The Best Private Getaways in Paradise

With COVID-19 still affecting the way we live, and life relegated to smaller corners of the world than we’re used to, we find our minds wandering with growing frequency. From the four walls of our homes, we drift to palm trees, sand, and tropical paradises. When international borders reopen, we’ll be on those first flights looking for a sea change. From Indonesia to Thailand, here are a few of our favourite secluded tropical getaways, perfect for ensuring your privacy as you get reacquainted with travel and some much needed time in the sun.

 

Villa Tantangan

Image Courtesy of The Luxe Nomad

 

Where: Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Villa Tantangan is an ideal hideaway for play and family. The fully staffed, with private chef, 3-bedroom and 3-bathroom villa sits high on 8,200 m² worth of land. If the large plot isn’t enough to convince you of your privacy, then consider that the neighbours consist of a river, rice paddies and the ocean. The nearest town is a 10-minute drive down the road. 

The villa is perched on a cliff 15 metres above sea level, giving you spectacular views out over the horizon, and some exceptional group photo ops. 

When you don’t want to make the trip down to the beach, instead enjoy a dip Villa Tantangan’s 20-metre pool. For yogis, there is a yoga bale in the garden which was designed by renowned landscape architect John Pettigrew.

For those hours when you’d rather laze about indoors, you’ll still be getting an abundance of natural light. Each space in the villa was designed to allow lots of sun and fresh air inside. As well, if you need a bit of extra privacy, even from the ones you’re travelling with, the bedrooms are all in separate pavilions, so no one is stepping on each other’s toes. 

Villa Tantangan is priced from SGD 675 per night. 

 

Ban Sairee

Image Courtesy of The Luxe Nomad

 

Where: Laem Sor, Ko Samui, Thailand

On a semi-private beach on Ko Samui’s southern coast, Ban Sairee is a sprawling 3-acre estate in which a secluded getaway is not just a goal, but a way of life. Ban Sairee is a seven-bedroom villa with two additional bunk rooms for children and nine-bathrooms for up to 18 people, so the entire extended family can be together, but not sit on top of one another.

Designed in the traditional Ayutthaya style, the villa spreads out across two antique-furnished pavilions and two rice barns. It melds Thai elements with the finest modern luxuries to create a laidback vibe ideal for occupying families, both small and large while giving you plenty of space to both relax and get moving.

During the day, there is a 20-metre swimming pool with a shallow zone, and a tennis court to train the little ones up to be the next Federer. Kayaks are also available for those who want to get out on the water. As for relaxation – there is a waterfront massage sala. Beneath the antique rice barns, you’ll find the perfect spot for a bit of yoga and soothing meditation. 

You won’t need to leave the property either, at least until you need to go back to the real world. Ban Sairee comes with in-house staff and private chef. 

Ban Sairee is priced from SGD 2,076 per night.

 

Villa Nautilus

Image Courtesy of The Luxe Nomad

 

Where: Ao Po, Phuket, Thailand 

Named for the submarine in Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island, Villa Nautilus is the place to either begin an epic adventure or to disappear into your own private oasis. 

Sitting on an expansive 3,200 square metres of land, this 5-bedroom villa comes with a villa manager, housekeeper, private chef and 24-hour estate security to ensure that not only do you never have to lift a finger but that you’re safely ensconced in this haven. Even better, it is situated in a remote part of Phuket, on the Ao Po peninsula, ensuring your holiday remains private. 

With a 4-hole putting green on the terrace, the villa comes with the added benefit of potentially lowering your golf handicap. If you or your travelling partners prefer a bit more cardio, there is a treadmill and a 25-metre pool with a jacuzzi. For sore muscles, there is a spa room as well as plenty of space for yoga.  

During those moments before you can bear the thought of rolling out of bed, the full-length windows will allow you spectacular views out across the ocean – making that morning cup of coffee even more tempting. 

Villa Nautilus is priced from SGD 1,274 per night.

 

Villa Vedas

Image Courtesy of The Luxe Nomad

 

Where: Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Villa Vedas was made for families looking to escape the realities of life and retreat to a sheltered paradise that very well may be impossible to leave. The villa, which was named the 2014 Yak Award’s best villa, features dramatic interiors and even more spectacular surroundings.

Directly on the beach in Bali’s Tabanan, Villa Vedas is an eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom villa for up to 16 people. The palatial villa features 45-metres of absolute beachfront, a uniquely private location being surrounded on three sides by rice paddies, and decadent design with marble, stone and teak fittings. 

There are no neighbours to encounter, and you can spend your time however you see fit. Whether you want to spend the day building sandcastles on the beach, splashing about in the three pools (including one sky pool on the villa’s upper floor), raiding the in-house bar in the bespoke tasting room or enjoying a game of snooker, the possibilities are endless. 

To ensure you don’t have to leave the confines of your new home, Villa Vedas comes with maid service, concierge service, and a private chef. 

Villa Vedas is priced from SGD 892 per night. 

 

With so many private escapes, the question of post-pandemic international travel becomes one of not “if”, but “how quickly”?