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HAVE you ever had the urge to just pack your bags on a whim and take the earliest plane to some fabulously exotic locale for a little luxury, rest and relaxation?

InterContinental Nha Trang, Vietnam

Suite. Pic: nhatrang.intercontinental.com

Formerly a well-kept secret, the coastal city of Nha Trang is fast becoming a popular destination for international travelers. Sharing its name is Nha Trang Bay, which is listed among the world’s most beautiful bays. Strategically located at the center of the bay’s crescent-shaped coastline on the lively beachfront street of Tran Phu is the InterContinental Nha Trang, which was voted one of Vietnam’s Top 25 Luxury Hotels in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

The hotel’s modern design and furnishings allow guests to enjoy urban comforts, including complimentary Wi-Fi, Press Reader app, separate bathtub, rainfall shower and luxurious bathroom amenities, a flat-screen HD TV with Bluetooth enabling in-room sound system, as well as spacious balconies with spectacular ocean or city views.

Situated in the heart of Nha Trang, guests will find shopping and dining a breeze, as there is a profusion of restaurants, bars and retailers within walking distance. Visitors can check out the Nha Trang night market for a stroll through the narrow, pedestrian-only street lined with colorful souvenir shops and street food stalls selling mouth-watering local delicacies.

The hotel’s attentive and knowledgeable staff can also help arrange excursions to nearby cultural attractions or activities such as island hopping and diving. Or you can opt for a rejuvenating treatment at Spa InterContinental. Read our full review…

Four Seasons Langkawi Resort, Malaysia

Melaleuca Pavilion – lower ground, partial sea view. Pic: fourseasons.com/langkawi

Melaleuca Pavilion – lower ground, partial sea view. Pic: fourseasons.com/langkawi

If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll certainly enjoy a stay at the tropical paradise of Langkawi, surrounded by verdant rainforests, mangroves, and the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Four Seasons Langkawi is comprised of 91 pavilions and villas, with a distinctly Asian décor that incorporates wood and marble.

Its spacious accommodations offer either a garden view or a sea view, and amenities include free Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art entertainment system with satellite TV and iPod docking station, and a refrigerated private bar. The lavish marble bathroom provides two wash basins, a walk-in wardrobe, a curtained shower alcove and an elegant terrazzo soaking tub.

Located on the main island’s northern cape, the resort offers easy access to adventures on land and at sea, including bird watching, snorkeling, diving, jungle trekking, golf and island-hopping tours. In 2007, the archipelago was declared Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO World Geopark, and guests can venture into the Kilim Karst Geoforest nearby on a guided safari.

Langkawi is known as a prime shopping and golfing destination. If you’re a shopper, you’ll be happy to note that the archipelago is declared duty-free, which means guests are exempt from paying the 6 percent Goods and Services Tax levied throughout the rest of Malaysia. The main island is also home to two world-class golf courses. Once you’ve properly tired yourself out from a day’s worth of activities, you can indulge in a calming massage at the resort’s Geo Spa.

Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Villas, Thailand

Ocean front pool villa. Pic: pullmankhaolak.com

Ocean front pool villa. Pic: pullmankhaolak.com

This sprawling resort, located in southern Thailand, offers both hotel-style accommodations and private villas. Hidden among the tropical beauty and unspoiled beaches of Khao Lak, guests get to take in breath-taking views of Pakweeb beach, which spans over 13 kilometers.

The resort’s aesthetics integrate Thai influences with a contemporary touch, taking inspiration from its lush surroundings. Its comfy rooms come with an LCD TV, a daybed and tea and coffee-making facilities, while its free Wi-Fi internet access will help you stay connected.

For more privacy, visitors can opt to stay in a villa, either with a view of a lush lagoon or a private space with its own swimming pool. For exclusive views of the Andaman Sea, there are also the opulent ocean pool villas.

Guest have an extensive range of food and beverage outlets to choose from throughout their stay, with five restaurants offering specialized cuisine, from light café fare to Thai and Italian, as well as two chilled-out bars.

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, Indonesia

Deluxe room. Pic: panpacific.com

Deluxe room. Pic: panpacific.com

Bali is a popular tourist destination, which can make it hard to find peace and quiet on some parts of the island. But at Pan Pacific Nirwana resort in Tabanan, West Bali, you’ll be able to find it in abundance. Built atop a sheer cliff along a sweeping coastline, the resort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the famous Tanah Lot temple.

Its newly refurbished rooms, suites and villas offer luxurious comfort for an enchanting stay, complemented by personalized services and world-renowned Balinese hospitality. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an LCD TV with local and cable channels, a fully-stocked minibar, coffee and tea-making facilities, a digital safe and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Golfers can play a round or two on the visually impressive, award-winning golf course set against dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. There are also many cultural experiences and recreational activities to participate in, such as guided walks to nearby temples and rice paddies, or surfing lessons.

Source: travelwireasia.com