keemala-2-1.jpg

IMAGINE waking up to crisp forest air, enveloped in cold mist, and surrounded by nothing but a vast portrait of greenery.

Keemala, Thailand

Keemala in Phuket is shrouded in the lush jungle land of Kamala, and is set across the Andaman Sea. The luxury resort prides itself on celebrating the culture of the four fictional Phuket tribes – Earth, Wanderers, Nest and Sky – by harnessing their methods of living and adapting them to suit guests’ experiences. Each magical cottage is built at an elevated height to allow guests to sleep within the leaves, but our favourite is the Bird’s Nest Pool Villas featuring an expansive bathroom with a stand-alone bathtub overlooking the woods. There’s no reason for you to want to leave Keemala, but in the case you want to rub shoulders with Phuket’s tourists, Patong Beach is a short distance away.

The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia

Datai

If not one of Asia’s best eco-tourism resorts, The Datai certainly earns the top spot in Malaysia. Burrowed in the heart of a virgin rainforest whose edge lines the crescent of a private bay, the resort enjoys both the mystery of the jungle and the bliss of an intimate beach setting. Outside your room, you’re likely to spot swinging monkeys or hornbills perched on branches; wildlife endemic to Malaysia can be also be seen on the hotel’s jungle tours. Meanwhile, The Datai Bay – accessible by a footpath from the hotel – has been lauded by National Geographic as one of the best beaches in the world. If stress is the problem, The Datai may well be the solution.

Nandini Jungle Resort & Spa, Indonesia

Nandini Bali

Perched upon the slopes of the Ayung River Valley in Ubud is Nandini Jungle Resort & Spa, a hideaway luxury villa. The resort is nestled in thick forestry within rice terraces and banana groves. All 18 villas are made of natural materials to blend in with the raw nature of the surrounding forest. Activities at the resort include trips to the monkey conservation center, village tours, cycling, river rafting, and outdoor yoga sessions. The resort also caters to weddings conducted in traditional Balinese style, and every detail from flower arrangements to the champagne is perfected by a designated wedding planner.

Wild Planet Jungle Resort, India

Wild Planet Jungle Resort

For fans of nature, this Indian retreat offers expansive outback trekking trails and wildlife-watching. The resort is located in a dense rainforest between Wayanad Hills and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris mountain range, an often overlooked destination in the Indian state of Kerala. Expect blanketing views of the vast tea plantation beyond, green hilly terrains shrouded in mist, and the dramatic cluster of jungle trees rustling with wildlife. One of the highlights of putting up here is the wildlife tour through the forest conducted in open-air vehicles, where you may encounter wild tigers, elephants, wild boars, spotted deers and fairy bluebirds. Best to have your camera ready at all times.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia

Banjaran

Malaysia’s state of Perak may not necessarily cross one’s mind as a haven for luxury retreats, but the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is an exception rather than the rule. Touted as one of the country’s most exclusive resorts, Banjaran doubles as an isolated jungle resort and a natural hot springs wellness retreat. A thick valley of waterfalls, limestone hills and natural caves provide a surreal backdrop for guests relaxing in their personal outdoor geothermal pools. The resort’s spa treatments are an absolute must, whether it’s the soothing herbal cleanse, the traditional “urut” therapy, or the deep-conditioning hair bath using natural creams, hibiscus gel and virgin coconut oil.

Source: travelwireasia.com