well known for their sophisticated decor, excellent food, and great service. Here, you can expect to be blown away by spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand in 5-star comfort at Conrad Koh Samui.
Find your way through a private stone pathway through landscaped gardens and you’ll arrive at your two-storey standalone villa. With a 22.5 meter infinity-edge plunge pool which tracks the length of your villa, it’s spacious and designed to give you the greatest privacy from your neighbours.
You don’t have to be a mermaid in the pool all the time. Tucked away from the noise of the busiest Koh Samui beaches, enjoy your grilled western dinner in this comfy sunken outdoor area, with the prettiest sunset in the skyline.
Damage done: From $2,706/night
Address: 49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Taling Ngam, Samui, Thailand 84140
Website
Book here!
Limited by a budget but still want a super cool getaway – then opt for something just north of the border at Lexis Hibiscus. You might not get a huge infinity plunge pool like the others in this list, but a private infinity pool is still a private infinity pool.
Source: @afirdausml
What’s even more unique: this place’s been designed to look like a petal from a bird’s eye view. Having a neighbour at your floating terraced house doesn’t mean you lose all privacy though.
Source: @xiawaeve
A night at the super affordable premium pool villa lands you a 872 sq-ft room with two king beds. Wake up to an expansive panoramic view, made possible with their floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Damage done: From $216/night
Address: 12th Mile, Jalan Pantai, Pasir Panjang, Si Rusa, Port Dickson, Malaysia 71250
Website
Book here!
With 7 long weekends in 2017, it’s about time you get ready, steady, to GO CHOPE YOUR LEAVE NOW. If you’re badass enough, we dare you to bring that number up to 10 by taking two days off in May, August or October when public holidays hit.
We say save that whole lot money and take flight beyond our concrete jungle for some real fresh air. Land yourself in a whole new island and rejuvenate your senses.
Mai tu liao, it’s time.
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